Working holiday makers are a big part of the labouring and construction workforce, especially on short projects. Many already hold a White Card and some are qualified tradespeople at home. They can usually work up to 6 months with one employer, or longer on construction in northern Australia. Post a free job on TAW and list the White Card and any tickets you need.
Last checked: 13 November 2026
Roles you can fill
Traffic controllersState traffic control tickets needed.
Carpenters and chippiesFormwork, framing, fit-out.
Electricians and plumbersAustralian licence rules apply.
LandscapersResidential and commercial.
RemovalistsCasual, physical, start fast.
White Card and tickets
Everyone who works on a construction site in Australia needs a White Card, the general construction induction. It is recognised in every state. Travellers can get one in a day through a registered training provider. Our White Card guide explains how. For traffic control, forklift, working at heights or high risk work, list the exact ticket you need in your ad.
Licensed trades such as electrical and plumbing need an Australian licence or recognition of overseas qualifications. Unlicensed tradespeople can still work as trade assistants.
The 6 month rule in construction
Construction is not one of the nationwide exempt sectors, so most working holiday makers can work up to 6 months with one employer. Two things help: construction in northern Australia is exempt, and work at a new site or location starts a new 6 months. Labour hire agencies can also place a traveller with a new business every 6 months. See our 6 month rule guide.
Visa days
Construction in an eligible regional postcode counts as specified work for 417 and 462 visas. If your site qualifies, say so. It brings in motivated workers.
Pay and conditions
Most site roles fall under the Building and Construction General On-site Award or the Joinery and Building Trades Award. Pay at least the award rate and allowances, 12% super within 7 business days of payday, and register with the ATO as an employer of working holiday makers. If they work like employees, treat them as employees, even if they have an ABN.
Construction and labour jobs live on TAW now
- Sample Maker (Part-Time)Mineral Fox · Coolum Beach
- Signage & Vinyl InstallerSignhere Signs · Perth, WA · $30-45
- Contract Site SupervisorHays · Sydney NSW 2302
- Labourer – Aircraft PaintingDouglas Aerospace · Forest Hill NSW 2651
Where construction workers are in demand
Most construction jobs for working holiday makers are in the big cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, where housing, infrastructure and fit-out work runs all year. Regional towns and northern Australia hire for projects, resources and disaster recovery, and that work can count towards second and third year visas and, in the north, can run past 6 months.
Labour hire agencies place a lot of travellers in construction. If you use one, check they hold a labour hire licence in states that require it, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT.
How to hire on TAW
- Post your job for free. Paste your ad or answer a few questions and our AI writes it. Add the pay, hours, start date and a photo.
- We check it. Our team reviews every job, usually within one business day, so travellers trust the board.
- Get applications by email. Every application comes to your inbox with the CV attached. You can also search candidate CVs for free.
- Check and hire. Check work rights on VEVO, get a TFN declaration and super details, and pay the award rate.
New to hiring travellers? Read our employer guide to working holiday visas, the 6 month rule and working holiday maker tax.
Hire working holiday makers for free
Post a job in 2 minutes. Our team checks it, usually within one business day, and every application comes to your email with the CV attached.
Frequently asked questions
Do working holiday makers need a White Card?
Yes, anyone working on a construction site needs a White Card. It is valid in every state.
Can a working holiday maker work on my site for more than 6 months?
Not usually, unless the site is in northern Australia or they move to a different site or location. They can also ask Home Affairs for permission if the work is critical.
Can I hire them as ABN contractors?
Only if they are genuinely running their own business. If they work like employees, they are employees and you must withhold tax and pay super.
Does construction work count for the second year visa?
Yes, construction in an eligible regional postcode counts as specified work.
Is it free to post a job?
Yes. Posting on TAW is free.
Sources: Home Affairs: 6 month work limitation, Home Affairs: specified work, Fair Work Ombudsman.
