US workers to help fill 'pitfalls' in Australian industries

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Created on Wednesday, 04 April 2012 16:28

Written by Editorial staff

As parts of the Australian economy continue to pick up speed, the shortage of skilled workers is beginning to have a pronounced effect on related industries.

The local construction industry in particular has found itself in need of more skilled workers than the current population can easily provide.

As the work performed on resource projects around the country continues to pick up speed over the next three years, many business leaders have expressed concern over their long-term validity without having access to additional support.

At the same time, slow overseas market conditions are causing international professionals to begin investigating their options overseas.

This has formed the basis of a new agreement reached between the Australian and US governments, which will see a number of measures put in place to aid both parties.

Speaking on the developments, minister for tertiary education, skills, science and research Chris Evans explained that many licensed trades in the US - such as electricians, plumbers and other construction-related roles - would be provided with streamlined access to provisional Australian certification on arrival.

Mr Evans asserted: "'While the government's first priority is to train Australians for jobs in the resources and construction sectors, projections show that we will need workers from overseas for a peak in activity in the next three to five years.

"I understand some of the relevant unions have been talking to their US counterparts about the opportunities for skilled US workers to fill shortages in the resources sector over the next three to four years."

The minister went on to say that the measure would help to address "pitfalls" in certain industries where qualified professionals were in high demand - and that new migration visa applications were expected to be made available sometime in April.

This is a big change from the current system used to process skilled arrivals - with licensing assessments needing to be performed in Australia rather than just accepting the standards applied offshore.

The minister for immigration and citizenship, Chris Bowen, explained that the new program would be supported with a number of Skills Australia Needs exhibitions held in the US in May.

Bowen stated: "This initiative will provide information on skilled visa options to Americans with suitable qualifications, skills and experience and help them to work in Australia under a temporary employer-sponsored visa.

"They will be able to meet with Australian employers and state and territory governments to discuss possible sponsorship and employment opportunities in Australia."