I'm really interested in taking a gap year in Australia, working in a bar to support my travels. What steps should I take to secure a position, and do I need any specific work visas or permits?
To work in a bar during your gap year in Australia, you would need to take several steps, starting with obtaining a visa. One common visa route for young people looking to travel and work in Australia is the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417).
The first step would be to apply for this visa. The Working Holiday visa allows people aged 18 to 30 to travel and work in Australia for up to one year. Keep in mind, however, the minimum age to serve alcohol in Australia varies from 18 to 20 depending on the state.
After securing your visa, you should consider obtaining your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification. This is a requirement for anyone working with alcohol in Australia, including bartenders. The RSA course, which you can often complete online before you leave your home country, covers topics such as how to serve alcohol responsibly, how to assist customers in drinking within appropriate limits, and understanding legal requirements. Make sure to verify that the RSA course you're taking is accredited and recognized in the state where you plan to work, as requirements can vary.
Once you have your visa and RSA, you can begin applying for bar jobs. Some good places to start your job hunt are online job portals. Be aware that experience may be preferred, but certainly not always needed. If you don't have any prior experience, don't worry. You should still apply.
Before you depart for Australia, also ensure your passport is up-to-date and check if you need any additional paperwork or administrative things sorted for tax purposes. It may be beneficial to open an Australian bank account for your earnings, and you'll need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office as well.
Remember, while you're planning and arranging all this, be sure to also secure the proper health insurance coverage for your time abroad, as accidents and illnesses can happen at any time.
In summary, the key steps are securing your visa, obtaining your RSA certification, and using job search platforms to apply for positions. Remember to get your passport, bank account, TFN, and health insurance sorted, and you're good to go!
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