A workshop focusing on employing skilled migrant workers to help boost employment in regional areas during the COVID pandemic will be held in Bundaberg this week.
The Department of Home Affairs is hosting the workshop, providing information about regional skilled initiatives to assist with navigating work force shifts during the recovery of COVID-19 and where positions cannot be filled by Australian workers.
A department spokesperson said the information would be targeted at businesses, regional employers and other bodies with an interest in skilled and regional migration.
“The local economy may benefit from migration and assistance in meeting regional labour shortages,” the spokesperson said.
“It can help by filling critical positions in regional areas, mainly in key sectors such as agriculture, meat processing and aged care, either through overseas migration, or attracting secondary migration by opening up additional pathways to permanent residence.”
The workshop will be held across two sessions at the Bundaberg Civic Centre on Thursday, 29 April at 11am and 1pm.
“Home Affairs staff will provide general guidance and provide attendees with the relevant contact points within the department that are available to them,” the spokesperson said.
“The Department appreciates support provided by Council in providing a venue for the information sessions in a central location and for promoting the event to ensure that maximum attendance is achieved.”
The department will also be in the region for the upcoming AgForum and will participate in a panel discussion about employment options in the agriculture sector.
“The discussion will include innovations implemented to respond to workforce shortages, what assistance is on offer to employers, and will include Q&A,” the spokesperson said.
Further information on AgForum can be found here.
To register for the Department of Home Affairs: Visa and COVID-19 Recovery workshops click here.
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