ANETA ZILVAROVA
The Skilled Migrant Expo has come to Brisbane for the first time with hundreds of international students and foreign workers attending the event last weekend.
The expo provides a complete spectrum of information and assistance relating to employment, education, skills assessment, language training and settlement needs.
According to event organisers Brisbane was clearly identified as an area of interest in their survey conducted among exhibitors with public responses living up to their expectations.
SGMC International general manager Joe Hernandez said the turnout for the event was good, but he anticipates next year’s show to be even bigger.
“During those two days around two thousand people went through our door, which is similar to the last year’s numbers in Perth where we had our first exhibition,” he said.
“For us this is a learning exercise and next year we anticipate even higher attendance.”
Exhibitors included the Department of Immigration & Citizenship, Australian Taxation Office, AUSPAC Migration & Skilled Recruitment Services or Pension Transfer Specialists.
Show goer Fernando V., a temporary resident from Colombia, said he would like to settle permanently in Australia and work as an environmental scientist.
“I would like to stay here because of a better quality of life and more job opportunities,” he said.
“I found the exhibition and the information provided very useful and it fills me with hope.
“A good qualification and work experience is a must and it is a long process but I think it is doable.”
For more information on the expo visit their website.