Government-backed agency StudyPerth has today appointed eight Western Australians from the education, legal and professional sectors as members of a new employability panel aimed at international students.
Government-backed agency StudyPerth has today appointed eight Western Australians from the education, legal and professional sectors as members of a new employability panel aimed at international students.
The Employability Perth Project aims to assist international students with the skills, connections and knowledge to advance their career or entrepreneurial aspirations.
The new panel will be chaired by Malcolm Baigent, college director and principal of Edith Cowan College.
Mr Baigent is also college director and principal of Edith Cowan University's Perth Institute of Business and Technology, and has worked for over a decade with the university.
Other panel members include the Australian Institute of Management WA's Centre for International Business associate director Chris Williams, Foundation for Educational Digital Development chief executive Paul Moro, and director of Grovers Project and chair of the Australian Indian Business Council education committee, Harsh Grover.
Methodist Ladies' College director Tracey Lim, King & Wood Mallesons solicitor Angela Zhao, ECU School of Business and Law director of work integrated learning Denise Jackson, and Curtin University PhD student Sana Asghar will complete the panel.
StudyPerth executive director Phil Payne said the project would be vital in building Perth’s position as a study destination.
“The Employability Perth Project is one of the initiatives we at StudyPerth, along with our members, sponsors and partners, are committed to achieve as part of our state’s strategy to show the world that Perth is a great place to live, learn and launch bright futures,” he said.
“Our recent research and interviews with current and future international students indicate that employability skills and prospects are among the most important criteria when choosing a study destination.
“Many of our member institutions are already doing terrific work in this area.
“The role of StudyPerth with this project is to procure a variety of employment services to create an integrated and comprehensive program – for all international students.
“All international students should be confident that Perth will provide them the opportunity to acquire the skills, experience, confidence and networks to succeed in their chosen career.
“With the international education industry being WA’s largest services sector - after tourism - and generating about $1.9 billion in course fees and spending, initiatives such as the Employability Perth Project will, we believe, contribute to the important value the industry brings.”
Incoming chair of the advisory and evaluation panel Mr Baigent re-iterated the integral role of the project in furthering Perth’s international education sector.
“By creating opportunities for every international student - irrespective of level of study, institution or course - to enhance their skills, knowledge and connections, we are increasing their employability prospects for the future,” he said.
“Together with my fellow panel members, I am excited to share our collective experiences, networks and knowledge across education, legal and professional sectors to make these opportunities available for our international students.
“Our Employability Perth Project will add an important value proposition to studying in Perth beyond receiving a high-quality education.
The panel’s first task will be to guide a procurement process, seeking vendors who can identify the specific challenges faced by international students, and advise on employability skill development ideas.
The focus will be on delivering programs that complement existing services provided by education institutions and related organisations.
