Why Australian workers are in demand overseas

“Oh mate, he wouldn’t work in an iron lung!”   Don’t you believe it.  That little Aussie mate quite possibly just designed a new state-of-the-art surgical procedure that fast tracks the recovery of heart/lung transplant patients.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicate Australian workers are more productive than workers in many other countries.  We also work longer hours on average than our counterparts in the US, Canada and the UK.  And Australians work on average 25% more hours annually than workers in Germany or France.

Australians have long been sought for their administrative and business skills.  The UK was the main destination for young Australians combining work with a holiday.  English employers rave about the work ethic and professionalism of young Australians in a wide variety of occupations.

The US has not been quite so easy for Australians to leave their mark due to the restrictive ‘green card’ employment rules.  However, for those who qualify, US employers have similar glowing comments to make.

The much-maligned ‘brain drain’ is another testament to the high level skills and employability of Australians abroad.  However, rather than a drain, some argue it is just part of a shift to a more global view of sharing knowledge.

Australia’s IT research and development gurus, as well as our scientists are hotly snapped up for fellowships at the most prestigious international universities.  On the other side of the coin, visiting professors and researchers are spending time in Australia to impart their research findings and techniques.

This movement of intelligence around the globe is a positive development for testing theories on a new audience is one of the things that leads to ground-breaking discoveries.

Booming economies such as that of China fuel a demand for skilled engineers and project managers.  However, language will remain a barrier for many in this market.

Europe and the US are also suffering a skills shortage.  IT workers are in huge demand in California with many Australians taking advantage of this opportunity. 

Japan is another popular destination for Australians.  The teaching of conversational English to the Japanese is an occupation Australians have embraced.  The high incidence of English speakers in Japan means language is no barrier to employment.

Recruiters are now directly targeting Australians through consultants on the ground in Australia.  They offer advice on salaries, visas and work permits as well as taxation and medical advice.

But the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns Australians to check the legitimacy of international job offers and employer credentials before making any moves.  The Department suggests would-be expatriates should not part with any money up-front in their attempts to secure employment.

Australian workers are in demand because they are well educated and are renowned for their flexibility and adaptability to change.  They also tend to be motivated by the thrill of adventure or personal satisfaction rather than pure monetary reward.