Australia Critical Skills List (CSL)
Australian Critical Skills List (CSL)
Engineers, IT professionals and medical professions remain on the revised issue of the Critical Skills List (CSL) issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Critical Skills List
The following provides a list of occupations. This list will only apply to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
| ASCO Number |
OCCUPATION SHORTAGES – PROFESSIONAL |
| 2312-11 | Anaesthetist |
| 2381-11 | Dentist |
| 4315-11 | Electronic Equipment Trades |
| 2312-15 | Emergency Medicine Specialist |
| 2129-17 | Engineer – Chemical |
| 2124-11 | Engineer – Civil |
| 2125-11 | Engineer – Electrical |
| 2125-13 | Engineer – Electronics |
| 2126-11 | Engineer – Mechanical |
| 2127-11 | Engineer – Mining |
| 2126-13 | Engineer – Production or Plant Engineer |
| 4114-15 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Avionics |
| 4114-11 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical |
| 4431-13 | Gasfitter |
| 2311-11 | General Medical Practitioner |
| 2391-11 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
| 2312-17 | Obstetrician & Gynaecologist |
| 2383-11 | Occupational Therapist |
| 2382-11 | Pharmacist (Hospital) |
| 2382-15 | Pharmacist (Retail) |
| 2385-11 | Physiotherapist |
| 2388-11 | Podiatrist |
| 2312-27 | Psychiatrist |
| 2122-11 | Quantity Surveyor |
| 2325-11 | Registered Mental Health Nurse |
| 2324-11 | Registered Midwife |
| 2323-11 | Registered Nurse |
| 2413-11 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 2312-79 | Specialist Medical Practitioners NEC |
| 2312-25 | Specialist Physician |
| 2312-31 | Surgeon |
| 2123-13 | Surveyor |
| 2523-11 | Urban & Regional Planner |
| 4416-11 | Wall and Floor Tiler |
| 2386-11 | Speech Pathologist |
| 2391-17 | Sonographer |
| 2312-19 | Ophthalmologist |
| 2312-21 | Paediatrician |
| 2312-23 | Pathologist |
| 2312-29 | Radiologist |
| 2211-11 | Accountant — where the applicant has achieved a score of at least IELTS 7 in each of the four competencies, and/or has completed The Professional Year – Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA) |
| Computing Professionals — where the applicant’s specialisation is listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). |
Critical Skills List
March 09
Source: Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Engineering Australia – Engineering Escapes Migrant Cuts
Australian engineering migrant numbers are to be maintained despite major changes about to be announced to the Critical Skills List (CSL) and MODL.
The following article is taken from the Courier Mail.
Australian jobs protected by freeze on foreign workers
By Stefanie Balogh
The Courier-Mail
March 16, 2009 12:01am
The Government is set to announce a 14 per cent cut to the immigration intake to protect local jobs.
Visa cuts … migrant numbers will be slashed to save Australian jobs.
- Building, manufacturing jobs protected
- Gates to shut on 18,500 foreign workers
- Unions expected to welcome move
LOCAL building and manufacturing jobs will be firewalled, with the Rudd Government set to close the gate on about 18,500 foreign workers this year.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans will reveal the Government is to cut its permanent skilled migration program this financial year by 14 per cent to protect Australian jobs.
“Clearly the economic circumstances in Australia have changed as a result of the global financial crisis so it is prudent to reduce this year’s migration intake accordingly,” Senator Evans said.
The changes mean building and manufacturing trades will be removed from Australia’s critical skills list, protecting local bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters and metal fitters.
But employers will still be able to access skilled workers such as doctors and nurses in industries and sectors where acute skills shortages exist.
The critical skills list will now comprise mainly health and medical, engineering and IT workers.
With the critical skills list (CSL) comprising mainly health, engineering and IT occupations, it will become even more important for people in these occupations seeking to migrate to Australia to prepare thoroughly. Migrant engineers will need to be better prepared to win engineering jobs in Australia in the tighter job market.
The Engineers Migrate Australia Course is the ultimate guide to securing your engineering career in Australia”
Skill shortages in Australia
Skill shortages in some areas in Australia
The following discussion on skills shortages in Australia is taken from an ABC radio interview on March 4, 2009
As the global financial crisis deepens, immigration and labour are big challenges for government.
Skilled migration to Australia has been crucial during recent boom times. But as the economy slows, the challenges to fine-tune the right mix of skills for Australia’s workforce are more complex. Recent analysis by the Clarius Group identifies several areas where skill shortages are still a drag on business – but that could be in for drastic change.
Presenter: Matthew Abud
Speakers: Professor Graeme Hugo from the University of Adelaide; Kim Quick, Clarius Group Executive General ManagerABUD: Australia’s shortfall in skilled workers remained high in the December quarter, but has dropped around nine percent. That’s according to the Skills Index put out this week by the Clarius group, which found one hundred and ten thousand skilled positions couldn’t be filled by the end of last year.
But even though the demand for skilled labour is still strong, it’s expected to fall much further as the global financial crisis bites. Clarius Group Executive General Manager Kim Quick.
QUICK: Obviously this result was really tapping into the beginning of the downturn, where there was still a little bit of conservatism around decision-making. I think the next quarter’s results will really start to show what a difference has been made on these different sectors. In some areas we expect supply to exceed the demand.
ABUD: At the moment, chefs top the shortfall list, with only around ninety percent of jobs filled. Yet while chefs have the highest percentage, health professionals are among the highest number, with twenty-one thousand more needed in that sector. Skilled migration has been one pillar of government policy to meet immediate needs. Yet four of the top ten areas experiencing shortages are in trades – which are not met by Australia’s migration program, according to a recent Department of Immigration report.
What does all this mean for prospective migrants from Australia’s Asian neighbours?
Professor Graeme Hugo at the University of Adelaide says migrants from Asia have played a big role in filling skill shortages in recent years – especially from India, China and the Philippines. Yet while Australia probably has the right tools to manage immigration, getting the best balance can be difficult.
HUGO: There are real problems in specifying significant shortages in a specific area because by the time the migrants arrive that shortage may no longer exist. We’ve had a history of that in Australia of people taking twelve months eighteen months or so to go through the migration system and by the time they come the shortage in their particular area may have disappeared.
ABUD: Professor Hugo believes a better balance between targeted and general skilled migration is the challenge for policy-makers, together with the right training programs inside the country.
HUGO: Some countries attempt to really micro-manage their migration systems and specify particular types of jobs that they want to fill. Other countries have a more generic system whereby they have a point system or something like that which actually assigns high levels of points to people with high levels of training, rather than necessarily specifying a particular area.
ABC radio provides a wide range of discussions, such as the above article on the skills shortage in Australia, where you can listen to Australians speaking and follow the text. This is a good way to improve your English and become familiar with the Australian accent.
Australian 457 Visa Changes
The Australian 457 visa conditions for temporary work permit in Australia are under revision. Changes to the Australian 457 visa guidelines has been proposed.
The press release about the proposed 457 visa changes by The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans stated:
The Rudd Government today released draft regulations outlining new sponsorship obligations for employers of temporary skilled overseas workers on Subclass 457 visas.
A panel of industry, union and state government representatives will now begin assessing the proposed new regulations to provide feedback to government.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said advice from the Skilled Migration Consultative Panel will assist the Government to finalise the sponsorship obligations that will apply to all employers of Subclass 457 visa holders.
The employer obligations were drafted following the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review conducted by industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan last year.
Proposed employer obligations to be considered by the panel include:
- Payment of a minimum salary to Subclass 457 visa holders;
- Payment of return travel costs for visa holders and their spouses; and
- Cooperating with inspectors exercising powers under the Worker Protection Act.Senator Evans said the Government is considering basing the minimum wage for Subclass 457 visa holders on the market rate paid to Australian workers employed in similar positions.
“Paying market rates for Subclass 457 visa holders will effectively make them a more expensive option for employers,” Senator Evans said.
“This will ensure that temporary skilled overseas workers are not employed ahead of local workers or used to undermine Australian wages and conditions.
“The principle of the Subclass 457 visa scheme is to supplement – not replace – the local workforce when there are serious skills shortages.
“The scheme is not to be used to employ overseas workers at the expense of local labour.”Senator Evans said that application rates for Subclass 457 visas in January 2009 were 31 per cent lower than in September 2008, reflecting the change in economic conditions. The declines were most pronounced in the construction, mining and manufacturing sectors.
“The 457 visa program is a demand driven scheme and it is showing that it is responding to the changes in the labour market,” Senator Evans said.
The draft regulations also propose removing the requirement for employers to cover health care costs for temporary overseas workers.
Instead, Subclass 457 visa holders will be required to take out private health insurance at their own expense and cover any school expenses for their children.
Under the Worker Protection Act passed late last year, employers who fail to satisfy a sponsorship obligation may face administrative sanctions and/or pecuniary penalties of up to $33 000 from September 2009.
The Subclass 457 visa program is an uncapped scheme driven by labour market demand for employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers in Australia for up to four years.
Engineers looking to travel to Australia on a 457 visa should check their visa conditions on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website. http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/
Australian 457 visa conditions for a temporary work permit in Australia are under revision.
Australian migrant’s visa applications can be checked online
Australian migrant’s and visa applicants can now find details of their visa online. The following press release outlines Australia’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.
Checking visa entitlements online is a winner
15 Jan 2009
Australian visa labels are going the way of the dinosaur.
It’s all thanks to the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service, a free internet service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The department’s online systems make it possible to lodge a visa online, check the status of an application and check visa entitlements. Visa holders also no longer need a visa label attached to their passport to travel to or work in Australia.
“VEVO enables visa holders to view their visa details online,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said. “The system is also for employers, who can use it to ensure their workers have the entitlement to work in Australia.”
“VEVO represents a huge step forward. Visa labels attached to passports provide limited information about visa status and conditions that apply to the visa. Now, visa holders can find out all about their visa status and visa conditions at the click of a button.”
More and more visa holders are using VEVO with at least 50 000 people logging on monthly to view their visa details. This means fewer and fewer people need to personally visit a DIAC office to get their visa evidenced.
DIAC is encouraging visa holders and organisations to find out more about VEVO and how it can benefit them.
Further information is available at www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/vevo.htm
Don’t rely on others to look after your interests. Get the information you are seeking from the source. Project Australia provides you with the details and links to websites to enable engineers to plan and take control of their migration to Australia.
Learn more about the Project Australia Engineers Migrate Australia Course
Australian migrant’s and visa applicants – check your visa online using Australia’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.
Migration Occupations in Demand (MODL) – Is your Occupation in Demand in Australia?
Migration Occupations in Demand for Australia
What is the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)?
The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) lists those occupations and specialisations identified by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) that are in short supply.
What occupations are currently MODL?
The table below shows the current (as at 17 May 2008) occupations in demand for migration purposes.
| MIGRATION OCCUPATIONS IN DEMAND (MODL) | |
|---|---|
| Managers and Administrators | ASCO code |
| Child Care Coordinator | 1295-11 |
| Engineering Manager | 1221-11 |
| Professionals | ASCO code |
| Accountant | 2211-11 |
| Anaesthetist | 2312-11 |
| Architect | 2121-11 |
| Chemical Engineer | 2129-17 |
| Civil Engineer | 2124-11 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in CISSP * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in C++/C#/C * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in Data Warehousing | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in Java * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in J2EE * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – Linux | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – .Net technologies | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in Network Security/Firewall/Internet Security * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in Oracle * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in PeopleSoft * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in SAP * | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – specialising in SIEBEL * (especially Siebel Analytic) |
2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – Solaris | 2231-79 |
| Computing Professional – Unix | 2231-79 |
| Dental Specialist | 2381-13 |
| Dentist | 2381-11 |
| Dermatologist | 2312-13 |
| Electrical Engineer | 2125-11 |
| Electronics Engineer | 2125-13 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 2312-15 |
| External Auditor | 2212-11 |
| General Medical Practitioner | 2311-11 |
| Hospital Pharmacist | 2382-11 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 2126-11 |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 2391-11 |
| Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) | 2127-11 |
| Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 2312-17 |
| Occupational Therapist | 2383-11 |
| Ophthalmologist | 2312-19 |
| Optometrist | 2384-11 |
| Paediatrician | 2312-21 |
| Pathologist | 2312-23 |
| Petroleum Engineer | 2127-13 |
| Physiotherapist | 2385-11 |
| Podiatrist | 2388-11 |
| Psychiatrist | 2312-27 |
| Quantity Surveyor | 2122-11 |
| Radiologist | 2312-29 |
| Registered Mental Health Nurse | 2325-11 |
| Registered Midwife | 2324-11 |
| Registered Nurse | 2323-11 |
| Retail Pharmacist | 2382-15 |
| Specialist Medical Practitioners (not elsewhere classified) | 2312-79 |
| Specialist Physician | 2312-25 |
| Speech Pathologist | 2386-11 |
| Sonographer | 2391-17 |
| Surgeon | 2312-31 |
| Surveyor | 2123-13 |
| Associate Professionals | ASCO Code |
|---|---|
| Chef (excluding Commis Chef) | 3322-11 (part) |
| Dental Technician | 3492-15 |
| Trades Persons | ASCO codes |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) | 4114-15 |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) | 4114-11 |
| Automotive Electrician | 4212-11 |
| Baker | 4512-11 |
| Binder and Finisher | 4913-11 |
| Boat Builder and Repairer | 4981-13 |
| Bricklayer | 4414-11 |
| Cabinetmaker | 4922-11 |
| Carpenter | 4411-13 |
| Carpenter and Joiner | 4411-11 |
| Cook | 4513-11 |
| Drainer | 4431-15 |
| Electrical Powerline Tradesperson | 4313-11 |
| Electrician (Special Class) | 4311-13 |
| Electronic Equipment Tradesperson | 4315-11 |
| Fibrous Plasterer | 4412-11 |
| Fitter | 4112-11 |
| Floor Finisher | 4423-11 |
| Furniture Finisher | 4929-13 |
| Furniture Upholsterer | 4942-11 |
| Gasfitter | 4431-13 |
| General Electrician | 4311-11 |
| General Plumber | 4431-11 |
| Hairdresser | 4931-11 |
| Joiner | 4411-15 |
| Landscape Gardener | 4623-13 |
| Lift Mechanic | 4311-15 |
| Locksmith | 4115-15 |
| Mechanical Services and Air-conditioning Plumber | 4431-19 |
| Metal Fabricator (Boilermaker) | 4122-11 |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 4112-13 |
| Motor Mechanic | 4211-11 |
| Optical Mechanic | 4999-11 |
| Painter and Decorator | 4421-11 |
| Panel Beater | 4213-11 |
| Pastry Cook | 4512-13 |
| Pressure Welder | 4122-13 |
| Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic | 4312-11 |
| Roof Plumber | 4431-17 |
| Roof Slater and Tiler | 4413-11 |
| Solid Plasterer | 4415-11 |
| Sheetmetal Worker (First Class) | 4124-11 |
| Stonemason | 4416-13 |
| Toolmaker | 4113-11 |
| Tree Surgeon | 4623-15 |
| Vehicle Body Maker | 4215-11 |
| Vehicle Painter | 4214-11 |
| Wall and Floor Tiler | 4416-11 |
| Welder (First Class) | 4122-15 |
* Important: If you nominate one of the above specialist computing occupations, you will only be awarded MODL points if your skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing body – the Australian Computer Society (ACS) states you have met the criteria to be recognised in one of the above specialisations.
Skills assessments provided to successful applicants will state:
- the ASCO Code for Computer Professional not elsewhere classified (nec) with the specialisation stated in brackets – for example, 2231-79 (SAP) and
- the statement: ‘Based on the provided certified documentation, it is my opinion that the applicant has 12 months experience in (name of specialisation, for example, SAP)’.
Note: If you have a skills assessment which only states the ASCO Code for ‘Computer Professional nec 2231-79′, you are not eligible to be awarded MODL points. A new assessment with the above information will be required if you wish to claim MODL points.
How often does the MODL change?
The MODL is reviewed twice a year to take into consideration existing and emerging skills shortages. This does not mean the list is changed twice a year. Changes only occur if there has been a significant change in labour market trends.
As the MODL may change from time to time, you are advised to check the current MODL at the time you are lodging your visa application.
How are occupation points awarded on the points test?
If your nominated occupation is on MODL either at the time your application is lodged or assessed, you will be eligible for ‘occupation in demand/job offer’ points on the General Skilled Migration points test. You will receive extra points if you have a job offer from a suitable Australian employer.
What is a ‘suitable Australian employer’?
A ‘suitable Australian employer’ is an employer that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the previous two (2) financial years.
If you intend to claim points for ‘occupation in demand/job offer’ you are required to submit documentary evidence that your proposed employer meets these requirements. This evidence should include:
- a letter of offer from your prospective employer on official letterhead of the company which states the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses
- the name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference typed or stamped below that person’s signature – a reference with an illegible signature will not be accepted
- details of the position you are being offered, the main five duties to be undertaken, and the salary level
- details of the organisation making the job offer, including the number of people it has employed on a full-time basis for the previous two (2) years
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)will make any necessary checks to ensure that the information provided is correct.
Australia gives migrant engineers priority for visa applications
Engineers applying for a visa to migrate to Australia will receive priority from Australian immigration.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has included the following engineering occupations on the new Critical Skills List (CSL) coming into effect on 1 January 2009.
2129-17 Engineer – Chemical
2124-11 Engineer – Civil
2125-11 Engineer – Electrical
2125-13 Engineer – Electronics
2126-11 Engineer – Mechanical
2127-11 Engineer – Mining
2126-13 Engineer – Production or Plant Engineer
Here is a copy of the press release:
Migration program gives priority to those with skills most needed
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
The Rudd Government will revise the migration program for the second half of 2008-09 so that skilled migrants who have a confirmed job, or have skills in critical need will be given priority for a permanent visa to come to Australia.
In a statement tabled in Parliament today, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the changes, effective from 1 January, will ensure that the Skilled Migration program is driven by the requirements of industry and targets skills in critical need across a number of sectors.
‘This will ensure our migration program is more responsive to the needs of the economy and assists industries still experiencing skills shortages,’ Senator Evans said.
‘In light of the changing economic circumstances, the Rudd Government has reviewed the Skilled Migration program and consulted business and industry along with state and territory governments Australia-wide about their skills needs.
‘The overwhelming message is that we need to maintain a Skilled Migration program but one that is more targeted.
‘There were concerns that the permanent Skilled Migration program was not delivering the right skills to the right areas and there was an increasing use of the temporary skilled migration program (Subclass 457 visa) by employers to meet their needs.
‘The existing 133 500 planning target will remain as a ceiling, with the actual number of visas granted to be kept under review for the remainder of 2008-09.
‘To meet immediate skills needs, the government will fast-track the processing of sponsored permanent migration visas, where skilled migrants are nominated by employers for jobs that cannot be filled locally.
‘This could see employer sponsored visas occupying an increasing share of the skilled program, with 36 000 visas likely in the current year,’ the minister said.
Senator Evans said about 80 per cent of employer-sponsored visas are granted to people who were already living and working in Australia on temporary visas. Fast-tracking the grant of these visas will provide greater certainty to employers and increase the number of visas granted onshore.
Where a person has applied to migrate to Australia without an employer sponsor, they will be given priority if they have an occupation on a list of skills in critical shortage.
The list of skills in critical shortage will focus on medical and key IT professionals, engineers and construction trades. The occupations on the critical skills list are the ones most frequently sought by employers through sponsorship.
Under the previous arrangements, more than 10 000 applications from engineers, medical professionals and other skilled migrants were sitting in the queue and may have had to wait more than a year before being considered.
‘Fast-tracking professionals on the critical skills list will ensure that the economy gets the skills it needs now, not just those applicants who applied first,’ Senator Evans said.
The government has also given state and territory governments’ greater scope to address the critical skill needs in their jurisdiction. This reflects the different economies that have developed across the country.As a result of these measures, the 2008-09 skilled migration program will be more targeted in delivering the skills needed in the economy, while increasing the number of visas granted to those already in Australia and currently in jobs. While the existing planning target remains in place as a ceiling, the government retains the ability to cap the program below that figure if necessary.
The skilled migration program was significantly increased in the May Budget from 102 500 to 133 500 places to ease nationwide skills shortages.
Senator Evans said a report released earlier in the year by respected economic analyst Access Economics shows that new migrants to Australia deliver hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth budget and the broader economy every year.
In its Migrant Fiscal Impact Model: 2008 Update, Access Economics found that the fiscal benefits from taxation and visa charges far outweighed the costs that migrants impose on health, education, welfare, employment and settlement services.
‘The bottom line is that our migration program is vital to keep the economy growing as well as helping Australian businesses overcome skills shortages,’ Senator Evans said.
‘It must also be remembered that Australia is facing a demographic shift that will see more people retire than join the workforce, so the permanent skilled migration program provides a stable, effective and targeted source of skilled workers for the future.’
See: Ministerial Statement – Changes to the 2008-09 Skilled Migration Program (33KB PDF file)
Here is an extract from the Minister’s statement
Establishing a critical skills list for unsponsored migrants
Where an applicant does not have either an employer or government sponsor their applications will be given priority where they have skills in critical need. In consultation with the States and Territories the Rudd Government has developed a Critical Skills List (CSL) which identifies those skills. It is focused on medical and key IT professionals, engineers and construction trades.
The CSL will be more responsive than the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) in identifying and prioritising applications for skills in critical shortage.
The Critical Skills List will be reviewed regularly, in consultation with the States and Territories, industry and unions to ensure that it remains valid and current in the changing circumstances.
Processing applications on this list as soon as possible will ensure our economy gets the skills it needs now, not simply the migrants who applied first. This new prioritisation of independent skilled applications will apply from 1 January 2009 to all existing and future applications.The CSL applies to the independent skilled visa,
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship web site has a Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page. This page tells you the eligibility requirements for each occupation.
Website – http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/
Engineering in Australia – Demand still Strong
Migrant’s job prospects in Engineering in Australia remain strong.
Australia still needs engineers according to Peter Taylor, Chief Executive of Engineers Australia. see the extract from Engineers Australia eNews 27 October 2008:
Reduced migration could stall infrastructure plans
With an estimated shortage of 28,000 engineering professionals in Australia, Engineers Australia said any proposals to cut Australia’s skilled migration program must be carefully targeted to avoid further impacts to the skills base needed to underpin major spending on infrastructure.
The chief executive of Engineers Australia, Peter Taylor, said: “At a time when Australian governments are relying on fast-tracking major infrastructure programs to stimulate economic activity and offset private sector funding constraints caused by the global financial crisis, it would be most ill-advised to cut back skills that Australia must have to underpin that urgent economic strategy.”
Taylor said the federal government’s decision to accelerate use of infrastructure funds was commendable but would be compromised if skilled migration were reduced.
“Australia’s inadequate professional engineering skills base has long been identified as a barrier to implementing infrastructure programs aimed at economic development and increasing our economic competitiveness.
“The skilled migration program is an important temporary fix until education reforms are able to deliver much-needed increases in domestic engineering graduates,” Taylor said.
Impact of the Global Downturn
Migrants in the Australian engineering sector will need to be better prepared to take advantage of changes as work will dry up in some areas, such as mining, and new opportunities will arise in others, such as infrastructure.
In preparing to migrate assess, your opportunities to contribute to the growing demand in the infrastructure sector and target engineering companies in Australia in this segment as potential employers
Engineers and Computing (IT) Professionals migrating to Australia
The Australian immigration department treats engineers and computing professionals differently. There is a 5 year experience requirement for computing professionals. There is no work experience required generally for engineers.
Engineers involved with computing often become confused with what their occupation really is. This is particularly true of engineers who have undertaken post graduate studies in computing.
Do you know what you are?
I am not talking about your sexual persuasion here. That’s your own business. You may be able to choose whether to migrate as an engineer, a computing professional, or (heaven forbid) as a manager.
Australian Standard Classifications of Occupations
Occupations are listed in the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) dictionary. To assist with searches on the Skill Matching Database Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) codes are listed on the link below.
http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skill-code.htm
There is overlap in some categories and the definitions are not all that clear. For example: you may be able to apply as either an analyst or a manager. Or you may apply for a visa in one category and be granted a visa in another. This is no drama – so long as they both have the same points for visa classification for general skilled migration purposes.
As there may be different points allocation for visa assessment you need to have a look at the options you have and their impact.
Check qualifications assessment requirements
The requirements for skills assessment differ for Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. Go to their websites and get their qualifications assessment handbooks before you commit. Go to these websites.
http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/
NOTE: The requirements for immigration and professional accreditation are separate. Check out the requirements for both.
The bottom line is you may have a choice !
Engineer, IT, ICT or computing professional. Assess your classification and the Australian ASCO codes when preparing to migrate.
Engineers – Are you really Ready to Migrate to Australia?
The Ready to Work Checklist for Engineers to Australia
Landing a job quickly after arrival in Australia is the key to successful migration. Here is a useful checklist for you to assess how well prepared you are to start life in a new country. A negative answer to any of the items listed is likely to mean delays in getting a job.
The equation goes something like this:
No work = spending savings = no fun
Kick start your new life by preparing properly
This is taken form Project Australia: Land that Engineering Job in Australia.
©Ian Little. 2008 All rights reserved, no part of this may be reproduced without permission rights from the publisher. Contact us www.tribuslingua.com.au
