The State of Victoria, Australia is inviting Engineers to take a step towards realising their dreams by visiting its seminars in Birmingham on 4th June and Bristol on 11th June 2011. Registrations can be made through the Victorian Government’s website: www.LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au.
“While the UK’s economy is feeling the squeeze, the timing of a move to Melbourne could hardly be better. Melbourne has resisted the impact of global recession and its booming economy provides plenty of opportunities for qualified and experienced engineering professionals”, says London-based migration specialist Nathan Cox, from the Government of Victoria.
There are about 29,000 engineering professionals already practicing in Victoria, although the profession is still very much in demand, boosted by the commissioning of a large number of infrastructure projects. The State of Victoria is benefiting from this drive to renew and expand its road, rail and public transport infrastructure.
For consideration under the State sponsorship visa, all building and engineering professionals must have a minimum of two years’ experience. In some engineering fields, preference may be given to applicants with more experience and with a track record in, for example, the water, oil or gas industries. Certain types of engineers working in the building industry must be licensed through the Building Commission in Victoria.
“We are actively seeking engineering professionals who are well qualified and ambitious, but looking for an improved work life balance”, says Nathan. “Many overseas trained professionals cite lifestyle as their main motivator for relocating. For professionals seeking the buzz of city life, Melbourne is the place to be.”
The city was recently named as the world’s second most liveable city in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) annual Global Liveability Report 2011. The latest report gave the Victorian capital perfect scores for education, healthcare and infrastructure, cementing the city’s position as one of the world’s finest places to live, work and study.
British civil engineer David Kirby had spent much of his working life outside of the UK, working for some time in Nepal, Canada and the Bahamas. However, when the time came for David and his family to finally put down roots, they shunned a return to the UK for the attractions of Melbourne, Victoria and its relaxed lifestyle. “We liked the city’s access to the mountains, the bay, the sea and its culture. Melbourne has a huge range of food, entertainment, museums and shows. It’s very cosmopolitan and is a really vibrant and interesting place,” explains David.
As a first step, David and his family visited Victoria to investigate its lifestyle alternative. The family also looked at other parts of Australia, and New Zealand, but plumped for Melbourne after they were captivated by the bustle and charm of the city. They spent a few weeks in Victoria following the bush fires, where David got a volunteer job delivering firewood. “We lived in huts provided for us in Flowerdale – that’s a beautiful spot,” David reminisces. A full experience of Victoria enabled the family to base their life-changing decision on something more meaningful than a tourist-style trip.
Once the decision had been made, the Kirbys needed to return to the United States, where David had last been working. As well as organising the Victorian Government sponsored residency permits, David also had to close the deal on finding a job offer and eventually did so with the Snowy Mountains Engineering Company (SMEC) after interviewing with them on Skype. “I was very keen on SMEC,” admits David. “It’s an entrepreneurial organisation, which understands how to do international projects in the way that a lot of companies don’t. I resonated well with those people and thought I’d fit in well.”
Having lived in a variety of countries, the Kirby family found Melbourne to be the easiest place to settle into by far: “Australia is geared up for immigrants – much more so than, say, America. People here help you and explain the processes.”
David, 42, feels Victoria’s education system was a big driver in opting for Melbourne, considering the ages of their children, Jake 12, Kit 10 and Lalli 8. He says “Melbourne has a large number of schools offering the International Baccalaureate. That was something we were very keen on. We were also impressed with how children are able to be children in Melbourne. They can walk to school or go to the shops by themselves. It’s safe.”
As world-weary travellers, the Kirbys have had ample time to contemplate the concept of “home”. David explains: “Our definition of “home” is wherever you have an emotional attachment. I’m very fond of lots of places, but don’t have a strong emotional attachment to them. But now, after just one year, I have a strong emotional attachment to Melbourne.”
“It’s a great place to live; it’s a great place to bring up the kids. It’s home,” David says.
The Government of Victoria hopes that it will meet high quality candidates at the migration seminars in Birmingham on 4th June and Bristol on 11th June 2011. Candidates will be able to discuss the opportunities in Melbourne and regional Victoria with immigration professionals. To register for these events, visit: www.LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
To download the Live and Work in Victoria brochure, please follow this link
The Government of Victoria’s State Migration Plan identifies the migration occupations, including specialisations and requirements, which are currently in state-wide demand in Victoria, Australia. Engineers with an occupation on this list may be eligible to apply for free state sponsorship in Victoria.
Engineers from the United Kingdom are most likely to access one of the following visas.
· Skilled Independent (Migrant) Visa (175): This visa allows individuals to migrate to Australia with good English language skills and skills/ qualifications in an occupation of need in Australia. This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market and does not require sponsorship.
· Skilled Sponsored (176): This permanent residency visa is available to appropriately skilled and experienced professionals living outside Australia, who want to live and work anywhere in Victoria. For more information, visit: http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/visas-and-immigrating/visa-options/skilled-visa-options/skilled-sponsored-visa-subclass-176
· Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457): This visa allows experienced professionals to work in Australia for up to four years. Accompanying family members can work or study in Australia. For more information, visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/
· Employer Nomination Scheme: Highly skilled workers may be sponsored by an Australian employer for a permanent visa to work in Australia. For more information, visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ens/
