Thursday, December 20, 2012

Engineering Professions High in Demand in Australia



Demand for Engineering Skills on the Rise in Australia


We’ve reported before about the engineering skills shortage in Australia but a new paper from Engineers Australia shows demand for engineers continues unabated. The Changes in the Australian Engineering Labour Market report release last week.


Australia’s engineering labour force (those employed directly in engineering work) increased by almost 60,000 engineers” said Stephen Durkin, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Australia.

“The resources boom has clearly gained momentum between the last two censuses with the emergence of major energy, oil and gas projects. Western Australia and the Northern Territory led the charge, with demand for engineers expanding by a staggering 53.5 percent and 37.5 percent, respectively.

Engineering skills shortage widespread
While it’s easy to focus on engineering in the resources industry, far more engineers are employed in other sectors. In fact, mining ranks sixth on the list with about 13,500 engineers employed on mining projects. Top industries requiring engineering skills include:
·                          Professional services - 60,654 engineers
·                          Manufacturing - 41,114 engineers
·                          Construction sector - 20,901 engineers
Skilled migration solution for engineering shortage
hile Australian is graduating about 9,500 engineers every year, that’s still not enough to meet demand. Skilled migration makes a positive contribution to filling the engineering skills gap. Engineers from overseas made up 48% of the workforce in recent years.

“This latest paper confirms that engineers remain critical players in Australia’s ambitious nation building agenda. Engineers and engineering continue to make a huge contribution to our national economy, and these latest data draw attention to the scale of this ongoing contribution,” Mr Durkin said.
 




Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Why Study in Malaysia

Malaysia is the preferred destination of students from around the globe because:

Malaysia Offers a Wide Range of Internationally Recognition Qualifications via: Trans-national Education & International Affiliations
 
Malaysia is a pioneer in this region in the development and promotion of transnational bachelor's degree programme. Since the early 1980s, Malaysia has collaborated with reputable universities from countries like the UKthe US, New Zealand and Australia for internationally recognized qualifications.

Unique bachelor's degree programmes such as "2+1" twinning degrees and "3+0" degrees offer international students an extensive range of study options that meet their budget and academic needs. Further, students can use this opportunity to experience life as a student in an Asian as well as western setting.

cutural malaysia 

"2=1" twinning Degree Programmes – A Value for Money "Cross-Border" Experience
The "2+1" undergraduate twinning degree programme is the hallmark of "Studying in Malaysia". Partnering reputable international universities from countries such as UK, Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand, France as well as Germany, this twinning arrangement to pursue an internationally recognized bachelor's degree programme while gaining valuable experience from two countries.

The twinning degree arrangement offers substantial saving in tuition fees and other expenses. For example, if you enroll for a "2+1" law twinning degree programme that offers three years of study in Malaysia and one year in UK, you may save up to USD33,000 in tuition fees and living cost compared to when you do the entire 3-year degree in UK.

"3+0" Foreign Bachelor's Degree in Malaysia – AN affordable International Qualification
A 3+0 foreign bachelor's degree programme is an extension of a twinning programme. Under a 3+0 arrangement, bachelor's degree programmes from leading foreign universities are conducted by private higher educational institutions in Malaysia so that students are able to complete their course entirely in Malaysia.

Since 1998, many established Malaysian private institutions of higher learning have gained the confidence and trust from universities in countries like the UK, Australia, France and the US to allow them to conduct the entire foreign university degree programme in Malaysia. The qualification from these programmes will be awarded by the partner universities. Upon graduation, students can easily pursue their master's degree at the partner university overseas.
An example of tuition fees for a 3 years UK engineering degree in Malaysia is about USD 16,000 as compared to USD 45,000 in the UK.

 

Foreign University Branch Campuses in Malaysia- The best of the East and West
Currently, four international reputable universities such as the Monash University from Australia and the University of Nottingham from the UK have set up their branch campuses in Malaysia to offer bachelor and postgraduate degrees that are identical to that of their main campus overseas.

By enrolling at any these branch campuses located in Malaysia, you will pay lower tuition fees but will also have the opportunity to spend one or more semesters at the main campus overseas. For example, the tuition fee of a 3 years UK engineering degree is about USD11,600 per year at the Malaysia branch campus as compared to Euro14,500 ( USD 21,700) per year at the UK main campus.

Provide the Opportunity to Make International Contacts and to Experience Different Cultures
International students will benefit from an "Asian" experience within Malaysia's multiethnic environment. Studying in Malaysia allows you to take acquaintances with international students from all over the world. These experiences and networks will give you a competitive advantage in an evolving globalised world.
 
Low Cost of Living and Affordable Tuition Fees - Everybody Can Study overseas
The cost of living for international students studying in Malaysia could be as low as RM12,000 per annum which is approximately USD3,750. As such, the affordable cost of living cost combined with the cheaper tuition fee result in great savings when you choose to study in Malaysia.

The city of Kuala Lumpur offers you a high quality lifestyle at a lower cost compared to many other metropolitan cities in the world. Kuala Lumpur city was rated among the least expensive cities in the world by EXA International in its 2010 survey.
 
English language – An International Language
English is used as the primary medium of instruction for all courses conducted at private higher educational institutions. Postgraduate programmes at public universities are in English, which is the second language in Malaysia.

Malaysia is an excellent place for international students from non-English speaking countries to learn English.

English is widely spoken and studying in Malaysia will help students improve their English.
 
Export-Standard Malaysian Qualifications
A growing number of Malaysian private universities have ventured overseas by setting up branches or establishing trans-national arrangements in various Asian countries, Australia, Africa and the UK to offer Malaysian-brand tertiary qualifications.

This is another testimony of the internationalization effort by Malaysian private higher educational institution offered by them.
 
Quality Education – Assured by Legislation
Malaysia is committed to providing quality education. The stringent internal assurance by the universities as well as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007 (replacing the National Accreditation Board Act 1996) and Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996 will ensure is of high standard.
 
Career Relevant Courses with In-Demand Skills – for Greater Employability
Most of the higher educational institutions in Malaysia work closely with the industry and foreign partner universities to ensure that the courses offered are up-to-date and market relevant. These career relevant courses which help students develop the knowledge and skills they need at the workplace will enhance their employability when they graduate.

 

Simple and Hassle Free Way to Obtain Student Pass
The Malaysia Immigration Department has a simple and hassle free system for international students to gain entry into Malaysia. Obtaining a visa and a student pass for full time study in Malaysia is a quick and easy process. 

Students can also apply to bring along their spouse or family members while they are studying here.

Working While You Study
Student with a valid student pass are allowed to work in specific sectors. Subject to other immigration requirements, students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 Hour per week during semester breaks or holidays of more than seven days.

Politically Stable and Geographically Safe Country
Malaysia is a politically stable and safe country. The country enjoys a tropical climate which is warm and humid throughout the year and is also geographically-safe from major natural disasters.

Multi-Ethnic Population – Living Together Harmoniously
Besides their academic education, international students will also have the chance to learn about the rich and diverse culture in Malaysia. The multicultural society of Malaysia that and religions living harmoniously is a fine example of a country that promote peace and prosperity. The people of Malaysia are warm, friendly and accommodating – international students will find that they fill fit in to the lifestyle here easily.

 

Malaysia – Gateway to Asia
Malaysia is the gateway to Asia. You not only have easy access to the partner countries in Asia but you will also find yourself in Asia while studying here in Malaysia. This is because Malaysia is the bustling meeting point for people from around Asia. You will have the greatest opportunity here to build a good network of friends and business contact made up of people from different Asia countries. You can also learn of the abundance of employment and business opportunities that may exist for you in these Asian countries upon your graduation.

A Warm Welcome to Malaysia

Malaysia has years of experience with international students. Thus, most of the private higher educational institutions, English language schools and public universities have the experience to provide you with the qualification you seek in a conducive learning environment.

The International Student Offices in these institutions are accustomed to working with foreign student of various ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds. Therefore, international students are assured of support and attention during their studies here. By studying in Malaysia, international student will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet demands of a global market as well as enjoy a comfortable and an enriching stay in Malaysia

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

~~HIGHLY DEMANDED PROFESSIONS IN NEW ZEALAND~~



There are many openings for specialists in industries such as medicine, engineering and IT. But there are also opportunities to contribute more generalist skills.

There are 11 key areas of work where skills are very definitely needed:
Healthcare
Health technology
Information technology
Agriculture and forestry
Construction
Education
Engineering
Science
Oil and gas
Tourism and hospitality
Finance and business

SKILL SHORTAGE LISTS
Some skills are in chronically short supply, and Immigration New Zealand has lists of skill shortages.
If you are offered a job which appears on a skill shortage list and you have the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work and residence visa will be easier. This is because the Government has identified that employers need to recruit people from overseas to help meet demand for your skills.
But if your job is not on a shortage list, don’t be disheartened. There are other work and resident visa options that might be right for you.
BALANCE BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE
Imagine a place where you can work to the highest professional standards, then in half an hour or less be relaxing on a beach, hiking through beautiful native bush, pounding down a mountain bike track or just chilling with friends in your back garden over a fine New Zealand drink.

That’s what you can look forward to when you bring your skills to New Zealand.


ADELAIDE has overtaken Sydney as one of the world's most liveable cities, with recent major infrastructure boosting its international profile, according to a new global survey.


However, Melbourne outperformed 140 rivals to receive the Global Liveability Survey gong for a second year in a row with a near perfect score of 97.5 per cent.

It only lost points for climate, culture and petty crime.

Sydney dropped one place to seventh position despite an unchanged score, while Adelaide rocketed three places to joint fifth thanks to infrastructure improvements.

Perth was ninth, down one place.

Economist Intelligence Unit survey editor Jon Copestake said just 1.6 percentage points separated the five Aussie cities surveyed.

''Australian cities continue to thrive in terms of liveability not only do they benefit from the natural advantages of low population density, but they have continued to improve with some high profile infrastructure investments,'' Mr Copestake said from London.

''In Adelaide, projects completed in recent years under the Strategic Infrastructure Plan for South Australia have been enough to move the city above Sydney, whose score is unchanged.

''Melbourne may claim national bragging rights (in topping the rankings), but four of the five Australian cities surveyed are in the top 10 of the global index, and are separated by just 1.6 percentage points."
Elsewhere in the world the impact of the Arab Spring, and the fallout from the Euro zone crisis, are still being felt.
Many cities in the Middle East and North Africa have seen downward revisions of their scores due to civil unrest.
The ongoing civil war in Syria saw the capital, Damascus, fall furthest as violence intensified, dropping 13 places to 130th and into the very bottom tier of liveability with a score of 46.3 per cent.

London, which recently hosted the Olympic Games, saw a drop in score as a result of riots that took place in the
UK last year, causing it to fall two places to 55th in the ranking.

Dhaka in Bangladesh has the unenviable title of being the least liveable location surveyed.

The global liveability report surveys 140 locations around the world to assess the best or the worst living conditions.

It originated as a means of testing whether human resource departments needed to assign a hardship allowance as part of expatriate relocation packages.

It has since evolved as a broad benchmarking tool used by city councils, organisations or corporate entities looking to test locations against one another.

Cities are scored on political and social stability, crime rates and access to quality health care.

It also measures the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment; education (school and university); and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Introduction of the Visa Evidence Charge for Australia

From 24 November 2012, visa holders will need to pay a Visa Evidence Charge (VEC) of AUD 70 to have a visa label placed in their passport. The charge is being introduced as part of the user-pays initiatives and to encourage the use of online immigration services.
Do I need a visa label in my passport?

No. Australian authorities do not require a visa label in your passport to travel to, or enter or remain in Australia.

All Australia bound international commercial airlines and cruise ships are required to verify with Australian authorities that you have an Australian visa before you travel to Australia. Information on your visa status and entitlements is available on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

When you are in Australia you can access this information at any time using the VEVO system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements once they have your consent to do so.
Note: Organisations and individuals need to register to access VEVO.
What if I still need a visa label?

You can only request and pay for a visa label if you have a current Australian visa. Regardless of when your visa application was lodged, or your visa granted, anyone who requests a visa label will be charged.
How much is the charge for a label?

The charge for a visa label is AUD70. There will be exemptions to the VEC for humanitarian, diplomatic and government sponsored visa applicants.

What is VEVO?

VEVO is a free online facility that allows visa holders and organisations to see details of current visas.

Organisations will only be able to see certain information relating to your status and entitlements.  You as the visa holder are provided with more detailed information including:

  •     class and subclass of your visa
  •     grant and expiry dates
  •     grant number
  •     entries allowed
  •     all conditions that apply to your visa.
What if I'm asked by my prospective Australian employer, school or bank to get a visa label?

A visa label is not required by the Australian immigration authority. Work, study and residence entitlements of visa holders can be verified online using VEVO. With your consent, the enquiring organisation can use VEVO to check your visa status and entitlements.

 
Important things to remember:

Keep a copy of your grant letter with your passport when you travel, this letter contains all the important information about your visa.

Other things to keep in mind include:
  •     Australian authorities do not require you to have a visa label in your passport.
  •     Confirm requirements for visa labels with relevant authorities if you are transiting through or exiting a country.
  •     When you have been granted an Australian visa, you can check your visa information online using VEVO.
  •     Employers, schools, banks and other organisations can check your entitlements online with your consent using VEVO.