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Brickies, plasterers, chippies, sparks’ and mechanics all urgently needed due to a chronic shortage of skilled workers in Australia and New Zealand
 

A combination of ageing populations and acute skills’ shortages has led to a wide range of new opportunities for the UKs trades people* – so, long as they are aged between 18 and 44, with the right qualifications and skills.

Moneycorp, the foreign currency exchange specialist is now reporting a sharp increase in enquiries from skilled manual workers keen to emigrate to Australia and New Zealand.  “Traditionally, our enquiries have tended to come from professional people wanting to start a new life abroad who have urgently needed skills,” said Moneycorp spokesman Nick Bull.  “But as Australia, for example, opens up its skilled migration scheme we have experienced a surge in enquiry levels from construction workers, motor mechanics, welders and other blue collar trades.”

Under current rules, Australian firms can apply to sponsor a foreigner if they are unable to fill a position from the local work force. Other qualifying factors include Britons with close relatives in Australia; having obtained residency, they can apply for Australian citizenship after two years. The skills shortage in Australia is so acute that earlier this year the Australian government has increased the number of places on its skilled migration programme by 20,000 to 97,000.

Most people emigrating to Australia and New Zealand head for popular cities like Melbourne, Sydney or Auckland - leaving other states and area’s crying out for new skilled workers.  “Australia’s economy is doing exceptionally well, with around 150,000 jobs advertised each week:- and unemployment is at its lowest in a decade, “said Bull.

Trades in demand include*:

Automotive Electrician, Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Motor Mechanic, Carpenter and Joiner, Cook/Chef, Pastry Cook, Electrical Powerline Tradesperson, Vehicle Painter, Electrician, Electronic Equipment Tradesperson, Plasterer (Solid and Fibrous), Welder (First Class), Fitter, Furniture Upholsterer, General Electrician, Panel Beater, General Plumber,  Hairdresser, Metal Machinist (First Class), Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic. 

“But whether you are a heart surgeon or a bricklayer, there are some key elements to get in place before moving overseas for good - especially if  you are thinking of buying a property,” warns Bull.

As part of the process of purchasing a property abroad, buyers will almost certainly have to exchange £ Sterling into Aus or NZ $.  “Exchange Rates can fluctuate enormously, but a currency specialist such as Moneycorp can save significant amounts on foreign exchange transactions,” he added.  The strengthening of the pound against both the Australian and New Zealand dollars over the last few weeks - with the New Zealand dollar in particular at its weakest since January 2003, means that now is an excellent time for Brits to take the plunge and move down under, getting a good start to their new life with more local currency, purely due to the favourable exchanges rate with Sterling.  “Booking currency on forward contracts means those looking to emigrate to either Australia or New Zealand can lock into these great rates now and be protected from adverse currency movements, while regular payments to overseas accounts, e.g. mortgage payments, can be set up by Moneycorp at a fraction of the normal banking costs,” concluded Bull.

Those with the right qualifications and experience are likely to have their application to work in Australia treated preferentially.

FAQs for those considering emigrating to Australia and New Zealand:

Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?”

There are maximum age limits set and they vary depending on which visa class you apply under. For skilled migrants once you turn 45 years the door is closed. For Business Skills migrants the age limit is higher. If you are 55 years or older you may wish to consider the Retiree Visa class.

What key facts should I be aware of? Isn’t there a points system?

There is a points system in operation in both countries  and you need to reach the current pass mark (which are set by the respective Immigration Departments of both countries) to qualify for residence. The criteria can be complex and is constantly under review. Consequently it is important to make sure you have the most up to date information.

What are the fast track categories when considering emigration?

General Skilled Migration - for qualified trades-people and professionals.

Business Skills Migration - for Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives and Investors.

Employer Nomination – for workers with specialist skills who are sponsored by Australian employers.

How do I find out which occupations are in demand?

For those wanting to know more, details of occupations in demand are published by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (www.immi.gov.au/migration) and the New Zealand Immigration Service (www.immigration.govt.nz).

For further information contact Moneycorp, the foreign exchange specialist, on 0800 587 5117 or visit www.moneycorp.com. 

Posted on Monday, October 16th, 2006 at 10:06 am under Uncategorized. RSS 2.0 feed. Comments?, or trackback.