Kickstart Your Aussie Career: Essential Licenses for Overseas Students

Australia offers a fantastic environment for overseas students, not just for world-class education but also for gaining valuable work experience. However, to step into many roles, especially in sectors like hospitality, construction, childcare, and trades, you’ll need specific Australian licences or certifications. Understanding these requirements early can significantly boost your employability and ensure you’re working safely and legally.

Navigating a new country’s regulations can be daunting. At Ames Group, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. This guide outlines some common licences and certifications you might need to start working in Australia.

Key Licences and Certifications to Kickstart Your Aussie Career:

1. Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

• What is it? An RSA certificate is mandatory if your job involves selling, serving, or supplying alcohol in a licensed venue (e.g., bars, restaurants, bottle shops, events). It equips you with the knowledge to serve alcohol responsibly, identify intoxicated patrons, and understand your legal obligations.
• How to get it: You must complete an RSA training course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved in the state or territory where you plan to work. For example, if you’re working in NSW, you’ll need an NSW RSA. Many RTOs offer online RSA courses (except for Victoria, which usually requires in-person or specific virtual classroom settings). You’ll typically need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to enroll.

2. Working With Children Check (WWCC)

• What is it? A WWCC is a legal requirement for anyone engaged in child-related work, whether paid or voluntary. This includes roles in childcare, tutoring, coaching, and some healthcare positions. It involves a background check, including a National Police Check and a review of any relevant workplace misconduct.
• How to get it: The application process varies by state or territory (e.g., through Service NSW, Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria). As an international student, you’ll need to provide identity documents, which can include your foreign passport linked to your valid Australian visa and your ImmiCard. There’s usually an application fee for paid workers.

3. White Card (General Construction Induction Training)

• What is it? If you’re looking to work on any construction site in Australia, a White Card is essential. It proves you’ve completed official general construction induction training (the national unit of competency is CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry), covering basic OHS principles, hazard identification, and risk control measures.
• How to get it: You need to complete the training through an RTO. Courses can be done in person or, in some states, online (though check state-specific rules as some require in-person attendance or a practical component). Once you pass, you’ll be issued a White Card, which is nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories. International students will need ID like a passport and student visa.

4. Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Ticket / Licence

• What is it? An EWP ticket or licence allows you to operate specific types of mobile elevating work platforms, such as scissor lifts or boom lifts, commonly used in construction, warehousing, and maintenance.
• How to get it:
  • For boom lifts under 11 metres and scissor lifts: You’ll typically need a Statement of Attainment for the unit RIIHAN301E – Operate elevating work platform, obtained from an RTO. This is often referred to as an “EWP ticket” or “Yellow Card” (though this term varies).
  • For boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more: This requires a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) class WP. You must complete formal training and assessment with an RTO and then apply to the work health and safety regulator in your state or territory (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria). You generally need to be at least 18 years old.

5. High Risk Work Licence (HRWL)

• What is it? Apart from boom-type EWPs over 11m, an HRWL is required for various other high-risk activities. This includes operating machinery like forklifts (LF or LO classes), specific types of cranes, and performing tasks such as rigging, scaffolding, or operating boilers.
• How to get it: Similar to the EWP (over 11m), you must undertake formal training and assessment for the specific HRWL class through an RTO. Upon successful assessment, you apply to your state or territory’s work health and safety regulator. You’ll need to be at least 18 and provide 100 points of identification.

6. Working at Heights Ticket

• What is it? While not always a “licence,” a Working at Heights ticket (Statement of Attainment for a unit like RIIWHS204E – Work safely at heights) is often required for jobs where there’s a risk of falling. This training covers risk assessment, use of safety harnesses and fall arrest systems, and safe work procedures.
• How to get it: Complete a nationally accredited Working at Heights course through an RTO. These courses involve both theory and practical components.

7. Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) / Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG)

• What is it? If you plan to work in a gaming area of a hotel, pub, or casino (e.g., as a gaming attendant or cashier), you’ll need an RCG (sometimes called RSG in different states). This training teaches you about responsible gambling practices, identifying and assisting patrons with gambling problems, and your legal responsibilities.
• How to get it: Similar to the RSA, you must complete an RCG course with an RTO approved by the relevant state or territory gaming authority (e.g., Liquor & Gaming NSW). You’ll need a USI. In some states, if you have an RSA competency card, your RCG can be added to it.

8. First Aid & CPR Certificates

• What is it? A First Aid certificate (commonly HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid) and a CPR certificate (HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) are valuable and often required in many industries, including childcare, healthcare, education, fitness, and even some hospitality and construction roles. These courses teach you how to respond to emergencies, provide basic life support, and manage injuries until professional help arrives.
• How to get it: Enrol in a course with an RTO. First Aid courses usually involve some online pre-learning followed by a face-to-face practical skills assessment. CPR components are often included in First Aid courses but can also be taken as a standalone refresher.

9. Asbestos Awareness Training

• What is it? For those working in construction, trades, maintenance, or any building built before 1990, Asbestos Awareness training (e.g., 11084NAT – Course in Asbestos Awareness or state-specific units) is crucial. It helps you identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), understand the risks, and know what to do if you encounter them.
• How to get it: This training is typically delivered by RTOs and can often be completed online or in a short face-to-face session. Note that this is for awareness; actual asbestos removal requires a specific licence and extensive training, which is usually undertaken by specialists.

Navigating the Licensing Maze: We’re Here to Help!

Understanding which licenses you need and how to obtain them can be confusing, especially when you’re new to Australia. That’s where Amesgroup comes in!

Ready to take the next step in your Australian work journey?

Our experienced team at Amesgroup can provide you with personalised advice and guidance on the specific licenses and requirements relevant to your situation and desired job industry. We can help you understand:

• Which licenses are mandatory for your chosen field.
• Where to find reputable training providers.
• The application processes for different licenses.
• Any other compliance requirements you need to be aware of.

Don’t let licensing hurdles hold you back from your career goals in Australia.

Contact Amesgroup today for a consultation and let us help you navigate the path to securing the right licenses and starting your dream job!

https://amesgroup.com.au/contact-us/ 

We look forward to helping you succeed in Australia!