Australia desperately needs more workers. There are calls from employers and industry for the government to address the shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers in metropolitan and regional locations.
Job advertisements are increasing and there are job vacancy signs in the shopfronts of retail and hospitality businesses.
Illustration: Andrew DysonCredit:
The Australian government recognises the shortage of workers, and various policies have been introduced to address immediate shortfalls. They include opening of borders for international students, allowing international students and secondary applicants to work more than 40 hours per fortnight, and visa rebates of $630 for international students and backpackers. The government has also extended post study visa options for international students to stay longer after the completion of their study.
The Australian Industry report in September 2021 found a significant shortage of workers in industries such as community service, ICT, trade, and aged care. The National Skills Commission report 2020 projected employment growth in health care and social assistance, education and training, and professional, scientific and technical services. The report highlights the need to invest in digital skills in many industries including health care, education, professional and scientific, accommodation and food services, retail, and logistics.
The measures taken by the government are temporary and do not address the long-term workforce needs of Australia. Government policies also contradict employer practices in providing opportunities for skilled migrants to work in their areas of study and overseas work experience.
Migrants have historically faced a dilemma where their overseas qualifications and work experience are not recognised in many professions. When migrants get their skills assessed by professional bodies, they receive a positive skills assessment if their qualification and experience align with the requirements of the occupation in demand.
Many skilled migrants arrive in Australia with limited savings after paying close to $8000, which involves fees including visa application, skills assessment by relevant accrediting bodies, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
After arrival, and with rather limited success in getting jobs related to their areas of study and experience, many skilled professionals lose hope and end up in jobs that may be easy to get, but do not provide growth opportunities.
It is very traumatic for many professionals who have invested money in education, have gained years of work experience and upon arrival, despite relentless efforts, are still unable to gain employment. We tend to recognise graduates who complete university study in Australia with limited work experience, however we don’t recognise professionals with overseas qualifications and experience. There seems to be a demand by employers for workers from overseas, however their recruitment practices eliminate thousands of qualified and experienced professionals, especially in professions that require local accreditation and licensing.
Government must recognise overseas skills to combat worker shortage
Source: Philippines Alive
