TAFE NSW is supporting skilled migrants to transition into the Australian workforce through the phenomenally successful Skillmax program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created several skills shortages in the Australian labour market, making skilled migrants more valuable than ever as the nation recovers from this most recent outbreak.

Iran-born Paria Rahbar arrived in Australia in November 2019. With a highly qualified background in surveying and spatial data analysis she found she was applying for jobs all the time but getting nowhere. 

“Before joining this course, I was applying for jobs, but they never returned to me,” Paria said.

“So, a couple of months ago I decided to join the Skillmax program to update my resume and become more familiar with the Australian working culture and interview process.” 

Skillmax is funded by the NSW Government and assists skilled migrants with overseas qualifications to seek employment in their area of professional expertise in Australia. The program is free to eligible participants and is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of the current labour market, as well as strategies to access employment opportunities in Australia.

“Skillmax is the best thing I have done in my whole professional life. Just after the informative LinkedIn workshop, and once my resume had been reviewed by our great teacher Margaret, I was being contacted by recruiters and companies for interviews almost every day,” Paria said.

“Every single topic in this class, from preparing a CV to getting ready for phone or face to face interviews is necessary for anyone who wants to have a job in Australia. The most useful parts for me were learning how to answer questions about myself and the LinkedIn workshop.” 

Margaret Beck, teacher of the Skillmax program at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, said the course was perfect for any migrant looking to tap into the Australian job market, whether they are recent arrivals, professionals looking to return to the market after a career break or someone whose employment opportunities have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Skillmax gives skilled migrants a comprehensive insight into the Australian job market and provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to go for the interview and get the job,” 

“The course content covers resume and cover letter writing, interview techniques and questions and networking techniques, including using LinkedIn.” Margaret said. 

Paria completed the program in June 2021 and is now working as a Land Information Management Officer for a Western Sydney council.

“Just one week after the course finished, I started at my new job,” Paria said.

“Skillmax makes you confident in interviews, helps you act in a professional way in contact with recruiters and employers, gives useful information about the Australian work culture and most importantly teaches you how to market your skills and experience in an interview.”

The Skillmax job-seeking course is a fast-track course, usually comprised of 15 hours of classroom tuition per week, delivered over five weeks, with possibilities for delivery online, face-to-face, or a combination of both.  

TAFE NSW can help qualified migrants enter the Australian workforce. To find out more about the Skillmax course at TAFE NSW, enquire directly at skillmax@tafensw.edu.au, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.