Australian skills expo to attract skilled migrants

Skilled workers currently in Australia, including overseas students, working holiday makers and other temporary residents are being encouraged to visit the Australia Needs Skills Expo in Sydney on 29 September 2007.

Because of low unemployment, economic growth, and an aging population, Australia is seeking skilled workers from abroad. There is currently a strong demand for skilled migrants in the health care, IT, finance, trade and hospitality sectors as wells as the engineering, mining, oil and gas industries.

"Skilled migration has clear economic and social benefits for Australia and the government has a range of initiatives to attract skilled migrants, especially to regional areas," Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said.

"Through measures such as the Australia Needs Skills Expos, we are working with industry to help Australian employers connect with the skilled workers they need."

Employers who cannot find Australians or Australian permanent residents to fill skilled positions can sponsor overseas workers through two popular programs, the Employer Nomination Scheme and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. Skilled migrant workers can also come under the temporary business visa program.

"I encourage overseas students, working holiday makers and other temporary residents to visit the expo to meet with employers, consulting companies, regional development boards, assessing authorities and government agencies," Andrews added.

According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, seminars on migration and employment will be held throughout the Australia Needs Skills Expo at Bayside Grand Hall, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from 9:30am to 4pm on 29 September 2007. Entry is free of charge.