NSW launches new jobs program for international students
23 November 2022
A new Australian-first program will help address shortages in the labour market by connecting international students directly with NSW employers across the nation’s largest and most diverse state economy.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the NSW Government through Study NSW is partnering with leading employment marketplace SEEK to deliver NSW Jobs Connect for International Students.
“More than 136,000 international students are actively studying in NSW, integrating into their local communities and investing in their futures, so it’s important that we support them during their studies and beyond,” Mr Henskens said.
“This innovative program will help students identify suitable employment opportunities and link NSW employers to a robust, diverse and reliable source of talent, which will help grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.”
From today, the SEEK platform will include a “#NSW Jobs Connect” filter, enabling international students to easily identify job opportunities posted by employers, including Allianz Insurance and Cancer Council NSW who are part of the program.
SEEK Head of Government Relations Kadi Taylor said the pilot is a first of its kind, with employers across a range of sectors including finance, construction, manufacturing and technology taking part in the program.
“Many employers are unaware that international students have work rights during and post their studies, with many having the right to work for up to six years once their study is complete,” Ms Taylor said.
“This program is about bringing students and employers together through our platform and at in-person events, creating opportunities, and equipping both sides with the knowledge and skills to thrive.”
Allianz Australia Chief Human Resources Officer Vicky Drakousis welcomed the new initiative.
“Being part of this program allows us to support our growing business by tapping into a whole new talent pool, while potentially providing valuable career opportunities for international students. We’re confident these students will bring insight and diverse thinking to Allianz,” Ms Drakousis said.
If you are a NSW employer interested in joining the initiative and recruiting international students and graduates, submit your expression of interest here.
If you are an international student or graduate in NSW looking for work, visit click here to find registered businesses with current employment opportunities.
2022 NSW International Student of the Year - ELICOS
Marcela Soares Gigliotti De Carvalho (Brazil)
ILSC Sydney
Marcela is a Brazilian student at ILSC Sydney studying English. She moved to Australia to improve her language skills and understanding of different cultures.
Marcela lives on the NSW Central Coast and her two-hour daily commute to the Sydney campus does not hinder her community engagement. This includes her environmental contribution, working with other postgraduate volunteers at Taronga Zoo to develop online and onsite conservation workshops. Marcela has also volunteered at the Australian Museum, helping to transcribe the entomological collection into an online format.
Marcela’s most valuable experience in NSW to date has been the connections she made with her teachers and peers. In the future, she wants to teach young minds to seek a better world.
2022 NSW International Student of the Year - Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Chun Hean (Nicholas) Thong (Malaysia)
Wells International College
Chun Hean (Nicholas) Thong is a Malaysian student at Wells International College studying a Diploma of Hospitality Management.
Nicholas has demonstrated his leadership skills and eagerness to make the lives of those around him easier by arriving to class early to help the trainer set up the kitchen, staying back late to pack up after class, and actively helping other students initiate their careers. Nicholas’ extensive knowledge and previous experience in Malaysia have allowed him to provide valuable feedback to the college to improve customer service and kitchen workflow.
Nicholas hopes to open his own business and is currently working on a project that aims to connect restaurants to the community by providing local charities with excess food from hospitality venues.
2022 NSW International Student Community Engagement Award - Education Providers
Peers Advocating for Sexual Health (PASH)
UNSW Sydney
PASH (People Advocating for Sexual Health) is a peer-education program upskilling students to be able to confidently talk about sexual health with their peers.
Poor sexual and reproductive health literacy is recognised as a key concern for international students. By normalising conversations about sexual health, the importance of regular STI testing, and discussions around affirmative consent, PASH helps normalise testing and improve the likelihood of students having healthy relationships.
PASH peers have been part of the Health Advisory Group for the Study NSW-funded International Student Health Hub, led the development of a Sexual Health and Consent learning module in partnership with NSW Health STI Programs Unit, co-created the SEXtember festival and ran sexual health training with UNSW Global. The program was also one of the pilot testing sites for the NSW Health SHAPE (Sexual Health and Peer Education) toolkits.
PASH aims to continue growing and developing, embedding more PASH peers within student accommodation across UNSW.