Illawarra employers seeking to fill positions with skilled workers are being urged to learn
more about the skilled migrant workforce through an information session on Tuesday, 29
August 2023.

Presented by RDA Illawarra and featuring representatives from the Department of Home
Affairs and the Migration Institute of Australia, the Employer Visa Information Session seeks
to increase awareness about the value of employing skilled migrants in regional areas.
Overseas migrants are important to the Illawarra as they historically comprise more than 60
percent of the region’s population growth, and more than 80 percent of growth in
Wollongong.

While a recent RDA Illawarra survey of skilled migrants showed 80 percent gained
employment in their chosen field of expertise within six months, 20 percent remained
underutilised, providing a valuable resource for local employers.
RDA Illawarra Policy Manager Alex Spillett said the information session was important to
ensure regional organisations were not missing out on an important resource at a time
when need is greatest.

“Hiring skilled migrants is critical to ensuring all major regional projects are achieved,
particularly those employers looking for Engineers, Health Workers, Information and
Communications Technology, and in Construction,” he said.

“With more than 50 percent of nominated migrants still awaiting arrival in Australia, it is
time to look at how employers can engage with migrants and secure the right people for the
job.”

A Migration Institute of Australia spokesperson said “these events are important for guiding
employers in the options they have for employing skilled migrants, raising awareness of the
role of the Migration Institute of Australia and contributing to the region’s growth through
skilled migrant employment.”

The education workshop aims to showcase opportunities available through employing
skilled migrants, the types of visas available to employers and how employers can access the
skilled migrant population. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.
The Employer Visa Information Session will be held on Tuesday, 29 August 2023 at the
Innovation Campus from 9.30am.

Interested parties can register for the session here.