Employers beating skills shortages
High employment rates and ongoing labour shortages are creating difficulties for employers as they seek the right person for the job.
With skills shortages expected to increase, employers are turning to work-ready international students to fill roles.
International students that undertake the Professional Year program offered by Monash College are achieving strong employment outcomes as a result of skills gained through on-the-job learning and education.
The Professional Year is a 12 month program approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) developed to enhance the employability skills for international graduates while offering additional migration points towards permanent residency. The program is delivered through Professional Pathways Australia.
Monash College chief executive, Ms Jo Mithen, said the program achieves a balance of classroom learning and on-the-job experienced gained through an internship, and provides assistance to enable international students to successfully adjust to life after university and transition in their chosen career.
International students studying accounting and information technology disciplines can take part in the year-long program consisting of classroom work and practical experience, which provides them with valuable skills, industry contacts and a working knowledge of Australian workplaces.
Program Graduate Wei Li said it was a great experience.
“I’ve learnt not only the professional accounting skills, but also teamwork skills, communicating with clients and suppliers, time management skills and attention to detail. I feel now I am able to fit into Australian companies.”
The Professional Pathways Australia program success is particularly important for local employers who have been having trouble filling roles due to a lack of local candidates given current high employment rates and labour shortages.
“Internships through Professional Pathways Australia's Professional Year program do not guarantee a job however, the results are showing that 64 per cent of graduates gain full time work in accounting or IT within three months of program completion, which is an outstanding result," Ms Mithen said.
“Of those in full-time work within three months, 60 per cent were offered permanent jobs at their internship host company, which highlights the benefit the program not only for the student, but to the employer as well,”
Ms Mithen said the program was continuing to generate strong interest from the business community, with around 60 internships for international students generated each month, and was assisting businesses to gain access to qualified, job-ready people who can fill local skills shortages, and gauge the suitability of a potential future employee.
For further information about Professional Pathways Australia or Monash College, visit www.monashcollege.edu.au