HOUSTON, TX -- Organizers of the Aussie job fair in Houston have reached their target enrolment, and have cut-off further online registrations for the weekend (May 19-20) event.
Skilled workers in gas, oil, mining and construction will have the opportunity to meet Australian recruiters from around 20 major resources companies, as well as state government representatives seeking to fill more than 650 vacancies in the booming minerals and resources sector.
"We're very happy with the strong response in the lead-up to this weekend's job fair," said Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman, Sandi Logan today. "Skilled workers from Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Beaumont, Galveston and further afield have sent us their details and their CVs, and those who 'have the goods' have received an email from the department with their next instructions.
"The event is by-invitation only," Mr Logan said.
"We've had to cut off online expressions of interest as it approached 3000 because we are limiting each session to around 150-200 people to ensure each applicant and all of the recruiters have quality time with each other.
"There will be a brief summary of visa requirements at the opening of each session, and then we'll invite the participants to visit the booths of the company representatives in whom they have an interest.
"We're looking for engineers, quantity surveyors, welders, electricians, carpenters and mechanics among a range of trades and professions.
"There will be trades recognition officials also attending who will help American journeymen and women begin the process of having their qualifications and certification recognized to enable them to hit the ground running when they arrive down under.
"In the main, the recruiters will be looking for both temporary and permanent skilled migrants. Temporary visas are good for up to four years, and of course permanent skilled visas offer permanent residence to the skilled worker and his/her dependents.
"We're confident Americans who are looking for a career step-up, are looking for a challenge, and who are ready to travel down under will find many similar qualities and elements in the Australian lifestyle that they'd be used to at home in the US.
"We speak English, we are tolerant and diverse, we love sport, and we have a strong friendship with Americans which dates back more than a century, supporting each other in combat in many places around the world," Mr Logan added.
US war veterans are also expected to be part of the large attendance over the weekend as skills acquired in military service, and experience serving abroad are both highly regarded by Australian recruiters.
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Contact for follow-up/interviews: Sandi Logan, Australian Immigration spokesman 713 961 1500 (Room 1608)