Working in WA
Western Australia’s building and construction industry is seeking skilled workers. Find out what career opportunities and jobs are available and learn more about current projects in WA.
Occupations eligible for incentives and subsidies
Skilled building and construction workers moving from Australian states and Territories outside of WA or from New Zealand, may be eligible for the $10,000 Build a Life in WA Incentive. There are over 50 jobs on the eligible occupation list. Find out more about the incentive.
If you’re considering a move to WA from outside of Australia or New Zealand, explore the diverse range of career opportunities that align with your skills.
WA employers engaging or looking for skilled migrant workers may be eligible for the Construction Visa Subsidy Program, with milestone payments of up to $10,000 per skilled migrant to offset costs associated with visa pathways in the construction industry. Find out more about the program and the eligible occupations.
Occupation spotlight
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Electricians
Electricians are needed throughout WA. You may find work in the metropolitan area or small rural towns. From construction sites to industrial plants and offices, there are a variety of locations.
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Painting trades worker
Painters work all over WA in commercial or domestic construction and renovation projects.
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Plumbers
Plumbers in WA can work on a range of projects from domestic plumbing to large-scale industrial projects.
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Welders & Boilermakers
Boilermakers can be employed throughout WA and often work shifts including possible fly-in fly-out work.
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Wall and floor tilers
Tilers in WA work across construction and building renovation sites, with the majority of work being available in the Perth area, however there are still opportunities to work in this occupation in other areas of WA.
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Bricklayers
Bricklayers are in demand throughout the construction industry in WA.
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Carpenters
Carpenters build and install the wooden and metal structures and fixtures that make up commercial or residential buildings.
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Concreter
Concreters in WA usually work on building and construction sites (outdoors) as well as infrastructure project like bridges and roads.
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Truck Driver
You can work as a truck driver in WA without any formal qualifications and get training on the job.
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Shotfirer
Shotfirers work in the mining industry of WA.
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Motor Mechanic
Motor mechanics are based throughout WA. Opportunities may exist in service stations, vehicle dealerships, for public authorities such as local governments or defence, transport firms, organisations with fleets of vehicles that need to be maintained, or for your own business.
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Train Driver
Train drivers operate passenger and freight trains throughout the state with opportunities existing in Perth metropolitan and regional areas of WA.
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Automotive Electrician
Automotive electricians work across motor vehicles ranging from passenger and commercial vehicles to marine, as well as in mining equipment in WA.
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Drillers and drillers offsiders
Drillers work in many different areas within WA ranging from oil, water and natural gas, mineral exploration, building foundations and site investigation.
Find out how to get your qualifications recognised in WA
Depending on your trade, there are different pathways to have your skills and qualifications recognised in WA.
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Recognition for trade and licensed trade occupations
Licensed tradespeople moving to WA from other Australian states and territories and New Zealand may be supported to work in WA through State and Federal Government recognition schemes.
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Recognition for international trade and licensed trade occupations
The Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) assess eligible qualifications gained overseas to determine their comparability with Australian standards. This is a free service available only to WA residents
Explore WA’s exciting project pipeline
View the list of current and future infrastructure projects within WA Government's pipeline of work.
“There are so many opportunities in Western Australia.”
-Mick
Frequently asked questions
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The minimum employment age for most jobs in Western Australia is 15 years old, this is considered working age. Apprenticeships and traineeships are also able to be started at 15 years old.
To be eligible for the Australia's Working Holiday Maker program, you have to be aged between 18-30 years.
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A 38 hour work week is normal for a full time employee under the majority of WA awards. A part time or casual role can work less hours each week.
Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks of annual leave each year, based on their ordinary hours of work. Shift workers may get up to 5 weeks of annual leave per year.
Minimum wage is determined by type of employment, industry and age. Full time wages, casual rates and rates for, apprentices, trainees and juniors are available from Fair Work Australia.
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Current vaccine mandates in Western Australia only apply to jobs that involve working with vulnerable people who are at a high risk of disease. Workers in the following jobs must have had their third, recognised COVID-19 vaccination:
• healthcare and health support workers in hospitals and primary health care settings;
• workers in residential aged care facilities; and
• disability support accommodation workers.
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Living in WA
Discover the regions, learn how to get around, and see what lifestyle WA has to offer.
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Moving to WA
Learn about the visa, immigration and citizenship requirements of WA.