faq forum question answer barossa valley employment training recruitment temp work seasonal vineyard wine industry

What is "temp" work and what does it involve?

As a temp (temporary employee) you are a member of the flexible workforce. Companies have confidence in Career BOSS to provide them with temp staff that have the skills they need at short notice. You are employed by Career BOSS and placed on assignment at a clients workplace. To be selected as a temp means that you have skills and attributes needed for the role.

How much will I get paid as a temp?

We will negotiate a pay rate that is as high as possible. It is always our intention to ensure that you are paid a fair and equitable rate. We take into account the complexities of the role and your skill level. The reality is that some industry sectors and some employers are prepared to pay more.

Your hourly rate is a confidential condition of employment and should be discussed with your consultant.

Is my registration confidential?

Definitely - certainly - absolutely!

We will never disclose information that may compromise your situation. We appreciate that you may be currently employed and looking for the next opportunity if and when it should arise.

What should I do to maintain my registration and how often should I make contact?

Keep in touch and ensure that we are aware of any changes in your situation. Once a week by email or phone is perfect.

If we do not hear from you for several months or you do not return calls / emails we will de-list you from our database of active candidates. To re-activate your registration, simply contact us and provide an update of your situation.

You must advise us if your situation changes and you are no longer looking for work. It is in your best interest to keep us informed of your needs.

When and how will you contact me for work?

Companies contact us when they need staff for temp or permanent positions. The nature of the jobs vary considerably from part-time, full-time and from one day to ongoing. We search our data-base for candidates that meet the requirements of the position and are available. If your skills, abilities and personal circumstances match the role; we will call, SMS or email you. We will discuss the opportunity with you (location, pay, duration, etc) and if you are interested, we will forward your details to our client for their consideration. Depending upon the nature of the role, we may forward several candidates for a position.

Is there a cost to register with Career BOSS?

Absolutely not. The process is free and painless.

I am registered with a Job Network Agency. Can I still register with Career BOSS?

Certainly. It is in your best interest to also register with us.

How do I register for work with Career BOSS?

Step one is to complete and submit a registration form. This can be done on-line (visit the Candidates page of this website - don't forget to attach your resume). Alternatively you may choose to visit our office to complete a registration form. Once it has been submitted, we will contact you to arrange an interview if necessary.

What is involved in the interview process?

The purpose of the interview is to ascertain exactly how we may assist you in your search for work. If registering for office positions, we will conduct some skills tests on some computer software and your keyboard skills. You should allow 45 minutes for the interview and be sure to bring your portfolio. You should treat this interview as seriously as you would an interview with a prospective employer (dress appropriately, arrive on time, be prepared).

After the interview, we are in a position to recommend you to our clients for appropriate positions.

Why Should I choose Career BOSS for my recruitment? Can I do it myself?

Career BOSS is a long establised business that offers a combination of low fees and guarantees in recruitment satisfaction.

Our unfair advantage is that we have the best consultants; the best candidates registered with us; the best website; the best recruitment strategies and write effective job adverts.

What services do you offer?

Recruitment for permanent roles across all industry sectors.
Temp staff (office people - 1 day to 12 months)
Labour hire (blue collar people)
Psychometric and skills testing
Computer training in a range of software applications
On-the-job office traineeships
In house secretarial services
Serviced office / virtual office

Career BOSS is not the only agency in the region, should I list my vacancies with others also?

Recruiting staff is too important to your business to take risks. To achieve the best results you should choose an agency that can offer the best value for the services they offer. Ask the agency exactly what their strategy will be. Having chosen an agency, give them the opportunity spend some time to work on your instructions to find the best possible candidates. If you list your vacancies with multiple agencies you are sending the message that it is a race to provide resumes and the first person that meets the basic requirements of the job might get the job. By calling multiple agencies you risk getting a lower level of service as all of the agencies you engage (except one) will not be paid for their work - would you work for nothing? Give the agency exclusivity for a reasonable time to enable them to put all of their resources into finding the best person.

Do you guarantee the staff that you recruit?

We stand by the service professionalism of our company, consultants and the quality of the candidates that we place.

If a candidate leaves within three months, for whatever reason, we will replace them at no extra cost (except advertising costs if necessary).

I am looking for a new employee but wish this to be kept confidential. Is this possible?

We can discreetly search for candidates that match the selection criteria for your role. If suitable candidates are not currently available, we may place 'blind' advertisements on websites and in the press that do not directly disclose your business.

What is an on-the-job traineeship?

The Certificate II or III in Business is accredited training leading to a nationally recognised qualification. A trainee will learn a range of business skills that are relevant to the particular workplace. Career BOSS will provide all training materials and support and conduct assessments. A traineeship usually takes 12 months but may be completed sooner. The learning takes place at the workplace and so the trainee does not have to be absent to train.

Government incentives may apply for employers.

What computer courses do you offer?

Our 'Show Your Computer Who's BOSS' initiative involves one day courses at our Barossa Valley Training Centre for people who want to become faster and more productive on their computers.

The courses are at introductory, intermediate and advanced level in MS Word, MS Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher and Introduction to Computing.

Each course costs $245 which includes all training materials, tasty lunch and refreshments.

What employment opportunities exist in the Barossa Valley - Gawler regions of South Australia?

It depends! The wine industry is the major source of employment in the Barossa Valley. A mix of permanent casual positions become available due to expansion, staff turnover and growth. Your employability depends upon your skills, experience and 'timing'.

How do I find temp office staff?

Call Career BOSS. We are the leading temp agency in the region supplying office staff at all levels. Phone a consultant on (08) 8562 2122 to discuss how we can assist.

What skills do I need to 'temp'?

Each assignment has different requirements. For most Office Support assignments, you will be expected to have reasonable keyboard skills, competence in MS Word and MS Excel. Beyond this, the skills required will depend upon the nature of the assignment

I am looking for a permanent position. Should I temp in the meantime?

Yes. If you are not currently working, temp assignments are a great way to enhance your skills and explore new opportunities. Many assignments lead to permanent placements.

What sort of temp assignments come up?

Temp assignments vary from 3 hours to 12 months in duration at various levels. Very short notice assignments usually come about to fill a position in an emergency such as sickness, to cover whilst staff are absent. Other assignments may arise because of an overload of work, a special project, staff on leave or to fill a role until a permanent appointment is made.

I am looking for seasonal vineyard work. What is available and how do I apply?

The Barossa Valley is South Australia's premier wine district. The grape harvest (vintage) usually commences in January and lasts until April although each season varies. During vintage grape pickers are employed to pick and carry the fruit.

Pickers must have their own transport as they move between vineyards across a large area. There is no on-farm accommodation in the region and most travellers stay at one of the caravan parks.

Work is also available from May pruning the vines.

To apply for casual vineyard work email you details to Career BOSS along with details of your experience and availability.

What do I do if I am sick and not able to work?

Call your consultant on 8562 2122 at the earliest opportunity. If it is before 8.30 am leave a message on the answering machine. Also call your supervisory out of courtesy. Your consultant will liaise with your supervisory and ascertain if they need a replacement for the time that you will be absent.

Sick leave is not paid as it is included in your casual loading.

Can I take time off?

It is expected that you will not take time off in short-term assignments (ie less than a week or two). If you are attending interviews for permanent jobs, they should be made outside of normal business hours where possible. Otherwise, always check with your consultant first (not the client) no matter how little time off is needed so that we can liaise with the client. Remember that the client has engaged you because of their need to staff their business and once you make a committment to undertake the assignment, you should do so without interuption.

Can I use my mobile phone at work?

Not on the client's time. Turn the phone off while you are hard at work and get your messages during breaks.

Personal calls should be kept to emergencies only, or at least with your supervisor's permission.

Where can I find information on rates of pay, OH & S and other employment conditions?

Check out our Links page for useful information for employers, candidates and people undertaking accredited training.

What if I don't get my timesheet to you by 10.00 am on Tuesdays?

Timesheets are to be faxed to Career BOSS on Monday. Early Tuesday morning at the very latest. After 10.00 am on Tuesday and you will miss out until the following week.

If your supervisor is not available to authorise your timesheet, fax it anyway and forward the signed timesheet ASAP.

Call your consultant immediately! No guarantees though - no timesheet no pay!

What do I do if there is an OH&S issue at the workplace?

Talk to your supervisor or the client OHS workplace representative, and call your consultant as soon as possible! Your consultant will advise you on the best course of action to take depending on the circumstances.