Australia is a hotspot for aspiring international students looking to kick start their career. Australian employers are always on a lookout for exceptional talent with specialized skills. The Australian Government’s Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business is a function that supports Australia’s economic growth and regularly shares insights on skill shortages in Australia. They update the skill shortage occupation list at different levels: national, state & regional. As an international student, you should know this because it helps identify which skills sets are in demand by employers and which course will help you be more employable and ultimately get a work visa.
Occupations with skill shortages arise when employers find it hard to attract local professionals with the right skill set for the job. Knowing which jobs are in high demand can help you choose career paths and decide what subjects to study. As of now, the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies 44 occupations that are needed to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. This list is formulated based on expert advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with Commonwealth departments. According to them, skill shortages occur due to:
Skill shortages can also change due to the rapid development of technology and the economy. A quick and more effective way to reduce skills shortages is to have skilled migrant workers move into the country. That is why visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL have priority processing.
The Australian government has specially developed policies with the aim of employing migrants with experience in areas where there is a skill shortfall. The skilled migration program caters to those who can contribute to the Australian economy and fill roles where no local workers are available. So, if you’re planning to settle in Australia after you complete your education, watch out for jobs that are in high demand.
Improve your chances of getting a permanent residency by completing a course in the field that has a high demand for specialists and experts. Right now, there are 95,758 people who have made use of this scheme in Australia, with the greatest proportion from India (24.6 percent), followed by the United Kingdom (19.5 percent) and China (5.8 percent).
The Australian labor market predicts that the following sectors will have a large demand through 2023:
Studies show that the highest demand is for registered nurses, with about 17,509 roles open, followed by 8,748 for software/application programmers, electricians, carpenters, secondary school teachers, and machinists. You can do more research and find specific roles to understand which courses can help you obtain the skill set required for the job.
Take a look at the visas available to you if you get jobs from the skilled occupation list:
Eligibility for these visas differs, so do check all requirements thoroughly after you’ve determined which visa is ideal for you. Generally, to be eligible for the above visas you need to:
Being a permanent resident of Australia means you can enjoy a number of benefits like:
Australia has seen that a major issue holding back major businesses today is skilled labor shortages. The government has also realized that an ideal option is to grant work visas to international students training in fields that are in limited supply and are already settled in the country. It’s your time to tap into these opportunities and create a successful career for yourself in Australia. Do the necessary research and study to gain the skills needed and your future is all set to go! Want to know more about how you can apply for the skilled shortage occupations in Australia? Get in touch with us today!
Date Published: Aug-12-2022