Working in Perth
Jobs, licences, tickets, work rights, cars and first steps for Irish people moving to Perth or getting settled in Western Australia.
First Steps
First job checklist
Work rights, TFN, Super, bank account, Australian phone number, CV basics and proof employers may ask for.
Read guideTFN and tax
Apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO once you are in Australia, then give it to your employer.
Read guideVisa work rights
Use VEVO and your visa grant notice before relying on any job, recruiter or Facebook answer.
Read guideTrades and Site Work
Electricians
WA licence pathway, TRA assessment, supervised work, gap training, White Card and whether TA work makes more sense.
Read guidePlumbers
WA plumbing licensing, gas fitting, drainage, permits, employer questions and site requirements.
Read guideWhite Card vs Safe Pass
What Irish tradies need to know about WA construction induction and why Safe Pass is not the same card.
Read guideShort-term arrivals should be realistic about trade licensing. For some electricians and tradies, TA work may be more cost effective than chasing a full licence pathway if you are not staying long term.
Job Paths
FIFO jobs
Rosters, entry-level pathways, medicals, drug tests, site tickets and what to ask before accepting.
Read guideNurses
AHPRA, hospitals, agencies, aged care, sponsorship questions and documents to prepare early.
Read guideHospitality and casual work
Pubs, cafes, RSA, casual shifts, Fair Work basics and where Irish newcomers often start.
Read guidePractical Life for Work
Buying a car in Perth
Rego, transfer, registration, what rego covers, what it does not cover, and insurance basics.
Read guideFinding a room
House shares, bond, rental scams and what to check before sending money.
Read guideAvoid scams
Ticket scams, rental scams, fake recruiters and pressure tactics in Facebook groups.
Read guideCar warning: WA rego is not comprehensive car insurance. It includes motor injury insurance for injuries caused to others, but it does not replace separate cover for damage to your car or someone else’s car or property.