Civil Engineer / Structural Engineer prior to going in Australia

EricTC · November 2021

Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

athelene · November 2021

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Since you don't have an invitation for PR yet, it's totally up to you whether you want to study ahead of time. Some Australian codes change often, others not so much, so you'll just have to check which codes are applicable to your work. Unless you already know someone who works here in a structural engineering role, it would be difficult to know which standards you need to study or which ones will be relevant to the work until you actually start working here.

I'm not in the engineering field (I'm in architecture field, but not yet working in industry), but most Aussie employers want someone with local experience, and this is a challenge for new migrants. I'd say it's a case-to-case basis. I have a civil engineer friend that arrived as a new migrant in Australia earlier this year, and it took him a few weeks to get his first engineering job because he didn't have "local experience". Although he was a registered engineer in the PH, he wasn't given much engineering work, so he decided to move to another company after a few weeks. An architect friend who also migrated to Australia said it took him a year to find an archi-related job. He worked as a factory worker for a year to gain "local experience." My advice is that your first job doesn't have to be the best structural engineering job ever; it's just the first job to gain the coveted "local experience," and then move to another role later on. Local experience doesn't always have to be directly related to your occupation; it could be work experience in any kind of job that requires the same transferrable skills. It's just a matter of how well you can sell and relate your transferable skills from a previous role to the new role.

People will say different things about the most important skills in the Australian workplace, but from what I've observed and experienced, your qualifications can only get you so far. Australians put more weight on relationships and attitudes (soft skills) than technical knowledge and drafting skills (hard skills). Totoo yung sinasabi nila na people get their jobs through connections/networks here in Australia. It's not just about what you know, but who you know. Aussies are more likely to hire an applicant who knows someone already working in the company (referral basis) than a total nobody. The lack of connections is the biggest disadvantage to new migrants, but that is the reality.

mamertz · November 2021

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi,

I am a Structural engineer here in Australia.

From your line of asking, I can sense na nasa design/engineering/consultancy side ka. If that is the case, the most important codes are AS4100, AS3600, AS1170. There is one particular book that helped me: Australian Guidebook for structural engineers. If you have the time, you can start doing some self-study. Makakatulong yun.

As for software study, medyo mahirap mag-suggest kasi each company has their own preferred software. Pero most of my consultants are using SpaceGass. We use Autodesk Robot Str. Analysis in our company.

Tama po ang mga comments ni athelene. MEdyo mahirap maghanap ng engineering-related work sa simula kasi employers put so much emphasis on local experience. For more senior roles, they will even look for state registrations/licenses. Soft skills appear to have more weight than technical skills (at least during the hiring process).

Maybe my personal experience here can paint the picture. Share ko na rin.

When applying, I was told na it would be best to submit CVs that are specifically-tailored for the job description. So that means, meron akong multiple versions ng CV ko, each one highlighting what aspects of my experiences are most applicable to the particular job I am applying. I also have written a lot of cover letters.

I applied for around 80 jobs before getting two interviews. In both of my interviews, there are no technical questions. Mostly on the management aspects ang mga tanong. To be clear, none of these two companies are consultancy firms. I can imagine na kung sa consultancy ka mag-apply, for sure madaming technical questions.

I became successful on my second interview. I later on discovered that there were around 20 more engineers who applied, 5 of which were also shortlisted and interviewed. Despite lacking "local experience" they took their chance on me, because I have handled the interview better compared to others. This was the insider's feedback I obtained when I got the job. By the way, this job is in Tasmania where there is lesser competition.

May kakilala ako, engineer din siya. Pero he started as a draftsman. You may want to consider that "pathway" of gaining local experience. Pero all in all, you can take any job muna kung unsuccessful ka sa mga unang tries mo. Doesn't matter kung ano pa yan, kahit pa nga volunteering work pa e. Mahalaga may mailalagay ka sa CV and ma-highlight mo ang core skills mo.

One piece of advise: start mo na makipag-network within Australia. Kung may kakilala/kaibigan/kamag-anak ka, take good advantage of that. Mahalaga ang connections, as athelene stated. Ganun ang kalakaran na nakikita ko sa kumpanya ko and sa ilang companies na nababalitaan ko.

I hope I was able to answer your questions. Do not be discouraged. Ito yung mga bagay na siguradong pagdadaanan ng bawat new migrant. Pero one day, you will find that It was all worth it.

For anything, shoot me a message. Try ko mag-bigay ng payo kung kaya ko.

EricTC · November 2021

@athelene said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Since you don't have an invitation for PR yet, it's totally up to you whether you want to study ahead of time. Some Australian codes change often, others not so much, so you'll just have to check which codes are applicable to your work. Unless you already know someone who works here in a structural engineering role, it would be difficult to know which standards you need to study or which ones will be relevant to the work until you actually start working here.

I'm not in the engineering field (I'm in architecture field, but not yet working in industry), but most Aussie employers want someone with local experience, and this is a challenge for new migrants. I'd say it's a case-to-case basis. I have a civil engineer friend that arrived as a new migrant in Australia earlier this year, and it took him a few weeks to get his first engineering job because he didn't have "local experience". Although he was a registered engineer in the PH, he wasn't given much engineering work, so he decided to move to another company after a few weeks. An architect friend who also migrated to Australia said it took him a year to find an archi-related job. He worked as a factory worker for a year to gain "local experience." My advice is that your first job doesn't have to be the best structural engineering job ever; it's just the first job to gain the coveted "local experience," and then move to another role later on. Local experience doesn't always have to be directly related to your occupation; it could be work experience in any kind of job that requires the same transferrable skills. It's just a matter of how well you can sell and relate your transferable skills from a previous role to the new role.

People will say different things about the most important skills in the Australian workplace, but from what I've observed and experienced, your qualifications can only get you so far. Australians put more weight on relationships and attitudes (soft skills) than technical knowledge and drafting skills (hard skills). Totoo yung sinasabi nila na people get their jobs through connections/networks here in Australia. It's not just about what you know, but who you know. Aussies are more likely to hire an applicant who knows someone already working in the company (referral basis) than a total nobody. The lack of connections is the biggest disadvantage to new migrants, but that is the reality.

Thank you po for this insight. Now I better understand the weight and range of a local experience.

I'm planning to move in Australia alone with no immediate relatives or any connections. Pero I'll try to gain contacts, in the same field as I am, thru friends of friends or linkedin for possible referral or job opportunities.

EricTC · November 2021

@mamertz said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi,

I am a Structural engineer here in Australia.

From your line of asking, I can sense na nasa design/engineering/consultancy side ka. If that is the case, the most important codes are AS4100, AS3600, AS1170. There is one particular book that helped me: Australian Guidebook for structural engineers. If you have the time, you can start doing some self-study. Makakatulong yun.

As for software study, medyo mahirap mag-suggest kasi each company has their own preferred software. Pero most of my consultants are using SpaceGass. We use Autodesk Robot Str. Analysis in our company.

Tama po ang mga comments ni athelene. MEdyo mahirap maghanap ng engineering-related work sa simula kasi employers put so much emphasis on local experience. For more senior roles, they will even look for state registrations/licenses. Soft skills appear to have more weight than technical skills (at least during the hiring process).

Maybe my personal experience here can paint the picture. Share ko na rin.

When applying, I was told na it would be best to submit CVs that are specifically-tailored for the job description. So that means, meron akong multiple versions ng CV ko, each one highlighting what aspects of my experiences are most applicable to the particular job I am applying. I also have written a lot of cover letters.

I applied for around 80 jobs before getting two interviews. In both of my interviews, there are no technical questions. Mostly on the management aspects ang mga tanong. To be clear, none of these two companies are consultancy firms. I can imagine na kung sa consultancy ka mag-apply, for sure madaming technical questions.

I became successful on my second interview. I later on discovered that there were around 20 more engineers who applied, 5 of which were also shortlisted and interviewed. Despite lacking "local experience" they took their chance on me, because I have handled the interview better compared to others. This was the insider's feedback I obtained when I got the job. By the way, this job is in Tasmania where there is lesser competition.

May kakilala ako, engineer din siya. Pero he started as a draftsman. You may want to consider that "pathway" of gaining local experience. Pero all in all, you can take any job muna kung unsuccessful ka sa mga unang tries mo. Doesn't matter kung ano pa yan, kahit pa nga volunteering work pa e. Mahalaga may mailalagay ka sa CV and ma-highlight mo ang core skills mo.

One piece of advise: start mo na makipag-network within Australia. Kung may kakilala/kaibigan/kamag-anak ka, take good advantage of that. Mahalaga ang connections, as athelene stated. Ganun ang kalakaran na nakikita ko sa kumpanya ko and sa ilang companies na nababalitaan ko.

I hope I was able to answer your questions. Do not be discouraged. Ito yung mga bagay na siguradong pagdadaanan ng bawat new migrant. Pero one day, you will find that It was all worth it.

For anything, shoot me a message. Try ko mag-bigay ng payo kung kaya ko.

Thanks po for this detailed response. Opo, I'm praticing structural engineering design. 4 yrs using NSCP/ACI and almost 2 yrs with Eurocodes (with my present employment). Kaya natanong ko rin po yung sa codes since nahirapan po ako magadjust from American to Eurocode before. As much as possible, naisip ko pong better na adjusted na ako sa Aus code dito palang sa Pinas para living adjustment nalang problema ko nyan.

Medyo nagulat po ako with the 80 job applications with 2 interviews. Ok lang po tanungin if ano pong job yung nakuha nyo at first try?

In terms of location, preferred ko rin po sa Tasmania kasi mas peaceful (based on my own research). Looking forward, dyan ako mapunta on my first arrival.

mamertz · November 2021

Hi Eric,

Nasa mining industry ako. Structural engineer pa rin naman ang job description ko, pero since nasa client side ako, very less ang engineering compared noong nasa consultancy ako (more than 15 years as design engineer). Of course, I still deal with maintenance/operation issues kaya napa-practice ko pa rin kahit papaano ang design ko.

Nakaka-relate ako sa "code familiarity" concerns mo kasi napagdaanan ko din yan several times sa career ko. Imagine the shifts from NSCP/ACI/AISC, to British Codes, to European Codes, and now to Australian Codes.

If mapadpad ka sa Tasmania, some of the consultants we deal with are based in the main cities like Launceston and Hobart. You may want to try applying sa mga companies in those areas.

Ang disadvantage ng Tasmania is less ang engineering oppurtunities here when compared to the mainland states.

Ang advantage naman, dahil mas kaunti ang tao, less ang competition. And the oppurtunity of being hired in un-related jobs seems to be also high. And syempre, peaceful dito and madaming tanawin.

EricTC · November 2021

@mamertz said:
Hi Eric,

Nasa mining industry ako. Structural engineer pa rin naman ang job description ko, pero since nasa client side ako, very less ang engineering compared noong nasa consultancy ako (more than 15 years as design engineer). Of course, I still deal with maintenance/operation issues kaya napa-practice ko pa rin kahit papaano ang design ko.

Nakaka-relate ako sa "code familiarity" concerns mo kasi napagdaanan ko din yan several times sa career ko. Imagine the shifts from NSCP/ACI/AISC, to British Codes, to European Codes, and now to Australian Codes.

If mapadpad ka sa Tasmania, some of the consultants we deal with are based in the main cities like Launceston and Hobart. You may want to try applying sa mga companies in those areas.

Ang disadvantage ng Tasmania is less ang engineering oppurtunities here when compared to the mainland states.

Ang advantage naman, dahil mas kaunti ang tao, less ang competition. And the oppurtunity of being hired in un-related jobs seems to be also high. And syempre, peaceful dito and madaming tanawin.

Thank you po for this info.

Jacraye · November 2021

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi @EricTC. Not practicing CE here in Australia but I'm still working within the construction industry as a cost consultant. My response is based on my personal experience and hope it helps in a way.

"better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia?"

If you can have that knowledge, it will definitely be an advantage for someone coming from overseas. The same applies if you have worked with an Australian company with projects based in Australia as you would already have an idea of how things work here.

Before migrating to Au, I have been working with an international company (Au origin) in the Ph for a few years. That experience was really helpful as working with that specific company gave me knowledge on Au standards.

"Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience?"

In my experience medyo, lalo na kung hindi magaling job agent mo. My job agent that time had a QS backround (same field as mine), kaya naintindihan nya experience ko and skills ko sa Ph. I still remembered what he said to me nung kinukwento ko yung mga prior interviews ko with other agents. He said "No local experience should not be an issue, as long as you know the fundamentals". After my interview with him, a week later he got me my first employer interview and sa awa ni Lord I'm still working with that employer.

"ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand"

imo, if you have years of experience relating to your skill, nothing more to improve before coming here. your skills can be improved to match the standards here once you land a job. I think the most important thing would be the ability to adapt to the culture and willingness to start from scratch (specially kung supervisory level ka na sa Ph).

Basta walang sukuan at wag panghihinaan ng loob kapag hindi kagad makakuha ng gustong work. Tibay ng loob at kapal ng muka lang lagi =D

EricTC · November 2021

@Jacraye said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi @EricTC. Not practicing CE here in Australia but I'm still working within the construction industry as a cost consultant. My response is based on my personal experience and hope it helps in a way.

"better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia?"

If you can have that knowledge, it will definitely be an advantage for someone coming from overseas. The same applies if you have worked with an Australian company with projects based in Australia as you would already have an idea of how things work here.

Before migrating to Au, I have been working with an international company (Au origin) in the Ph for a few years. That experience was really helpful as working with that specific company gave me knowledge on Au standards.

"Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience?"

In my experience medyo, lalo na kung hindi magaling job agent mo. My job agent that time had a QS backround (same field as mine), kaya naintindihan nya experience ko and skills ko sa Ph. I still remembered what he said to me nung kinukwento ko yung mga prior interviews ko with other agents. He said "No local experience should not be an issue, as long as you know the fundamentals". After my interview with him, a week later he got me my first employer interview and sa awa ni Lord I'm still working with that employer.

"ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand"

imo, if you have years of experience relating to your skill, nothing more to improve before coming here. your skills can be improved to match the standards here once you land a job. I think the most important thing would be the ability to adapt to the culture and willingness to start from scratch (specially kung supervisory level ka na sa Ph).

Basta walang sukuan at wag panghihinaan ng loob kapag hindi kagad makakuha ng gustong work. Tibay ng loob at kapal ng muka lang lagi =D

Hi @Jacraye, thanks for this reply. I'm open to any entry-level job opportunities in Au. Aside from usual route sya to establish a career, gusto ko rin magtry ng ibang field outside structural engineering.

Regarding job agent, dyan na po ba kayo humanap ng agent? Mas advisable po ba ang agent vs. direct application sa job portals?

Malaking bagay nga po yung code & work familiarity. Though inaassess ko pa po kung ok pang lumipat ng job ngayon (with Aus exposure) since kaka-submit ko lang ng EOI. Wala rin kasi indication if how long it will take magkaruon ng invitation during this time (2021-2022).

Btw, na-enlighten po ako sa response nyo. Thank you!

Jacraye · December 2021

@EricTC said:

@Jacraye said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi @EricTC. Not practicing CE here in Australia but I'm still working within the construction industry as a cost consultant. My response is based on my personal experience and hope it helps in a way.

"better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia?"

If you can have that knowledge, it will definitely be an advantage for someone coming from overseas. The same applies if you have worked with an Australian company with projects based in Australia as you would already have an idea of how things work here.

Before migrating to Au, I have been working with an international company (Au origin) in the Ph for a few years. That experience was really helpful as working with that specific company gave me knowledge on Au standards.

"Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience?"

In my experience medyo, lalo na kung hindi magaling job agent mo. My job agent that time had a QS backround (same field as mine), kaya naintindihan nya experience ko and skills ko sa Ph. I still remembered what he said to me nung kinukwento ko yung mga prior interviews ko with other agents. He said "No local experience should not be an issue, as long as you know the fundamentals". After my interview with him, a week later he got me my first employer interview and sa awa ni Lord I'm still working with that employer.

"ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand"

imo, if you have years of experience relating to your skill, nothing more to improve before coming here. your skills can be improved to match the standards here once you land a job. I think the most important thing would be the ability to adapt to the culture and willingness to start from scratch (specially kung supervisory level ka na sa Ph).

Basta walang sukuan at wag panghihinaan ng loob kapag hindi kagad makakuha ng gustong work. Tibay ng loob at kapal ng muka lang lagi =D

Hi @Jacraye, thanks for this reply. I'm open to any entry-level job opportunities in Au. Aside from usual route sya to establish a career, gusto ko rin magtry ng ibang field outside structural engineering.

Regarding job agent, dyan na po ba kayo humanap ng agent? Mas advisable po ba ang agent vs. direct application sa job portals?

Malaking bagay nga po yung code & work familiarity. Though inaassess ko pa po kung ok pang lumipat ng job ngayon (with Aus exposure) since kaka-submit ko lang ng EOI. Wala rin kasi indication if how long it will take magkaruon ng invitation during this time (2021-2022).

Btw, na-enlighten po ako sa response nyo. Thank you!

I started applying for work a week before ako umalis papunta Au and tinuloy ko lang ang pag-aapply nung dumating ako. Hindi naman ako naghanap ng agent. Ang mga agents lang talaga kasi madalas nag-aadvertise ng requirements para sa mga employer.

Imo, either by agent or direct, ok lang. Sa interview lagi yan magkakaalaman kung may alam ka sa position na inaaplayan mo. Ang kelangan lang talaga is honest ka at confident with regards to your work experience.

RheaMARN1171933 · December 2021

@Jacraye said:

@EricTC said:

@Jacraye said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi @EricTC. Not practicing CE here in Australia but I'm still working within the construction industry as a cost consultant. My response is based on my personal experience and hope it helps in a way.

"better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia?"

If you can have that knowledge, it will definitely be an advantage for someone coming from overseas. The same applies if you have worked with an Australian company with projects based in Australia as you would already have an idea of how things work here.

Before migrating to Au, I have been working with an international company (Au origin) in the Ph for a few years. That experience was really helpful as working with that specific company gave me knowledge on Au standards.

"Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience?"

In my experience medyo, lalo na kung hindi magaling job agent mo. My job agent that time had a QS backround (same field as mine), kaya naintindihan nya experience ko and skills ko sa Ph. I still remembered what he said to me nung kinukwento ko yung mga prior interviews ko with other agents. He said "No local experience should not be an issue, as long as you know the fundamentals". After my interview with him, a week later he got me my first employer interview and sa awa ni Lord I'm still working with that employer.

"ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand"

imo, if you have years of experience relating to your skill, nothing more to improve before coming here. your skills can be improved to match the standards here once you land a job. I think the most important thing would be the ability to adapt to the culture and willingness to start from scratch (specially kung supervisory level ka na sa Ph).

Basta walang sukuan at wag panghihinaan ng loob kapag hindi kagad makakuha ng gustong work. Tibay ng loob at kapal ng muka lang lagi =D

Hi @Jacraye, thanks for this reply. I'm open to any entry-level job opportunities in Au. Aside from usual route sya to establish a career, gusto ko rin magtry ng ibang field outside structural engineering.

Regarding job agent, dyan na po ba kayo humanap ng agent? Mas advisable po ba ang agent vs. direct application sa job portals?

Malaking bagay nga po yung code & work familiarity. Though inaassess ko pa po kung ok pang lumipat ng job ngayon (with Aus exposure) since kaka-submit ko lang ng EOI. Wala rin kasi indication if how long it will take magkaruon ng invitation during this time (2021-2022).

Btw, na-enlighten po ako sa response nyo. Thank you!

I started applying for work a week before ako umalis papunta Au and tinuloy ko lang ang pag-aapply nung dumating ako. Hindi naman ako naghanap ng agent. Ang mga agents lang talaga kasi madalas nag-aadvertise ng requirements para sa mga employer.

Imo, either by agent or direct, ok lang. Sa interview lagi yan magkakaalaman kung may alam ka sa position na inaaplayan mo. Ang kelangan lang talaga is honest ka at confident with regards to your work experience.

I agree. Anything could work, at the end of the day it’s your own battle during the interview. One drawback with job agents would they get a cut in n your salary. For example you’re salary offer should be $60,000, the employer will pay them say $2,000 for finding you and you’ll get the actual salary offer of $58,000.

There are some migration agencies offering additional recruitment services. You pay extra to the migration agency to get that service and without you knowing it, when you get a job through them, they’ll likely get a commission from your salary offer as well. Be mindful of those agencies providing extra services. In reality, you don’t really need to pay a recruiter to seek work for you because they get a commission when you get the job.

RheaMARN1171933 · December 2021

@EricTC said:

@Jacraye said:

@EricTC said:
Hi Civil Engineers/ Structural Engineers working in Australia. I'm still here in the Philippines pero I just want to ask if better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia? Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience? At ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand: drafting, management, or any software for design?

While waiting for invitation, might as well I'll prepare myself with the needed skillset for better employability.

Thank you!

Hi @EricTC. Not practicing CE here in Australia but I'm still working within the construction industry as a cost consultant. My response is based on my personal experience and hope it helps in a way.

"better po bang magkaruon na ako ng knowledge with Australian codes and have worked in an Australian company with projects located in Australia before going there in Australia?"

If you can have that knowledge, it will definitely be an advantage for someone coming from overseas. The same applies if you have worked with an Australian company with projects based in Australia as you would already have an idea of how things work here.

Before migrating to Au, I have been working with an international company (Au origin) in the Ph for a few years. That experience was really helpful as working with that specific company gave me knowledge on Au standards.

"Mahirap po bang maghanap ng Structural Engineering works pag wala pang Aus local experience?"

In my experience medyo, lalo na kung hindi magaling job agent mo. My job agent that time had a QS backround (same field as mine), kaya naintindihan nya experience ko and skills ko sa Ph. I still remembered what he said to me nung kinukwento ko yung mga prior interviews ko with other agents. He said "No local experience should not be an issue, as long as you know the fundamentals". After my interview with him, a week later he got me my first employer interview and sa awa ni Lord I'm still working with that employer.

"ano po ang pinakamalagang skill na iimprove beforeand"

imo, if you have years of experience relating to your skill, nothing more to improve before coming here. your skills can be improved to match the standards here once you land a job. I think the most important thing would be the ability to adapt to the culture and willingness to start from scratch (specially kung supervisory level ka na sa Ph).

Basta walang sukuan at wag panghihinaan ng loob kapag hindi kagad makakuha ng gustong work. Tibay ng loob at kapal ng muka lang lagi =D

Hi @Jacraye, thanks for this reply. I'm open to any entry-level job opportunities in Au. Aside from usual route sya to establish a career, gusto ko rin magtry ng ibang field outside structural engineering.

Regarding job agent, dyan na po ba kayo humanap ng agent? Mas advisable po ba ang agent vs. direct application sa job portals?

Malaking bagay nga po yung code & work familiarity. Though inaassess ko pa po kung ok pang lumipat ng job ngayon (with Aus exposure) since kaka-submit ko lang ng EOI. Wala rin kasi indication if how long it will take magkaruon ng invitation during this time (2021-2022).

Btw, na-enlighten po ako sa response nyo. Thank you!

Your biggest draw back is local experience- which is normal so best not to be too fussy with job offers, the aim is to get your foot in the labour force first. Just an example, my husband is a structural engineer, earned his degree in Germany because that’s where he’s from but he happened to be born in Australia. After he got his degree, he moved back to Australia. No experience at all and he waited about 3 months to land into an engineering job. Bottom line is, regardless of where you’re from, Kahit Australian citizen na, if no local experience, you won’t be preferred so expect to wait for a while but don’t give up.

570N3Y1 · January 2022

Good day to all . Lodged TSS 482 last Dec.15 2021, done with EMedical last Dec29, hopefully mabilis lang, Maitland ,Hunter Region, NSW ang destinasyon ko . Baka sakali meron po ba dto same o nag aantay ng abiso from doHA... thanks

EricTC · January 2022

@570N3Y1 said:
Good day to all . Lodged TSS 482 last Dec.15 2021, done with EMedical last Dec29, hopefully mabilis lang, Maitland ,Hunter Region, NSW ang destinasyon ko . Baka sakali meron po ba dto same o nag aantay ng abiso from doHA... thanks

Civil Engineer din po kayo? Paano po kayo nakakuha/nakahanap ng employer sponsor?

570N3Y1 · January 2022

Civil/Structural po.. sa job portals meron pa din.. pasa lang ng pasa bro..libre naman

EricTC · January 2022

@570N3Y1 said:
Civil/Structural po.. sa job portals meron pa din.. pasa lang ng pasa bro..libre naman

Wow. Nice po. Nag private message nalang po ako for addl questions. 😅

EricTC · November 2022

Hi. May I know if magkano ang ideal expected salary for an entry-level Civil Engineer for a small company? Thank you.

athelene · November 2022

@EricTC said:
Hi. May I know if magkano ang ideal expected salary for an entry-level Civil Engineer for a small company? Thank you.

I think you can have a look at the Professional Employees Award, which includes engineering (Graduate Engineer, Professional Engineer). Most professions/occupations will be covered by an "award," which specifies the minimum wage for a particular occupation. The rate that will apply to you depends on your qualification and your experience. Have a read through the Award for details:

awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000065

EricTC · November 2022

Thank you for this

nashmacoy101 · November 2022

@EricTC said:
Hi. May I know if magkano ang ideal expected salary for an entry-level Civil Engineer for a small company? Thank you.

saw your timeline, gaano ka kabilis nakakuha ng long term accomodation? tsaka okay lang ba sa inyo un kahit hindi nyo nakikita pa ung property?

nashmacoy101 · November 2022

@EricTC said:
Hi. May I know if magkano ang ideal expected salary for an entry-level Civil Engineer for a small company? Thank you.

question ko din ito noon, haha. sa seek salary finder ka po mag check

EricTC · November 2022

@nashmacoy101 said:

@EricTC said:
Hi. May I know if magkano ang ideal expected salary for an entry-level Civil Engineer for a small company? Thank you.

saw your timeline, gaano ka kabilis nakakuha ng long term accomodation? tsaka okay lang ba sa inyo un kahit hindi nyo nakikita pa ung property?

Hi. Filipino household po ito and nag videocall po kami for house tour. Also, for me kahit medyo di ko po gusto yung room ok lang po as long as may mapuntahan on my arrival without needing to book a hotel / airb&b. Pero so far, ok naman yung house & room.

EricTC · November 2022

Also added benefits na rin is may kausap na pinoy to assist me since mag isa lang ako going there. Likewise, they are willing to refer me sa kahit ano munang job while applying for engineering jobs.

EricTC · November 2022

Started casual looking July 2022 po pala. Then 1 month before my flight, todo search na. Medyo alangan din kasi yung iba mag offer ng accommodation if wala pang plane ticket or malayo pa yung flight.

stihlce12 · March 2023

hELLO gusto ko sana buhayin tong thread nto. anyone got job in NSW as civil Engr?

tofu888 · July 2023

hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)
has Engineers Australia accreditation
experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Jacraye · July 2023

@tofu888 said:
hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

has Engineers Australia accreditation

experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Based on the details you have provided you can start job hunting while off-shore. Just note in your cover letter that your are still off-shore but arriving on a specific date. Some companies do online interviews but some prefer face-to-face.

I'm not sure what you meant by 'has Engineer's Australia accreditation'. Do you mean you are a chartered engineer? If so, it is an advantage as some companies would require you to be a chartered engineer.

tofu888 · July 2023

@Jacraye said:

@tofu888 said:
hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

has Engineers Australia accreditation

experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Based on the details you have provided you can start job hunting while off-shore. Just note in your cover letter that your are still off-shore but arriving on a specific date. Some companies do online interviews but some prefer face-to-face.

> I'm not sure what you meant by 'has Engineer's Australia accreditation'. Do you mean you are a chartered engineer? If so, it is an advantage as some companies would require you to be a chartered engineer.

ohh, alright po. thanks for this info. ah what I mean po is I was awarded as Professional Engineer by EA. but i'm planning po mag pamember anytime soon.

MLBS · July 2023

@tofu888 said:

@Jacraye said:

@tofu888 said:
hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

has Engineers Australia accreditation

experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Based on the details you have provided you can start job hunting while off-shore. Just note in your cover letter that your are still off-shore but arriving on a specific date. Some companies do online interviews but some prefer face-to-face.

> I'm not sure what you meant by 'has Engineer's Australia accreditation'. Do you mean you are a chartered engineer? If so, it is an advantage as some companies would require you to be a chartered engineer.

ohh, alright po. thanks for this info. ah what I mean po is I was awarded as Professional Engineer by EA. but i'm planning po mag pamember anytime soon.

Professional Engineer sa Skills assessment tama ba? Di yan nagmamatter sa work place, ang skills assessment is for visa purposes lang talaga. In demand CE dito, partner ko may offers na sa Sydney at Perth before pa nya natapos Master's deg nya (no exp pa to a). All the best!

DreamerG · July 2023

@MLBS said:

@tofu888 said:

@Jacraye said:

@tofu888 said:
hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

has Engineers Australia accreditation

experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Based on the details you have provided you can start job hunting while off-shore. Just note in your cover letter that your are still off-shore but arriving on a specific date. Some companies do online interviews but some prefer face-to-face.

> I'm not sure what you meant by 'has Engineer's Australia accreditation'. Do you mean you are a chartered engineer? If so, it is an advantage as some companies would require you to be a chartered engineer.

ohh, alright po. thanks for this info. ah what I mean po is I was awarded as Professional Engineer by EA. but i'm planning po mag pamember anytime soon.

Professional Engineer sa Skills assessment tama ba? Di yan nagmamatter sa work place, ang skills assessment is for visa purposes lang talaga. In demand CE dito, partner ko may offers na sa Sydney at Perth before pa nya natapos Master's deg nya (no exp pa to a). All the best!

Sir, your partner is more of sa structural design po noh? Thanks

Anyone can share po regardimg naman po pag site people or under Site Engineers. Thanks

tofu888 · July 2023

@MLBS said:

@tofu888 said:

@Jacraye said:

@tofu888 said:
hi guys! i'm planning sana na makakuha muna ng CE job before going sa Aus. is there someone here po ba na successfully nakaland ng job before going sa Aus? or is it advisable na lumipad po muna sa Aus? here are my details po so far:

holds a skilled recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

has Engineers Australia accreditation

experienced in road design and modelling in accordance with AustRoads, VicRoads, TfNSW, & Australian Standards

hope you could help me po find some leads either in Melbourne or Sydney po.

thank you!!

Based on the details you have provided you can start job hunting while off-shore. Just note in your cover letter that your are still off-shore but arriving on a specific date. Some companies do online interviews but some prefer face-to-face.

> I'm not sure what you meant by 'has Engineer's Australia accreditation'. Do you mean you are a chartered engineer? If so, it is an advantage as some companies would require you to be a chartered engineer.

ohh, alright po. thanks for this info. ah what I mean po is I was awarded as Professional Engineer by EA. but i'm planning po mag pamember anytime soon.

Professional Engineer sa Skills assessment tama ba? Di yan nagmamatter sa work place, ang skills assessment is for visa purposes lang talaga. In demand CE dito, partner ko may offers na sa Sydney at Perth before pa nya natapos Master's deg nya (no exp pa to a). All the best!

--
ahhhh i see. I thought nagmamatter sya in job application haha. thanks for clarifying po. that's nice to know, more window shopping pa ko sa seek, indeed and linkedin. appreciate it sir!