Australian and New Zealand recruiters made a pit stop in Edmonton Wednesday during their tour across Canada to hire 1,500 skilled workers.
CanadiansDownunder.ca says the two countries are facing shortages in the construction, healthcare, engineering and technology sectors. The group has been hiring skilled workers from Canada for 25 years.
The seminar in Edmonton is an opportunity for people under 35 years old to learn about what it means to move and work abroad.
“Canadians and Kiwis and Aussies? It’s the closest fit in the world. We just get on, we have the same values, we care about the same things and it just works,” said Matt Jones, managing director of CanadiansDownunder.ca.
Jones said his team has recruited 150 Albertans in recent years and is looking to grow that number.
The sessions cover visa requirements, moving logistics, education, housing and expected salaries. Obtaining a visa depends on whether an occupation is in demand, the recruiters said.
Some of the positions they’re hiring in the healthcare sector include nursing, dentistry, oral surgery, oncology, radiology and cardiology.
They’re also looking for people to fill roles in legal, finance, farming and agricultural sectors.
Jones says people would have to pay their own fees to get to Australia or New Zealand, but many companies pay relocation fees.
‘Great opportunity’
Lisa Swaren is an Edmontonian exploring the possibility of heading Down Under.
“Australia is an extremely beautiful land with rare animals and rare plants and beautiful vistas. Seems like it would be a great opportunity to experience a different slice of the planet,” Swaren told CTV News Edmonton.
Swaren says she’s worked in the arts and music industry but is open to switching it up in order to explore the world.
“I’m interested in making a change in my career and if that means a six-month change or if it means permanent change until retirement, I’m willing to consider any possibility,” Swaren said.
CanadiansDownunder.ca also made previous stops in Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
