06 May 2008

Visa potential created as Australian IT industry focuses on younger workers

An industry expert recently told IT companies in Australia to target young people in order to fill the entry-level positions in the industry. With more generation Y people looking for a work/life balance rather than increasing their wealth, these companies need to offer more incentives. With the age requirement key to applicants successfully navigating the skilled migration process, this could mean that new visa entrants to Australia could find a wealth of work opportunities available upon their arrival.

Kevin McIssac, senior analysts at IBRS, commented on the lack of homegrown Australian IT workers: "You haven't got the younger people coming in because there simply aren't as many of them and they aren't going into IT. IT became very unsexy and there are very few people going into university degrees around computing and IT."

The skills shortage has arisen as baby boomers leave their positions to retire and generation X employees rise to higher level management posts, leaving a range of entry-level jobs are available. This could prove good news for people wanting to gain work in the industry on an Australian skilled visa

He added that the needs of the younger generation need to be considered, with them being less concerned with job security and getting more money. Recent changes to the student visa conditions allowing all people in Australian higher education to work part-time could help this skills shortage. Those wanting to apply for a skilled visa can take the Australian Online Visa Assessment to check their suitability.

Australia needs skilled IT workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.