Australia's regional areas are facing a chronic skills shortage that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated. As the demand for jobs continues to outpace the supply of workers, particularly in sectors such as trades and services, healthcare and medical, manufacturing, transport, and logistics, regional employers are struggling to find the talent they need to grow and thrive. However, there is a solution hiding in plain sight: international students.
International students represent a highly-skilled, diverse, and motivated talent pool that regional employers should be actively tapping into. With the right support and opportunities, these students can not only help address the immediate skills shortage but also contribute to the long-term economic and social vibrancy of regional communities.
Universities like Federation University are leading the way in preparing international students for the Australian job market. By redesigning their courses to include mandatory employability skills and work experience components, they are ensuring that students graduate with the academic knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
Employers can access this talent pool in various ways, either by offering internships and placements to students during their studies or by hiring them as graduates after they complete their degrees. Many universities offer support services to help students prepare for these opportunities, making it easier for employers to find the right fit for their organisation.
One of the keys to successfully integrating international talent into the regional workforce is providing the right support and assistance. Grampians Health, for example, has seen an impressive 85% retention rate for nurses who come through their pathways programs. By helping new recruits settle in, find accommodation, and support their families, they are creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages long-term commitment to the region.
Including international students in graduate and internship programs can also have significant benefits for employers. As Steven Neild, Graduate Recruitment Lead at engineering firm GHD, notes, "By including the international student community in our graduate and internship programs, not only did we get a better application response, which meant we had more talent to choose from, but invariably it also meant that we were able to select better quality talent overall." This is particularly true in fields like engineering, science, and project management, where there is a deficit of young female professionals.
The current visa system in Australia also makes it relatively easy for regional employers to hire international students and graduates. Under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), there are no work restrictions or limitations, and employers do not need to worry about sponsorship, nomination requirements, or costs. Moreover, Temporary Graduate Visa holders working and living in regional Victoria can apply for a second visa for 1 or 2 years, depending on their qualifications, providing a stable and predictable workforce for employers.
Of course, employers should familiarise themselves with the requirements of various visa types to understand any limitations when employing visa holders. However, with the right information and support, navigating the visa system can be straightforward.
The skills shortage in regional Australia is a complex challenge that requires innovative and proactive solutions. By embracing international students and graduates as a valuable source of talent, regional employers can not only address their immediate workforce needs but also build a more diverse, skilled, and resilient economy for the future. It is time for regional Australia to recognise the untapped potential of international talent and create a win-win situation for everyone involved.
