Work, study and your rights in Australia.

Practical information to help you look for work while you study and plan your career after you finish.

Talk to us

Career mentoring

Plan your next step with people who know the industry

CAC trainers work in the industries they teach. Career mentoring helps you connect your course to your next move, whether that is work or further study.

  • Your career direction: talk through the kinds of roles your qualification relates to and the skills employers in your field look for.
  • Further study: find out how your current course could lead to a higher qualification at CAC or elsewhere. See Student Pathway for how credit works.
  • Getting job ready: get pointers on presenting your skills, practical experience and training in a resume and at interview.
  • When you finish: when you successfully complete your course, CAC provides guidance about further education and employment pathways.

Please note: Career mentoring is guidance only. CAC does not guarantee employment, a particular job outcome or any migration outcome.

Student support

Ask about career mentoring

Current CAC students can ask their trainer or the student support team about career guidance at any point in their course.

Tell us your course, campus and what you would like to talk about. It takes three short steps, and the student support team will get back to you.

Prefer to call? Phone 1300 258 369.

Know your rights

Working in Australia on a student visa

If you hold a student visa, work limits and conditions apply. Always check your own visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before you start or change work.

Everyone working in Australia, including international students, has the same workplace rights. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help with pay, conditions and workplace problems, free of charge.

Job search tips

Getting started

  • Keep your resume short, current and focused on practical skills
  • List your CAC qualification and any work placement
  • Only accept work that pays correctly and gives you a payslip
  • Get a Tax File Number before you start work
  • Ask your trainer which employers and roles suit your course

Free job search help

Tools and places that can help you find work

The handbook is written by CAC. The two services below are free for international students and are run by other organisations, not by CAC, so check their websites for current hours.

Job Application Skills, Tips and Strategies Handbook

A CAC guide to looking for work in Australia. It covers knowing your strengths, Australian workplace culture, where to find jobs, resumes, cover letters, interviews and how to spot job scams.

Study Melbourne Hub

A Victorian Government centre for international students at 17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne. Its Work Ready Program gives free help with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation and job searching. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

The Couch

An international student centre run by The Salvation Army at Level 1, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It offers meals, a place to meet people, and links to help with employment, housing and other support. Open Monday to Thursday evenings.

Both services are in Melbourne. If you study in Brisbane or Hobart, ask CAC student support about services near your campus.

Please note: CAC does not guarantee employment, a particular job outcome or any migration outcome. Looking for a job at CAC itself? See current positions at CAC.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

No. CAC provides practical training and guidance, but employment is never guaranteed.

Work limits are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. Check your visa conditions on the Home Affairs website or in VEVO.

Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. You can also talk to the CAC Student Support Officer, who can point you to the right help.

No, this page is for students. To work for CAC, see our current positions.

Talk to us

Questions about work and study?

The student support team can point you to the right information and services.

Phone: 1300 258 369
Email: [email protected]

Already studying with CAC?

Log in to CAC Central

Current students can reach student support and course information through CAC Central and the Student Portal.

Keep exploring

Related pages

Career Mentoring
Student Pathway
Current positions at CAC
International Students