Article Surfing Archive

Australia is a Civil Engineers dream - a continent of vast wealth and resources combined with the ever present dangers of earthquakes, cyclones, fires, floods, and droughts. These are the essential ingredients that ensure exciting challenges and innovative developments in civil engineering design. Yet there is a shortage of civil engineers which makes it difficult to meet the demands of Australia's ever expanding economy.

Australia's large desert region and constant water shortage risk results in a need for civil engineers specialising in water engineering - especially commercial and mining. Recently, Perth introduced a desalination plant to convert sea water into drinking water * one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world (source: http://www.abc.net.au) * and Sydney has just committed to a similar desalination project.

Earthquakes are an ever-present danger which continues to occupy the brightest civil-engineering minds in Australia. Australia experienced three major earthquakes exceeding 6 on the Richter scale in the 20th Century (source: http://www.usgs.gov) along with numerous smaller tremors.

Besides the need for water and earthquake specialists, Australia's continually growing economy also drives many other opportunities to practice. New South Wales is about to embark on massive *wind farm* electricity projects, and most states are currently investing in new or upgraded roads, bridges, dams, harbors, airports and buildings.

These are classic examples of modern infrastructure that depend on the science of civil engineering. Without it Australia's growing modern society cannot function and so it is therefore not surprising that civil engineers from across the globe are highly sought after by Australian companies.

Civil engineers will, with the aid of the recently introduced and much sought after 457 Visa, find it an easy task to find work in consultancy practices, private industry or government bodies across the Australian continent. But finding work in a design office, construction or field site; or in various areas of specialization is not where the perks end for successful applicants.

Living in Australia has many positive aspects.

With luscious countryside, a maze of bustling city centres and peaceful secure urban areas, Australia has much to offer environmentally. Immigrants, visitors or students can find themselves lost for choice as any one part of the country is almost always found to offer more than other international venues. Whether they*re looking for a vibey nightlife or a cultural extravaganza, people who live in Australia are never without options.

The sheer size and diversity that Australia offers should be reason enough for any self-respecting civil engineer to want to move there. And with such a vast canvas to work on many civil engineers will feel the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from hard work in much the same way as those who designed and implemented the Sydney Opera House did many years ago.

The 457 Visa is making it easier for migrants to get into Australia and civil engineers should have no issue whatsoever finding suitable and enthusiastic employers should they investigate this option. Visa holders are welcome to live in Australia for up to four years, affording them most of the rights and duties of full citizenship, including the right to study and live without fear of expulsion.

Copyright reserved, Mike Stowe, 2008. The author provides permission for this article to be republished. However, no alterations are allowed.