Townsville is a great place to work as an international student. The city has an unemployment rate of only 2.3 per cent, and there are several part-time jobs and casual jobs in Townsville. Many of these roles are ideal if you’re hoping to earn an income, develop your skills and improve your English while you study.
Townsville is also a designated regional area for migration purposes, which means there are certain incentives you can reap when working here as opposed to bigger cities. Plus, because regional communities are smaller, there’s typically less competition for roles. It’s also often easier to find part-time work in regional Australia because regional businesses rely heavily on seasonal and regional workers.
If you’re new to the town or arriving soon, you might be unsure about where to search for jobs in Townsville. Luckily, we’re here to help! We’ve put together this guide to everything you need to know about finding part-time jobs in Townsville.
Understanding your work rights as an international student
Before looking at the kinds of jobs available in Townsville, it’s crucial to understand your working rights as an international student.
On a Student (subclass 500) visa, you are subject to a cap on your working hours. From 1 July 2023, you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (compared to the previous cap of 40 hours per fortnight) while you’re studying. You must abide by this rule to comply with the requirements of your student visa.
You should also remember that, as an international student, you have the exact same workplace rights as Australian workers. To find out more about your rights or seek support if you think your rights have been violated, the Fair Work Ombudsman is a great place to start.
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Popular student jobs in Townsville
There are lots of different employment opportunities available to international students in Townsville.
In 2023, the booming industries in Townsville are Health Care and Social Assistance; Construction; Education and Training; Retail Trade; and Public Administration and Safety.
Across each of these sectors, you’ll often find a wide range of part-time and casual jobs in Townsville. Some examples could include:
- Support worker
- Child carer
- General clerk
- Receptionist
- Labourers
- Concreters
- Education aide
- Shelf filler
- Storeperson/Sales associate
- Security officer/guard
You’ll need to verify that you meet the requirements of the roles before applying, which will likely vary between industries. For example, many nursing jobs in Townsville may require a completed nursing degree; however, you may be able to secure a related position – for example, as a nursing assistant – as a student.
Where to find student jobs in Townsville
When you’re trying to find a job in regional Australia, online employment marketplaces such as SEEK and Indeed are great places to start – just remember to adjust the location in your search.
The Australian Government’s Workforce Australia website, as well as state-specific websites, such as Queensland’s Smart Jobs, are also excellent resources with the capacity to filter by your Townsville location.
Another great place to look is the Townsville City Council job listing site, which has details of jobs across many different industries.
You can also check out Jobs North Queensland, a newly launched platform that connects job seekers with employers in regional Queensland. You can tailor your search by industry, company and/or location.
You could also research local institutions and amenities. For example, the Townsville Hospital and Health Service provides world-class health care and many professional opportunities, including medical and nursing jobs in Townsville.
Your education provider will likely have a job board for students and graduates. Check its website to explore the opportunities available.
Word-of-mouth is also a powerful job-seeking tool. Keep an eye out in local cafés and supermarkets for notice boards with job vacancies, and chat with locals about work in your area.
Seeking employment support in Townsville
If you want advice or support when finding a job in Townsville, your institution is a great place to start. Education providers typically offer career services to help students and graduates find work.
James Cook University (JCU) provides a careers and employability service for students and graduates, offering special events, training, workshops and specific assistance with job skills, such as CV writing and interview preparation.
If you’re considering studying at the Townsville (Pimlico) TAFE Queensland campus, you can peruse the TAFE Queensland Jobs Board to explore employment opportunities.
Study Queensland is another great resource for career guidance on the job market and finding a job in Queensland.
