November 9 2010 - Training UK tradies for work in ACT

Source - Working In news team

The ACT Government has thrown its support behind a new training scheme which prepares tradespeople from the United Kingdom for work in Canberra, Chief Minister and Minister for Business and Economic Development, Jon Stanhope, said today. The Downunder Tradies group, which has offices in Canberra and London, has partnered with the CIT's Fyshwick Trade Skills Centre to provide gap-training for UK electricians and plumbers wanting to relocate to Canberra.

Mr Stanhope said the CIT was the only training organisation in Australia delivering this program off-shore by basing a teacher in the UK.

"One of the greatest barriers for UK tradespeople wanting to live and work in Australia is the need to gain additional qualifications to meet strict licensing standards, " Mr Stanhope said. "The Downunder Tradies group in partnership with the CIT is helping tradespeople to access gap-training, gain the necessary qualifications, and make a smooth transition to work in Australia.

"The ACT needs a steady stream of residential builders and tradespeople to support the Government's accelerated land release program, which is helping to satisfy a historic demand for housing in the national capital," Mr Stanhope said. Last week, representatives from the ACT Government, CIT, Master Builders Association, the ACT Regional Building and Construction Training Council and Downunder Tradies met to discuss how the training scheme could be further developed to attract qualified tradespeople to the ACT.

"The ACT Government's Live in Canberra and Skilled and Business Migration programs agreed to actively promote the training scheme to all UK-based tradespeople who enquire about living and working in Canberra," Mr Stanhope said. "The scheme will be promoted through the Live in Canberra website and information packs, and as part of the Government's participation in international career expos."

Mr Stanhope said the Downunder Tradies group was already making a difference with several electricians being sponsored by Canberra employers. One electrician from the UK program has commenced work in Canberra with others to follow shortly. The program could be extended to other trades if successful. He said the Government also remained focused on programs that support local apprenticeships and training, which were aimed at addressing skills shortages in the longer term.

To find out more about your eligibility to migrate to Australia please contact us now for a free initial assessment of your circumstances.

If you have further enquires on immigration to the UK, Singapore Australia or the USA, please contact Ambler Collins and we will undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at; info@amblercollins.com

Back to the News section

Back to the Home page