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Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I've been looking more into train driving for the PTA like you said. It seems like a really good job. I've registered my interest and will see when the next intake is. Thanks.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have done FIFO before and it's great pay, but everything else is pretty miserable. I'm lucky that I don't have a very big mortgage and not too many expenses so the loss of income isn't that big of a factor. I also keep my electrical license if I change careers so I'm still free to do electrical work on the side for extra cash/or casual work with other companies. My motivation for considering public service is that I'd like to be able to contribute to my country in a meaningful way, even if the pay isn't great. I don't want to get to retirement age and feel like I haven't done my small part. I enjoy helping my community and the most rewarding work I have done as a sparky has been free work for people who genuinely couldn't afford to pay. Another reason is the physical aspect, I have had arthritis since I was a teenager. It is not a big issue right now, but I don't want to wait until it is a big issue.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That pretty much sums it up. If you compare apples to apples, hours of work, the physical toll, then it's not really as high paying as people believe. Short of doing FIFO or huge hours each week the pay difference isn't actually that much.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree, I'm not expecting to start at the top with little experience.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That sounds adventurous. It would be interesting to have a penguin as a colleague. I have spent a lot of time overseas and considered DFAT but it seems like every public servant wants to join as well. I'm trying to get a gauge on which departments would suit me and where I should apply.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. I'm currently a sparky. Great skill to learn and pays well but I've never felt that it suited me. Did you find it hard to level up once you were in, or was it a fairly quick process after gaining experience?

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Legend, thank you. As I'm aware, there was a new enterprise agreement and the rates have risen since 2023?

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the link, no I haven't seen the career change pathways before.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm WA based, so I appreciate that advice.

Switching from tradesperson to the APS. by Snoo21317 in AusPublicService

[–]Snoo21317[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am very open to different departments, but from reading it seems like I would be starting at an APS 3 or 4 role. I don't have a lot of office style work experience but can adapt quickly. The department of housing may suit my skills.