Builders wanted down under

UNEMPLOYED construction workers could be given the opportunity to work abroad for two years if they help rebuild areas of Australia and New Zealand hit by natural disaster.

As part of a major weekend jobs exhibition in the RDS, thousands of young Irish victims of the recession will be offered the chance to perform a genuine public service and get their careers back on track.

The work on offer includes construction opportunities in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was recently rocked by earthquake, and Queensland, Australia, which has been ravaged by floods.

And as an added bonus to those who may be interested in the work, successful applicants for the Australian opportunities will automatically qualify for a two-year visa for the country once they complete three months’ employment.

The offers are being made by a number of construction firms in the region as part of the RDS employment expo between 10am and 4pm today and tomorrow.

They includes companies from Christchurch itself, such as building firm Fulton Hogan’s, whose general manager Duncan Gibb confirmed they are seeking young Irish workers to aid in the city’s civil engineering recovery.

“We have suffered a succession of natural disasters in Australia and New Zealand, which has created an opportunity to employ Irish workers to help rebuild our infrastructure.

“The Irish are well-known in the Australian construction industry for being highly skilled and motivated workers.

“We are looking for experienced workers, everything from project managers to civil engineers and supervisors for the Queensland area,” said Mr Gibb.

Apart from the work opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, the two-day expo, organised by www.WorkingAbroad.net, will include recruitment agencies from Canada, the US and Asia.