06.02.2007

Australia wants you

The Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) in Australia has issued a call today which looks to tempt experienced rental industry personnel from Europe, New Zealand and Canada to migrate to Australia.

The association is keen to make people aware of the opportunities in Australia for experienced industry recruits in the rental market. As part of the country’s largest immigration drive in 40 years, Australia is offering skilled workers a variety of migration options.

These options include a four-year employer or state sponsored immigration, with the option to stay on permanently for skilled workers meeting assessment criteria.

The skills shortage in Australia has mainly emerged as a result of a robust economy coupled with a low unemployment rate. The boom in natural resources in outback areas and in western states has drawn a large proportion of skilled labour.

Major Australian rental companies, including Kennard’s’ Hire and Coates Hire among others, are working with the HRIA to jointly tackle the national skills shortage since the benefits of sourcing skilled workers from overseas will flow onto the entire industry.

Peter Lancken, managing director of Kennards Hire said: “Now we’re seeing how very important skilled trades people are to any industry. “Kennards Hire is very happy to take on any capable person and then train them up into the business and industry”.

The HRIA is also implementing a wide number of local programmes help ensure the hire industry is distinguished as a credible and worthwhile career with nationally recognised qualifications for industry trained employees though the North Melbourne Institute of Technology (NMIT).

Kennards Hire says it is looking for a minimum commitment of three years “but we’re offering incentives to get employees over here,” says Lancken. “These incentives include a three to four year temporary work visa sponsored by Kennards. We’re keen to help speed the migration process and remove some of the expense associated with the process.

The HRIA web site is www.hireandrental.com.au