More than 200 skilled migrants will tune in to an online information session on the Illawarra on Wednesday as they prepare to access job opportunities within the region.
RDA Illawarra’s Welcome to the Region is designed to provide potential future workers, many of whom are currently offshore, with facts, tips and useful data about the Illawarra region, employment opportunities, and support services that can be invaluable when settling into a new area.
Information included in the session includes the things that make the Illawarra unique, what migrants can expect in the first 60 days, tips for seeking employment and the support services available to help migrant workers and their families settle into the community.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said the Welcome session was important for both attracting workers to the region and to give migrants confidence in their future in Australia.
“Moving to a new area is always stressful and helping people prepare for the changes they will face is invaluable to ensuring a strong and focused workforce for our employers,” she said.
“It’s great to see so many new migrants are keen to learn about the Illawarra. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the region and brokering a connection with employers.”
The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period with Ms Murphy and Migration Program Coordinator Jessica Rawson.
RDA Illawarra is involved in the assessment of two visa subclasses – 494 visas (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional), and 491 visas (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) and has also produced an online Illawarra Migration Settlement Pack to help workers make the transition to their new region.
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.
“Skilled migration is important to ensure the Illawarra’s economy continues to thrive as it prepares to deliver large-scale construction and infrastructure development projects,” Ms Murphy said.
The Welcome to the Region session is the perfect opportunity for migrants to discover all the Illawarra has to offer them and answer any questions they or their families may have about the area.
The online information session will be held on Wednesday, 24 May at 2pm.
Illawarra employers looking for skilled migrants to fill skills gaps can contact migration@rdaillawarra.com.au
Migrants seeking more information or how to apply for a visa can visit www.rdaillawarraskilledmigration.com.au while for more information on settling in the Illawarra, you can access the Illawarra Migration Settlement Pack here.