US war veterans 'highly regarded by Australian recruiters'

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Created on Sunday, 20 May 2012 15:36

Written by Editorial staff

American war veterans are "highly regarded by Australian recruiters" and were expected to be among those attending a Texas information event about Australia's lucrative oil, gas and mining sectors over the weekend, according to Sandi Logan of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The event, which was held in Houston on May 19 and 20, was attended by recruitment representatives from 20 Australian resources companies, in addition to representatives from various state governments.

Organisers are hoping to fill several hundred job vacancies in this sector, and Logan commented on the "strong response" of nearly 3,000 American who are looking to make their next career move in Australia.

"We're confident Americans who are looking for a career step-up, are looking for a challenge, and who are ready to travel will find many similar qualities and elements in the Australian lifestyle that they’d be used to at home in the US," he said on May 18, ahead of the event.

In particular, resources firms and government representatives are courting skilled welders, engineers, quantity surveyors, carpenters, electricians and mechanics.

"US war veterans are also expected to be part of the large attendance over the weekend as skills acquired in military service, and experience serving abroad are both highly regarded by Australian recruiters," Logan said.

Meanwhile in Australia, Albury, Orange and Bathurst are the next communities to receive a visit from DIAC immigration outreach officers, who will be onhand later this month to offer guidance on newly-introduced changes to skilled sponsored visas.

These changes, which are also essential for migration agents to be aware of, include the integration of the current employer nomination scheme and the regional sponsored migration scheme with SkillSelect, the new skilled migrant selection register. They also include provisions that could streamline the process toward Australian permanent residency for those who already hold 457 temporary skilled visas.

Employers, employees and migration agents may wish to liaise directly with DIAC officers in the run-up to July 1, as the changes are due to take effect from the beginning of the new tax year.

The most significant change is the introduction of a new online system that allows skilled workers to record their details, allowing them to make an expression of interest to be considered for a skilled visa.

A DIAC team will be in Albury between May 29 and 31 to address the changes, in Orange on May 21 and Bathurst on June 1.