Finding the right talent is one of the biggest challenges for employers today. But there is one solution that is often overlooked, South Australia businesses have easy access to additional skilled workers, international students and graduates. Locally educated and globally connected, they bring fresh ideas and cultural insights that help businesses grow and innovate, connect with new markets, and gain a competitive edge – all at no cost to their employers.
Representing over 130 nationalities and studying at leading vocational and higher education institutions, international students are adaptable and eager to join the South Australian workforce. They have qualifications in diverse fields aligned to industries that are struggling to find skilled staff from engineering and construction, IT and commerce, to health and hospitality.
Think Digital is a South Australian company that has taken on international students for internships, part-time, and graduate roles. The company’s founder Tim Gentle believes “Bringing international perspectives does add a depth to what we do and the problems that we solve. I think international graduates are a bit of an unsung hero of the Australian workforce.”
If your organisation works with international clients or suppliers, multilingual employees give your business a competitive edge in the global market. Iain Kemp from Grant Thornton says “International students bring something different that adds real value to our clients. The obvious is in language skills and teaching us about cultural differences when dealing with international clients, but the main one is that they bring value to us as an organisation, challenging our thinking, how we work with each other, and how we teach each other.”
StudyAdelaide’s Employment Connect has been designed to help businesses
understand and access this valuable talent pool. It provides employers with easy-to-read information – and a downloadable guide – on international graduate visas and work rights and the benefits of hiring international students. Links to the careers teams at Adelaide’s education institutions provide direct access for employers to recruit international students and graduates.
StudyAdelaide’s Chief Executive, Jane Johnston, is confident Employment Connect is helping employers increase their skilled workforce. Ms Johnston says “StudyAdelaide is proud to provide Employment Connect as a hub of information and resources for employers and international students. With international students’ top fields of study aligning with areas of skills shortage across the state, bridging the information gap is essential to maximising the opportunities this diverse talent pool brings to South Australian businesses. Employment Connect is a win-win solution for both businesses and international students.”
Sarah Drew, Group, People and Culture Manager at REDARC says “If companies aren’t hiring international students, they’re missing out on access to a global
workforce. We encourage them to use Employment Connect and the information available to dispel the myths around hiring international students”.
Visit Employment Connect, studyadelaide.com/employmentconnect to discover how international student talent can build capability, close skill gaps, and strengthen and grow your business and South Australia’s future workforce.
