WITH IRELAND facing its first economic recession since 1983 and unemployment expected to reach 8 per cent next year, Irish workers are being offered the opportunity this month to meet with employers, recruiters and third-level institutions to receive information necessary for a new life abroad.
A comprehensive guide to working and living in Australia and New Zealand will be unfolded at the Down Under Expo which takes place in the RDS on 27-28 September. Now in its fourth year, the initiative is the only event of its kind and has already assisted thousands of Irish people in emigrating and starting a new life in Australia and New Zealand.
With the Government considering the reintroduction of thirdlevel fees, the Down Under Expo includes options such as studying abroad and internships. Attendees will hear about the wide range of opportunities available, from full-time study in Australia and New Zealand, to work placement and internship opportunities in such areas as hospitality, tourism, marine biology, leisure, marketing and business. Meanwhile, farmers facing financial uncertainty after the recent flooding will have the opportunity to meet companies that organise work placements on dairy farms throughout New Zealand.
Over 50 specialist exhibitors, including government bodies, migrant officials, recruitment agencies and relocation experts will offer advice and assistance at the two-day event. The department of immigration and citizenship and Immigration New Zealand will be on hand to outline Irish citizens’ visa options. Approximately 30,000 skilled or business migrants and their families are accepted annually by the New Zealand government under this programme. The Down Under Expo will also offer a wide range of local knowledge such as schooling, housing, relocation and financial services.
Emigration is now a reality for thousands of Irish. According to the recent USbased Manpower Borderless Workforce Survey, 93 per cent of Irish people said they are willing to move to another country to find a job while over half (52%) would go anywhere in the world. Only Filipinos, at 96 per cent, said they were more willing to move. Electricians, carpenter/joiners, mechanics, plumbers and bricklayers made up five of the top 10 occupations in demand in Australia in 2006 and filled by skilled migrants from Ireland. The others were: nurses; accountants; cooks; fitters and hairdressers.
“The days of young people hopping on a plane and outstaying their visitor visas is well gone and Australia and New Zealand have taken over from the security-conscious States as the destination of choice for emigrants,” said Stephen McLarnon of SGMC Group, organisers of the Down Under Expo. “Job emigration may be back but, unlike other times in our history, we are ensuring that Irish emigrants are equipped with all of the information, paperwork, contacts and job options they need for starting a better life abroad”.
The Down Under Expo takes place on Saturday 27 September (10am-5pm) and Sunday 28 September (12pm-5pm) in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (accessible via Anglesea Road Gate – Industries Hall). Tickets 10 euro. Further information is available on www.downunder.ie
