New Global Talent Independent programme in Australia points to future skill shortages

18 Nov 2019

The primary reason that Australia attracts thousands of international students each year is that the country is always looking to fill skill shortages with global talent, especially when compared to countries like the US, which moves in the opposite direction.

Because of this, students looking to migrate or work outside their home country often choose to study in Australia, though landing a job or visa largely depends on their qualifications and skills.

Recently, the Australian government launched a new migration scheme, called the Global Talent Independent (GTI) programme, to fill these skill shortages.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, “The programme is designed to attract skilled migrants at the top future-focused fields to Australia. The programme brings the best talent from around the world.

“This creates opportunities for Australians by transferring skills, promoting innovation, and creating job opportunities.

“Our Global Talent Officers are located in Berlin, Dubai, New Delhi, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington DC. They work across a number of countries in their region, and attend key industry events and expos to promote the programme.”

High-skilled techies all over the world now have a reason to cheer. #Australia aims to attract 5,000 techies through its Global Talent Independent Program with a provision of fast-tracking #PRapplications. https://t.co/jNgigZlx9d

— Y Axis Australia (@Yaxisaustralia) November 6, 2019

The Department will work with universities in Australia along with industry bodies, and state and territory governments to attract global talent in emerging and future-focused industries.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson told The Pie News that “strong global engagement is crucial to the success of Australia’s university sector, and to the country’s wider economy.”

She said, “The Global Talent Visa is a good initiative and we will work with Government to smooth implementation of the new scheme, and ensure it meets the needs of our economy, universities and research institutions.”

The launch of this new programme is just the latest in a series of measures taken by the Australian government to attract international students to stay in the country.

Queensland’s Griffith University Vice President (global), Sarah Todd, told The PIE News, “This announcement comes on top of the recent extension of post-study work visa rights for international students who study in regional Australian campuses, and is a further recognition of the importance of attracting talented migrants from around the world who will, in turn, contribute to the development of industry sectors critical to Australia’s future success.”

“New data shows international student enrolments are up 14 per cent in South Australia compared to 9.5 per cent nationally, with state enrolments currently at 39,596 – contributing an estimated $1.8 billion to the state’s economy.” https://t.co/gnNYcyUg50

— AHN Australia (@AHNHomestay) November 13, 2019

The country is specifically looking for skilled migrants in the fields of: AgTech, Space and Advanced Manufacturing, FinTech, Energy and Mining Technology, MedTech, Cyber Security, Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT.

The programme aims to attract 5,000 migrants between July 2019 and June 2020 who work in the seven sectors and are likely to earn more than AUS$149,000 per year. Successful applicants will be fast-tracked into permanent citizenship.

Although it’s not suitable for fresh graduates, it’s a clear indication of skill shortages in Australia. If you’re keen to pave a path to the Land Down Under, consider a degree in these emerging fields and it might just lead you there.