Australia to require 280,000 skilled workers by 2025
Australia is poised to require 280,000 skilled workers by 2025, highlighting its position as a major hub for global talent contributing significantly to workforce diversity. With over 2 million international workers, Australia's labour market is enriched by individuals born abroad and those holding visas, comprising roughly a third and a fifth of the workforce, respectively.
Australia welcomes a vast number of international workers via various migration and temporary work visas each year. Despite economic and policy shifts, the country remains a sought-after destination for skilled professionals, offering promising career opportunities and a high standard of living. This appeal sustains the influx of global talent, particularly vital in key economic sectors.
The need for innovative talent attraction solutions
The technology sector stands out as the most in demand for new international workers, driven by a combination of demographic challenges and industry growth. Jacob Greber's article in the Australian Financial Review emphasises the need for an additional 280,000 skilled workers by 2025, suggesting innovative solutions like extending student visas and adopting flexible office practices.
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Retraining, new training and migration
Key industry figures, including Preeti Bajaj of The Adecco Group ANZ, Dominic Price of Atlassian, and Kate Pounder of the Tech Council of Australia, advocate for urgent action to meet the tech sector's burgeoning demand. With technology-related employment projected to reach one million by 2025, addressing skill shortages through retraining, new training, and migration is critical for economic growth.
Australia's advantages – its stable economy, political environment, and cultural diversity – continue to attract global workers. Its skilled migration programme and temporary work visas open doors to a plethora of job opportunities across various sectors, including IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and more.
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Visa regulations, job security and living costs
Sydney and Melbourne, recognised as tech hubs, alongside the healthcare sector, draw significant international talent. The country's education and research sectors further bolster its appeal, offering career advancement in academia and scientific research. However, visa regulations and concerns over job security and living costs remain challenges for potential migrants.
Regarding work visas, Australia offers several options for new entrants, including the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) for cultural exchange, student visas for full-time study and part-time work, and Permanent Residence Visas for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers or possessing in-demand skills. Additionally, the 400 visa caters to workers travelling to Australia for specific work-related activities, further facilitating the country's need for skilled labour.