24 April 2008

Australian immigration could help firms retain their competitive edge

Firms in Australia are at risk of losing their competitive edge if the country does not get another 200,000 full-time employees. Australian immigration may be able to help solve the fact that over two-thirds of firms have suffered due to the skills shortage over the past few years. Firms in the services, construction and manufacturing industries said the shortages had stifled innovation. Heather Ridout, CEO of the Australian Industry Group said "we are paying the price now" for the lack of education and training offered by the country.

"The number of Australians without qualifications is 50 per cent of the workforce and only 13 per cent of jobs don't require qualifications," she added. This could lead the way for workers to take part in Australian immigration, with those considering it able to take the skilled visa online assessment to check their suitability.

Australia needs skilled 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.