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P EMIGRATION
Page 8
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Mechanics are offered financial incentives to move Down Under
AUSTRALIA IS TRYING to tempt commercia vehicle mechanics to emigrate Down Under by offering the prospect of a better lifestyle and proposing to cover the £2,000 cost of paperwork.
Australian firms are prepared to sponsor experienced and qualified mechanics in a bid to attract automotive professionals in order to fill a gap in the country's dwindling skilled workforce.
Family-owned 'one-stop shop' company Next Step Australia is keen to promote working in the southern hemisphere, and lists a number of incentives for British truck mechanics.
A spokeswoman says that several employers are willing to organise and finance a candidate's visa, which would save them approximately £2,000.
Other factors, such as shorter working hours, four to six weeks' holiday entitlement and an employer contribution of 9% of gross salary to a retirement fund, appear to be working.
Just over 700 motor mechanics left the UK between 2006 and 2007, and 840 more are predicted to emigrate to Australia this year.
Billy White, group training manager at Lanarkshirebased CV mechanics training firm Lagta, believes the industry still has a lot to offer UK apprentices: "Financial rewards on this side of the water will be high. You are paid to train and there are excellent levels of employment."