(1888PressRelease)
November 12, 2006 - Employers needing skilled workers can explore their options at the free Australia Needs Skills Expo in Perth this Saturday, November 11.
The Australia Needs Skills Expos connect skilled workers with Australian employers and provide information about options to live and work in Australia.
'The Australian economy is booming and needs more skilled workers,' Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone said.
'Skilled migration has clear economic and social benefits for Australia and the Australian Government has a range of initiatives to help employers attract the workers they need from overseas,' Senator Vanstone said.
'Temporary skilled migration to Western Australia has more than doubled in the past year, playing a critical role in helping meet the demand for skilled workers.'
The mining industry is the biggest user of the 457 temporary skilled worker visa programme in Western Australia but the health and community services sector is increasingly looking to temporary skilled migration to meet demand.
One employer using the 457 visa programme successfully is St John of God Hospital in Subiaco which currently employs 13 overseas trained junior doctors.
'Not only do overseas skilled workers like these doctors help business and industry meet their labour needs, they play a critical role in supporting and training young workers,' the Minister said.
About 5000 people are expected to attend the expo where representatives from more than 30 exhibitors and experienced staff from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) will be available to answer questions about work opportunities and visa options.
DIMA is presenting the Perth Australia Needs Skills Expo with its strategic partners the WA State Government and the Small Business Development Corporation.
National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
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