Brits going to South Australia for jobs all say the same thing about leaving the UK

The Government of South Australia has been on a recruitment drive to tackle a skills shortage and will be in the UK to encourage more to move down under. Those working in construction, healthcare, teaching and policing are being particularly targeted.

Many UK residents have already made the leap and said they were able to walk into jobs almost immediately. They said their lives have changed for the better, citing less pressure, the weather and countryside as the things they are loving the most.

Some said it was a lot cheaper to drive around, claiming the price of diesel had 'halved' and a bricklayer said by the far the best thing was not being rained on all the time,

Among them are Rebecca and Andrew Barton who left their home in Eastbourne to live in Adelaide more than five years ago. They have both been granted permanent residency and are on their way to becoming Australian citizens.

Rebecca, 33, who works for the South Australian Government, said: "For me, I feel happier just because the weather is so much better here. It's consistently warm and it's a longer summer. I'm always outside. You can plan a weekend and you don't have to

worry about the weather."

Husband Andrew, who works in construction, added: "The beaches are endless. I was always told Adelaide was a very boring place, I now think it's one of the best places in Australia to live. There's a tonne of work out here. I would say to anyone it is worth giving it a go."

When reflecting on the economical difference, Rebecca added that living expenses in South Australia are much more affordable compared to her previous lifestyle in the UK. Having dinner at a restaurant is almost half the cost and fuel is cheaper too, she said.

"It's cheaper in Australia. I used to drive a diesel car in the UK, and I drive a diesel car here too and I spend half the price per litre. If you drive long distances, then you will spend half the amount of money."

The couple enjoy walks on the beach and loved the outdoors so much they removed the television from their home.

Sammy Cook, 27, a bricklayer from Wilshire, moved to South Australia six months ago to pursue a long term dream of working in the sunshine. He said he got work 'within a week' and his partner was also allowed to join him on his visa. He was then granted permanent residency.

Mr Cook said: "I have been a bricklayer for 10 years and I had an epiphany. I didn't fancy doing any of these six to nine month winters just to get rained off all the time.

"Coming from a big site in the UK you are constantly chasing your tail. Here everyone seems to get along a bit better, maybe that's the sunshine or the beers. I thought I would come and enjoy the sunshine."

He said getting work and a visa was really easy and has enjoyed working on some infrastructure projects, including building schools.

He added: "I got a permanent visa within 24 hours and I got work within a week. The atmosphere here is laid back. I have zero regrets and there is nothing I would change about my life now, I'm happy."

Rhianna Lockhart, 36, an oral therapist from Dumfries, Scotland, moved to Australia with her partner and three children.

She said: "It was the best move we have ever made and we knew that within two weeks of being here.

"I saw the job advertised, had an interview and got the job - pretty easily. I found so many jobs that are always going. I just walked into the job pretty much. The quality of life here is so much better than Scotland. I do love Scotland but for the kids it was a reason I moved and I am just so happy I made that decision. It is just a much bigger, brighter, happier place."

Joy Clarke, a vet from Manchester, moved with her husband and three children and was surprised by the differences in the school system.

She said: "As far as pressure goes, I think there's a big difference. There doesn't seem to be the high level of pressure on the children compared to the UK. The pressure from the schools is toned down here."

She added: "Our lifestyle and the quality of life since the move has definitely changed. The greatest thing about living in South Australia has to be the climate.

There is also generally a good, friendly atmosphere for most of the people living in South Australia, it's been quite easy to settle in."

Teacher Clarette Goodhead, doubled her income after moving from Cheshire to South Australia more than five years ago.

She was staggered by the quality of life, particularly the work/life balance. She said: "I have a better balance in my life, it's less performance driven and I have more time for myself and a life outside of school. I'm able to switch off and then have my

own life outside of work. You don't live to work, you work to live here, and work doesn't dominate everything."

She noticed less pressure placed on students in the schooling system in Australia compared to the UK with a focus on student wellbeing, smaller class sizes and continuous assessment rather than high-stakes exams.

She added: "There's a reason why so many British people come over to Australia and never leave because they see what an incredible life they can have here, and it really is the best decision."

The South Australian Government is holding roadshows in London, Birmingham,

Manchester, Glasgow and South Wales in October to encourage more workers to take up jobs.

For more information and for anyone wishing to register their interest, visit www.movetosouthaustralia.com

The South Australia roadshow will take place on the following dates:

• London, Saturday 11th October (sessions begin at 10am and 1pm), Pan Pacific Hotel.

• Newport, Sunday 12th October (sessions begin at 1pm), ICC Wales.

• Birmingham, Tuesday 14th October (sessions begin at 1pm and 5pm), Conference centre Eastside Rooms.

• Manchester, Thursday 16th October (sessions begin at 1pm and 5pm), The Stoller Hall.

• Glasgow, Saturday 18th October (sessions begin at 10am and 1pm), The Studio.