Semi-skilled workers in certain industries could join skilled migrants in Australia

Under guidelines published earlier this year, Australian employers may soon be able to import semi-skilled workers from other countries, provided they cannot fill the job from the Australian workforce.

This is a really exciting new development, and could add lots of new jobs to the list of in-demand workers who may be eligible for migration.

Australia’s economy is one of few in the West that is growing, fuelled partly by an upturn in its primary resources sector. And with all the investment that’s going on, people are needed to work in associated projects, such as roads, rail and ports infrastructure.

Australian temporary work visas have already surged by a massive 40% in the past year, and these measures are likely to increase this still further, as semi-skilled workers join their ranks.

There are currently 73,500 foreign skilled workers in Australia, working in a range of industries form healthcare to IT, mining and construction. Their average salaries have risen to almost A$100,000 a year.

Employers are not allowed to ‘draft in cheaper labour’ by undercutting the pay or benefits packages they offer their Australian employees. And while there’s no limit to the number of skilled foreign workers they can bring in, the number of semi-skilled and unskilled labourers will be capped.

Head here to Perth if you have ICT skills - Western Australia needs you!

Calling all computer whizzes… Western Australia needs you!

Poor old WA is struggling with a chronic shortage of ICT specialists, due to a combination of its distance from other cities (Perth is the world’s most isolated city), insufficient numbers of Australian IT graduates, and the state’s current mining boom which has increased demand.

Australian Computer Society spokesman Jim Ellis reports that Western Australia is ‘far more affected’ than other states by the ICT skills shortage. “We are being forced to bring people in on 457 (skilled) visas,” he says.

The mining boom (or resources expansion, as it’s correctly termed) has seen a sharp rise in the export of Western Australia’s natural resources, mainly to rapidly developing countries. ICT is playing a much greater role in the process than it used to, and Australia’s mining firms have big plans for IT infrastructure in the years ahead, in order to cope with the demand, and despatch their orders with maximum efficiency.

Perth is the hub of all this frenzied economic activity – great news for this friendly, laid-back city that twinkles on the shores of the Indian Ocean; closer to Asia than it is to Melbourne and Sydney. Perhaps its new status as a boomtown will see the city expand, with increased investment from other sectors, and the building of more new homes.

Meanwhile, the ICT sector is desperate to service the economic upturn by moving forward from using contractors and whoever it can find, and instead recruit skilled, dedicated, full-time workers.

Most IT workers end up with a choice of two or three job offers – and head-hunting is rife. Crucially, those with good interpersonal skills will attract much more interest than the stereotypical IT-geek loner… teamwork is a key factor in any large IT project.

So if you’re both personable and proficient in IT, or IT project management, Western Australia can offer you an exciting career in a burgeoning economy.

• Read more about the IT skills shortage in WA here

• Browse WA jobs here

Experienced surveyors are now among those eligible for migration to Victoria, Australia

The Australian state of Victoria has updated its State Migration Plan (SMP), which outlines the most in-demand skills needed locally. From next month, the state will sponsor successful visa applicants with these skills.

Among the new jobs listed on the SMP are ship/marine engineers, surveyors, and systems engineers. Specialist ICT skills are also back on the list after a brief absence, in response to long-term demand. If you have at least five years’ experience in these fields, Victoria would now like to hear from you.

No other pre-existing occupations have been removed, meaning that there’s been an increase in the number of in-demand occupations in Melbourne and across its home state.

Having these specific skills is no guarantee of success though… Melbourne totally rocks, having recently been judged the World’s Most Liveable City… So due to intense competition from other people wanting to live here, fulfilling the minimum requirements does not guarantee you an offer of sponsorship.

If, however, you can pass the various financial and occupational assessments with flying colours, and the state offers you sponsorship, you can officially jet off to join some of the happiest people in the world, in a new life Down Under.

• Pore over VIctoria’s Occupation Lists here

Restrictions on Australian Student Visas will be eased

Australia is to make it easier for overseas students to enrol in Australian universities, in response to a report suggesting it could do more to boost the sector, which is one of Australia’s most lucrative export industries.

Although international student numbers have doubled over the past decade, the Knight Review (of the Student Visa Program)  found that both certain procedures – deployed to minimise the risk of visa abuse – are actually prohibiting potential students from applying to Australian universities.

So the Australian government is to make the whole system a lot easier for international students, irrespective of where they’re from. For the 2012-2013 term, visas should be processed faster, and the amount of capital that ‘higher-risk’ students need to prove will be about $35,000 less than it is now; and there’ll be a new post-study work visa available, valid for two to four years, in addition to the current choice of skilled visas.

‘Students are increasingly looking to augment their studies with graduate work experience and this further post-study work visa option will offer university students a more complete study experience in Australia,’ said Senator Chris Evan, who is in charge of skills, jobs and tertiary education in the Australian government.

There will be a new ‘genuine temporary entrant’ requirement that will enable the Immigration department to assess applications more fairly.

The new policy will also allow English language students to apply for a visa without having to meet minimum English skills requirements, as well as allow PhD students to stay in the country while their thesis is being marked. Student visas will no longer be automatically cancelled as a matter of course.

All of this is great news for those who are eligible to study in Australia, where the higher education provision is world-class.

• To read the smallprint and find out more, visit The Government Response to the Knight Review

The mining industry is booming Down Under - and needs skilled workers

Poor old Australia. It must be tough, being so rich in precious natural resources that you can barely find enough employees to exploit them. I mean, all these jobs will need filling if Australia’s economy is to soar towards its potential.

Leading Australian economist Bill Evans has warned that a lack of skilled mining workers could hamper the explosive economic growth that the country is due. But we don’t feel too sorry for the ‘Lucky Country’.

A new report by ANZ bank and economic consultants Port Jackson Partners recently predicted that Australia will need 750,000 workers over the next 20 years in order to fulfill its potential of over $480 billion in primary exports. Even as the rest of the western world staggers beneath the weight of debt, inflation and job losses, Australia’s potential is hampered mainly by a lack of people to fill jobs as this export sector booms. If handled properly, proceeds from the mining boom could filter throughout the economy and further raise living standards across the population.

The country produces more than it consumes, notably in the mining sector. The Australian newspaper reports that it is “straining under a skills crisis and importing workers to deal with the mining boom.” The industry needs to more than double its current workforce.

One of the acknowledged problems is the mobility of the labour force. As you would expect, most mining enterprises are not located in the major cities, but most skilled workers are. Economists have urged the government to increase social spending in areas where mining personnel are needed, in order to attract more workers there. It’s a big ask for an Australian family to uproot from the suburbs and move to the middle of nowhere to fill these skilled jobs.

For those of us who have the necessary skills and haven’t already put down roots in the Australian cities, though, it’s an open field. Australia’s mining industry needs 750,000 full-time workers in order to capitalise on the growing demand from the developing world. Can you help? There’s a new life Down Under waiting for you if you can.

• Browse Australian mining jobs at Mining Careers.com

After being hit by floods last summer that resulted in large parts of the state being declared a disaster zone, it seems Queensland’s economy is back in business.

According to State Premier Anna Bligh a new private sector report by CBA Economics Global Market Research team says Queensland’s economy is “ booming”.

The premier states that the teams positive assessment follows last week’s state final demand numbers which increased by 3.5% in seasonally adjusted terms in the June quarter to be a massive 5.7% higher than a year ago.

Ms Bligh said “Not only is Queensland’s economy being fuelled by flood recovery, but it’s rocketing ahead thanks to a massive private investment surge,” Adding “After a tough start, Queensland’s economy is back on its feet and back in business.

“Last week’s economic details released by the ABS showed big increases in construction work and private capital expenditure”.

“This is being backed up by our own building program – creating new infrastructure and new jobs right across the state.”

“Queensland has tens of billions of dollars in business investment in the pipeline, ready and raring to course through the veins of the Queensland economy.

“Unfortunately, there is a campaign out there to talk our economy down”.

“I know that Queensland has what it takes to ride out the tough times and enjoy the next era of economic prosperity.”

A criminal syndicate that had been providing unregistered migration advice to foreign nationals has been shut down following a police operation in Perth last week.
Prosecutions are under consideration as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) works with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue further action.

“People who practise as unregistered migration agents in Australia are breaking the law and may be subject to fines of up to $6600 or imprisonment for up to 10 years,” a DIAC spokesman said.

The investigation involved DIAC officers with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in which the scheme’s unregistered migration agents claimed to be able to arrange ‘working visas’ for non-citizens.

“Organisers were charging exorbitant fees for unregistered migration assistance, and were also lodging visa applications which contained false information relating to claims for asylum,” the spokesman said. “Over the past 12 months, DIAC has conducted a series of targeted operations in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia aimed at dismantling this syndicate.”

As a result of information obtained during recent operations, search warrants were executed by immigration investigators with the assistance of the AFP early today in Perth.

“The department has received outstanding support from the AFP, Victoria Police and other government agencies during this investigation which has demonstrated the whole-of-government resolve to protect the integrity of Australia’s migration programs,” the spokesman said. “In Australia there are strict rules about helping someone with their visa application.

“If you are a migration agent you must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority [Office of the MARA],” he added.

Susan Wareham McGrath a registered Migration Agent commented on Embrace Australia’s Forum

“Why do people not listen to all the advice given by DIAC, the MARA and registered migration agents about the dangers of using agents who aren’t registered?”

Adding “As long as visa applicants continue to use unregistered and unqualified immigration advisers, they will continue to run the risk of losing large sums of money, be exploited and possibly lose their opportunity to live and work in Australia – all with no recourse because the MARA has no power over unregistered agents.

There is absolutely no point in signing up with someone who speaks your language, or knows a friend or relative, if they are going to cheat you or give you bad advice. There are many registered agents who speak languages other than English. You can find them on MARA’s Register of Agents: www.mara.gov.au.

There is absolutely no point using an unregistered agent because you think you’ll save money – because in most cases you won’t – just refer to the case above as an example.  You can find MARA’s list of average fees charged by registered migration agents here.

And there is absolutely no point in signing up with someone who guarantees they can get you a visa. No-one can guarantee that, because DIAC’s rules change so fast and every case is different.

You don’t have to use a migration agent to manage your visa application, but if you do intend to use one, please STOP and THINK before you sign up with an unregistered and unqualified immigration advisor. You will be trusting them with your, and in many cases, your family’s entire future – surely it’s worth a few minutes reflection about whether using them is a wise thing to do.

People wishing to find out whether an individual is registered as a migration agent can do so by visiting the Office of the MARA’s website, or viewing their immigration agent’s MARA registration certificate, which will include their photograph and a seven digit MARA registration number. All registered agents are listed on the Register of Migration Agents.
Don’t be the next victim of immigration fraud; and don’t let your friends be, either – only use agents registered with MARA, so that if anything goes wrong, you do have some recourse”

It’s seems that Western Australia’s expanding Oil & Gas industry is leading the world when it comes to pay, with experts agreeing salaries will keep on growing. The Recruitment firm Hays’ Oil and Gas Salary Guide 2011, found Australia to be the top paying nation for the past two years. The firm surveyed nearly 11,000 Oil & gas workers worldwide.

“Three-quarters of respondents expect salaries to increase in the next 12 months,” the report said, with the average yearly salary for local and foreign labour in Australia hitting $144,000. Business research firm IBISWorld also named Oil and Gas as this financial year’s top industry performer, with the forecast to grow 18.3 per cent to reach $41.2 billion according to Perth Now.

John Nicolaou Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief economist said earnings in the oil and gas sector attracted a substantial premium over other sectors, creating challenges for competing areas of the economy.

“The premium is about 165 per cent higher than the average weekly earnings of an everyday employee outside of that sector,” Mr Nicolaou said.

Speaking at a recent industry conference, Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott said as of February, full-time adult earnings in the mining industry, which included the oil and gas sector, were almost $110,000 a year. That compared with about $67,000 across all other industries.

“It is particularly difficult trying to compete with wages in the offshore construction sector where casual daily pay rates have risen by 37 per cent since July 2009,” Mr Knott said.

“Recent wages blowouts in offshore construction have made it more difficult for onshore resource projects to compete with exorbitant wages in order to attract skills.”

Mr Nicolaou suggested an average annual salary of $300,000 was becoming the norm for certain occupations throughout regional WA.

There's Gold Down Under

If you dream of migrating to Australia, are up for adventure, fun and maybe have some mining experience then you just could end up as the star on a new TV series. The programme is looking for fun migrants who are tempted at trying their hand at Gold Mining.

“Across Australia is miles upon miles of untapped land just waiting to be mined for gold- and it is open for anyone to have a go. We are looking for fun people who are ready to try their hand at mining and join the Australian gold rush!”

“This series will follow the highs and lows of making the move to Australia and the exciting prospects ahead as we join those brave enough to try their hand at mining for gold and hopefully reap the rewards.”

So if you are thinking of moving to Australia and are interested in Gold mining then why not give Amy a call on 0207 985 7611 or drop her an email at amy.thornton@shine.tv

Our friends at John Mason removals have just informed us of the latest Manpower Talent Survey that outlines the strong demand that exists in Australia for Skilled trade people.

“Unlike other professions, a tradesman’s role is geographically fixed and therefore can’t be off-shored as other jobs can. There is an urgent need therefore to make sure that such roles are filled and that procedures are in place to ensure a constant supply of skilled labour. As skilled tradespeople retire, the Australian government must make sure that there are enough trade workers available to replace them.

The skills shortage outlined above means that Australia will increasingly rely upon nations such as the UK to recruit skilled tradespeople. A skilled trade is defined as a skill which is learned over a period of time, usually through an apprentice scheme.

Examples of trade skills in demand include carpenter, electrician, plumber, bricklayer and cabinet maker among others. According to Manpower, there is a worldwide trend that skilled trade positions are hard to fill and are classed as a ‘hiring challenge’.

Manpower is a recruitment organisation based in Australia. White papers concerning insights into the labour market are produced on a regular basis”

This report follows on from Chris Bowen’s announcement that Perth is to be considered a regional city and will therefore be able to benefit from inclusion in the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. The state’s economic growth has put a strain on the supply of skilled trades people, some of whom are working on some of the states many natural resources projects.