Professional Year -SMIPA Host Company information
The program giving international graduates the skills for employment in the Australian work environment.
Background
The Australian Federal Government has recently gazetted a new program for international students seeking to gain permanent residence in Australia. This is part of the 485 Skilled Graduate visa program, for which there is expected to be in excess of 30,000 applicants over the next 12 months.
The programs developed are the Professional Year and Special Migration Internship Program for Accountants during which the international students, who have graduated after a minimum of two years study in Australia,will undertake a program to assist with their employment opportunities in their field of study.
Monash Professional has worked very closely with the Government and professional bodies to provide advice and materials for the structure and implementation of the programs. It has used its expertise in employment skilling to develop a quality program that will fulfil the needs of all stakeholders.
It is expected that the Professional Year and SMIPA will significantly alter the strategies used by organisations to engage and employ international students.
The following provides some background to the program.
What is 'studied' in the Professional Year and SMIPA?
The aim of these programs is to develop practical employment skills for international students to complement the theory learned in their study. It is aimed to ensure a seamless transition to work in the selected area for international students so as to assist in addressing Australia's skill shortage.
The key items included in the programs are:
- Business Communications Skills
- Australian Workplace Skills
- Professional Internship
The program is designed to be practical and aims to ensure that skills are developed in effective communication, interaction and are able to utilise these to engage appropriately in their role within the Australian workplace.
Which occupations are included?
There are three occupations nominated by the Australian Government for the provision of Monash Professional programs:
- Computer Science
- Accounting
- Engineering
The Computer Science Professional Year and Accounting SMIPA have been approved by the government and Monash Professional is approved to provide both programs. The Engineering Professional Year program is yet to be given final approval by the Government; this is expected in the near future.
How long are the programs?
The Professional Year is a one year program, with the Professional Internship component being 12 weeks duration. There are no work restrictions on the 485 Skilled Graduate visa, so participants are able to work during this time. The 485 visa gives students 18 months to be able to apply for permanent residence.
What do students get from the Professional Year and SMIPA?
The key aim of these programs is to assist the participants in gaining employment in their chosen profession. Completing the program provides, additional points needed to apply for permanent residency and ultimately be eligible to work long-term in Australia.
Who offers PY and SMIPA?
The PY and SMIPA are the first Professional programs for skilled migration available in Australia.
At present, Monash Professional is the only approved provider.
There will be a number of providers of the Professional Year in each state as the programs become better known and other groups are approved.
The Engineering Professional Year is currently in the development phase.
How are companies able to participate?
Organisations are able to participate by providing the Professional Internships component of the program - work experience that enables participants to apply skills learned in a real work context. Students are also expected to undertake an agreed training plan, keep a reflective diary and report on the nature of work they have undertaken. A Professional Internship is 12-16 weeks in duration, and is tailored to meet the needs of both the company and the student.
Are there any costs to companies?
There are no direct costs to companies for the Professional Year. Internships are unpaid and the insurance is covered by Monash Professional.
Companies are expected to provide a supervisor and appropriate work space, as well as ensure the intern has a broad range of work experience to enhance their skills in their profession.
If a company chooses to employ a student during the Professional Internship, there are no recruitment fees involved.
What are the benefits to companies?
Companies participating in our programs receive the following benefits:
- The opportunity to assist in skilling the Australian workforce
- Companies get a good look at potential future employment candidates
- There are no direct costs to the company
- There is the chance to employ well qualified international students who have been skilled in Australian work practice, and will be eligible for permanent residence.
The Monash Professional Year Program and Skilled Migration Internship Program for Accountants
Why partner with Monash Professional?
- As Monash Professional has led the program development it understands the program and its expectations in great detail.
- Monash Professional's vast experience in arranging and managing professional internships means the programs are of high quality.
- Monash Professional is engaged in the practical skilling for the workforce through its Training & Development division, the expertise of which will be used to underpin this program.
- Monash Professional is a specialist in workplace training and development, whether through courses or through internships.
- Monash Professional is the leading program provider - currently Monash Professional is the only approved provider.
- Monash Professional will recruit high quality students into the programs, ensuring a good standard of its graduates.
- Monash Professional operates in Melbourne and Sydney, ensuring it can provide opportunities in Australia's two most populous states which is where international students are predominantly located.