UNIVERSITIES worldwide compete for research dollars and recognition to remain viable, and WA’s universities are no exception, advertising internationally to fill academic and executive positions with the best possible talent.
While one of the most successful recruiting sectors, the universities also play a role in assisting business migrants coming to Australia to work in other sectors.
Uni Access programs offer courses to assist professionals gain accreditation or registration to work in Australia, and the Australian Institute of Management-University of Western Australia Senior Management Centre provides generic and customised courses suitable for those wanting to orient themselves with Australian business culture and practice.
UWA director human resources Bob Farrelly said positions at lecturer level and above were able to be filled by a person from overseas, but to do this for any other position, the university would have to prove they had advertised nationwide and could not find someone suitable.
UWA sponsors all staff it appoints from overseas, averaging up to three each month.
These staff often come to Australia for defined durations but can also become permanent residents. UWA currently has staff from 70 countries, including most of Asia, Russia and former Soviet Union nations, Mr Farrelly said.
Murdoch University manager corporate and public affairs Nathan Giles said all lecture level C and above positions were advertised internationally by the university to access the best skills base and ensure diversity. Including work-experience staff, and visiting fellows, Murdoch assists 150 overseas staff to come to Australia annually.
