Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? How about living and working as a teacher in the beautiful state of Victoria whilst you explore the wonders of Australia? Or how about living like a local, exploring the eclectic streets of Melbourne, discovering the Great Ocean Road or the marvels of Phillip Island? With so many travel options at your doorstep, and the opportunity to foster your teaching career further, it’s no surprise that so many teachers are relocating from the UK and Ireland to experience our welcoming country.
Tradewind Australia is a teaching recruitment agency that specialises in providing a range of teaching jobs in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. Whether you have qualifications to teach in early childhood, primary or secondary settings, we can connect you with the best schools that match your requirements across permanent as well as contract placements. Above all, we will support you at every stage to ensure you settle in seamlessly.
Take a look at some of our main tips on how to relocate to Australia as a teacher and what you need to consider:
Living in Melbourne, Victoria
When you wake to a typically cold and grey British morning, the appeal of sun-washed Australian coastlines and stunning vistas can be just too attractive to ignore! Relocating from the UK as a teacher could potentially be a life-changing experience for the better.
As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne is one of Australia’s largest cultural, business, recreational and sporting cities. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere coupled with a strong economy, Melbourne has been voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world after a survey of over 140 countries by The Economist’s liveability rankings.
Living in Melbourne will see you share this culturally diverse city with over 5 million friendly people. You will enjoy affordable healthcare, a safe environment, an infrastructure that is reliable and businesses that are thriving. No matter what your taste or budget, accommodation is easy to find, from expansive houses in the suburbs to trendy inner-city apartments – there is something to suit everyone.
The annual calendar is brimming with some of the best sporting events, festivals, concerts and artistic gatherings. Why not watch The Australian Open, an iconic musical or explore some of the country’s most outstanding culinary haunts? Melbourne is home to some of the finest and variegated restaurants in the world, with world-renown Chefs at the helm. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the gastronomic delights!
For those looking to explore further afield, the state of Victoria offers a broad spectrum of landscapes. Your travels will lead to pristine beaches as well as the unique flora and fauna of protected forests. Unforgettable experiences await you across Port Phillip Bay, The Yarra River, along the Dandenong Ranges, the breathtaking 12 Apostles, and the Wilson’s Promontory National Park. You can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like!
Teaching in Melbourne, Victoria
Teaching in Victoria will offer you the opportunity to grow your career and gain experiences that will be valuable for your future development. The curriculum almost emulates the one in the UK and that is why living and working as a teacher in Melbourne is a seamless process.
Victoria’s schools run mainly as either a private or public (government-funded) system in both rural and urban districts. The Australian Education System encompasses early childhood, primary and secondary as well as tertiary education. For primary and secondary education, the core subjects of Maths, English and Science will be familiar to teachers from the UK as they are also similar. The school year begins in early February, ending in mid-December. Teaching jobs in Victoria are available throughout the year and especially before the start of the new school year during the summer season. Contract teaching jobs, as well as more permanent roles, can be found to suit your lifestyle or travel plans.
You will need pertinent qualifications to teach in Australia comprising of a university degree that equates to a minimum of four years tertiary study. This will also have to include a university-driven assessment and a minimum of 45 days’ supervised teaching in either a primary or a secondary school. All teachers must register with the relevant board of education. In Victoria, this is the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
Moving from the UK & Ireland to Australia as a Teacher
There are visa requirements for teachers moving to Victoria to pursue their career. More often than not, teachers from the UK apply for a visa that is not dependent on employer sponsorship as these can be rare. The most common types of visas for UK teachers relocating to Australia can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website and include:
Working Holiday visa – subclass 417
Skilled Independent visa – subclass 189
Skilled Nominated visa – subclass 190
Skilled Regional visa – subclass 489
Sponsored TSS visa - a 4-year visa which is reliant on school sponsorship with no age limit.
As soon as you secure your visa, it’s in your best interest to get the ball rolling on the ensuing steps. Many teachers relocating from the UK and Ireland to Australia try to line up interviews via video conference prior to leaving. There is a greater chance of doing this with subjects like Maths, English and Science. It’s worthwhile remembering that teaching jobs in regional parts of Victoria are less competitive and you will get the opportunity to have different experiences than living in an urbanised locality. Work with an Australian specialist Education Recruiter to help you with adjusting your CV to align with the market in Victoria and to gain further advice on interview etiquette and the working culture. The sooner you make contact, the better your chances of success!
Tradewind Australia’s Relocation Expertise
Our specialist education recruiters have the expertise, knowledge and long-standing networks to help you achieve your dream of living and working as a teacher in Australia. We can help with visas and setting up bank accounts, available work opportunities prior to departure, accommodation assistance and travel advice. Our personalised, collaborative approach means we take time to understand what you are after from this journey of a lifetime and will go the extra mile to make it happen.
We are more than just a recruiter for local teaching roles – we are your Australian career partner and guide. Let us help you find a permanent or contract teaching job that matches your skills and overall goals, get in touch with our specialist teaching recruiters today.
