We’re in a skills shortage – and with abilities that are widely celebrated but notoriously challenging to develop, it’s no surprise that engineers are in high demand. Many Australian businesses are left with roles that are increasingly harder to fill.
Our Global Engineering Talent (GET) program bridges the gap between overseas qualified engineers and the Australian businesses who need them. The 18-week program includes comprehensive training and placement to help engineers adapt their skills for the local workforce.
For engineers, it’s a key to unlock rewarding employment in your field. And for businesses, it’s a steady pipeline of skilled candidates ready to hit the ground running.
For businesses
Duration
18-weeks
Intakes
QLD, clean energy:
up to 14 June 2024*
Other:
from 1 July 2024
Fees
$9,000 ex GST per engineer**
*Queensland government
funding available
**Paid by the business in
addition to candidate wages
For engineers
Duration
18-weeks
Intakes
QLD, clean energy:
up to 14 June 2024
Other:
from 1 July 2024
Fees
No costs involved for
overseas qualified engineers (candidates)
Funding available
We have partnered with the Queensland government to fund the upfront cost of 20 GET program candidates. Go to the Clean Energy funded places section to learn more. Applications close 14 June 2024.
The GET program is delivered in two parts, beginning with 6-weeks of live-facilitated and self-paced online learning designed to simulate an Australian engineering project. From there, the participating engineers will embark on a 12-week paid work placement in their field, gaining valuable local experience.
Across the 18-weeks, participants get the opportunity to cover a range of topics with a specifically Australian lens. Themes include:
- The Australian workplace
- Contract work: problem, solution, and evaluation
- Presentation of engineering solutions
- Engineering-focused English language
As part of the program, candidates get:
- An Engineers Australia mentor
- A free year of Engineers Australia membership, to support ongoing learning and deeper connections within Australia’s engineering community.
Engineers who complete the program will be equipped with the local experience and knowledge they need to thrive in Australian businesses. By filling these knowledge gaps, we’re empowering a talented and qualified pool of engineers to put their skills to use where they’re needed most.
Championing diversity and inclusion
The GET Program is part of Engineers Australia's commitment to a diverse and inclusive profession. Research shows this improves staff engagement, enhances decision-making and can improve business outcomes and profitability.
Through the GET program, your business can access a steady pipeline of skilled engineers ready to jump on projects, while giving them the opportunity to embark on a rewarding career with a local employer.
Here's how the program works. To join the program and get matched with engineering candidates, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Register your interest
- Complete a company profile* to outline your skill requirements
- Program candidates are matched with your needs
- Select the candidates to interview
- Choose the candidate that best fits
- Sign the employment contracts
- We’ll assign an Engineers Australia mentor to the candidate
- They’ll start their 6-week online training
- Then the 12-week paid work placement with you
- The engineer is awarded with a micro-credential and you’re free to extend an employment offer
*hosted by program partner Career Success Australia
The program is delivered over 18-weeks:
- 6-weeks online training, followed by
- 12-weeks paid work placement
The program costs $9000 + GST per engineer. This is paid by the business in addition to candidate wages.
Right now, the Queensland government is funding the upfront cost of 20 GET program candidates as part of Queensland’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.
Go to the Clean Energy funded places section to learn more. Applications close 14 June 2024.
Engineers are in high demand in Australia, with many organisations struggling to fill their skilled roles. Even so, many engineers who received their qualifications overseas struggle to find work here in their field.
The GET program is designed to bridge this gap, bringing Australian employers and global talent together in a way that benefits everyone. This program will equip you with the skills and experience you need to thrive in the Australian Workplace.
Here's how the program works. To successfully apply for and be selected, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Check eligibility criteria
- Complete the expression of interest (EOI) form and upload your CV
- Start the Career Starter Program (CSP) from program partner, Career Success Australia
- You’ll be matched with and interviewed by a local business if your skills and experience meet their requirements
- If successful, you’ll receive an offer
- You’ll be allocated an Engineers Australia mentor
- You’ll start 6-weeks of online training
- You’ll complete your 12-week paid work placement
- The GET program will be completed, and
- You can get assessed for a micro-credential
- You’ll have local experience and be in a great position to apply for a job in your field
To be eligible, participants need to be overseas qualified engineers who:
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in the engineering field, with the most recent role being within the last 3 years
- Aren’t currently working in an engineering role, or at a level in line with their qualifications and experience
- Are available to participate in the 6-week part-time online training and full-time 12-week work placement (a total of 18-weeks)
- Are living in Australia with a valid Australian Visa with full working rights
- Meet the requirements for a full Engineers Australia membership
- Hold a minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering issued by an overseas education institution
- Have a Migration Skills Assessment or Stage 1 Competency issued by Engineers Australia
Not eligible?
This program may not be right for you, but if you’re looking to grow your expertise, tap into Australian engineering communities and access exciting opportunities in your field, consider becoming an Engineers Australia member.
The program is delivered over 18-weeks:
- 6-weeks of online training, followed by
- 12-week paid work placement
There are no costs involved for overseas qualified engineers.
Throughout the program, you'll have access to a mentor from Engineers Australia and as well as a free year (12-months) of Engineers Australia membership, to support ongoing learning and connection with Australia’s engineering community
Upon successful completion of the program, you'll have local experience to add to your CV and be in a great position to apply for a job in your field.
You'll also be able to apply to be assessed for an Engineers Australia Micro-credential on Local Engineering Knowledge.
We have partnered with the Queensland government to fund the upfront cost of 20 GET program candidates.
As part of Queensland’s investment in renewable energy supply chains, candidates must be placed at an engineering business with clean energy projects in Queensland.
It’s a win for the business, the engineering talent, and the sector.
As part of Queensland’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap, the Queensland Government will fully fund the $9000 per-engineer onboarding cost of 20 GET program candidates.
Businesses only have to pay the wages for the 12-week work placement.
For businesses
All Queensland-located businesses and engineering disciplines can be considered. However, positions offered to GET Program candidates must be related to a clean energy project.
For more information on clean energy projects, see the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
For overseas qualified engineers (candidates)
For this initiative, candidates must be located in Queensland.
Read the For overseas qualified engineers section for additional program eligibility criteria.
Applications close 14 June 2024. Start your application by submitting your expression of interest now.
The candidate must be placed within the participating business by 30 June 2024.
The program is delivered over 18-weeks:
- 6-weeks online training, followed by
- 12-weeks paid placement, working on a clean energy related projects