Time is running out for British AI, data management and tech specialists to take advantage of a new, streamlined pathway offering career advancement in Western Australia (WA).

WA is a major player globally in the emerging critical mineral industry, renewable energy and medical technology. 

WA also boasts higher wages and a cheaper cost of living compared to Britain, along with the lifestyle benefits of a State which enjoys over 200 days of sunshine every year.

Under the terms of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement signed two years ago, the two countries agreed to open up a special visa scheme to allow British citizens the chance of working in Australia.

The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) was established to offer a smoother pathway for early career professionals and innovators from the UK to work Down Under.

This program will mean opportunities for innovators in various industries - Research and Development, Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Medical Technology, FinTech, AgriTech, Audio-visual and Cultural.

One of the industries where workers can benefit is data management, AI and tech - but there isn’t long left before the door shuts on the opportunity.

The IECSEP closes its window for new applications on November 20 this year, blocking off a potentially smoother process to make the move.

There are two streams under IECSEP:

• the Early Careers Skills stream, which will allow participants to undertake a short-term placement, secondment, or intra-corporate transfer for up to one year in Australia.

• the Innovation stream, which will allow highly skilled and experienced participants, with a demonstrated contribution to innovation, to undertake opportunities for up to three years in Australia.

Total visas available under the IECSEP will be 1,000 in the first year, and 2,000 in the second year of operation, during which the program will be reviewed.

While the scheme runs across the whole country, Western Australia is pushing the opportunities the State offers - both for employment and lifestyle.

Those interested in pursuing their careers in Western Australia at a time of huge growth can visit https://likenoother.wa.gov.au/

For information on the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot, and an application form, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s information page https://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/trade-and-investment/benefits-tech-entrepreneurs-and-innovators/iecsep

The Skilled Migrant Employment Register helps skilled migrants to connect with Western Australian jobs. For more information visit https://migration.wa.gov.au/