Overseas Skills Registry To Connect Newly Arrived Skilled Migrants With Employers

23 Nov 2013

An online service to connect recently arrived overseas qualified professionals and skilled migrants with Victorian employers called the ‘Overseas Skilled Registry’ was launched by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business said that the Overseas Skills Registry is an online platform to connect employers who are seeking staff with skilled workers in occupations that are presently in demand in Victoria.

Ms Asher said the registry’s unique feature is that all candidates are legally permitted to work, either have an Australian Qualification or Australian Skills Assessment and are staying in Victoria.

She added that she is confident the Overseas Skills Registry will help overseas qualified professionals and skilled migrants to build their careers, contribute to the Victorian economy and enter the local workforce.

The Overseas Skills Registry allows skilled migrants and international qualified professionals to profile their professional qualifications, experience and skills, after which employers in Victoria can view the profiles contact the suitable individuals.

Newly arrived skilled migrants and eligible employers can apply for an online account.

Ms Asher said the Overseas Skills Registry will even help conquer one of the largest challenges faced by skilled migrants: enter a new job market without any professional references or local networks.

She also said that this initiative is the Coalition Government’s election commitment and is a win-win situation for both businesses which were hampered by jobs they were not able to fill locally and skilled migrants.

Presently, the Overseas Skills Registry is open for two specific groups of skilled professionals: International Student Graduates with prior experience in professional work and State Nominated Skilled Migrants.

Individuals who have a degree level qualification or higher from a university in Victoria and also have prior professional work experience of at least two years, in an occupation that is in demand in Victoria.

Individuals who are approved for a State Nominated Visa by the Coalition Government are the State Nominated Skilled Migrants. They are skilled in a particular occupation that is in demand in Victoria and are Permanent Residents.

Soon, the Registry will be open to tradespeople and other overseas qualified professionals.