Exchange scheme to provide opportunities Down Under

Businesses in Greater Birmingham with interests in the Australian market can take advantage of a new initiative which offers “high-potential ” employees the opportunity to live and work Down Under.

And Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) pledged its support to the Australia-UK Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) during talks with Australia 's High Commission and Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On the back of the UK signing a Free Trade Agreement with Australia, new short-term opportunities for early career and innovative UK citizens to work and live in Australia are now available.

The IECSEP scheme is open to applicants from 25 September.

The Australia government believes mobility of skilled individuals between the two nations supports knowledge exchange and skills development, as well as promoting innovation.

The visit to Chamber House by Daniel Simpson from the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Zinat Hoque, of the Australian High Commission in London, further strengthened the GBCC 's ties with Australia on the back of successful work around the Commonwealth Games.

Ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Games, the GBCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Queensland Trade & Investment.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The UK-Australia FTA opened up a whole range of opportunities for Greater Birmingham Businesses on bilateral trade.

“The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot visa offers a unique opportunity for businesses with offices or partners in, or an interest in developing connections with, Australia to develop high potential employees or facilitate innovation. "Australia is a key market for the GBCC following on from both the FTA and the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games which will next take place in Victoria in 2026.

“We look forward to continuing to develop our partnerships and with them, support facilitating trade opportunities for local businesses through our Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce division and research activity. ”

More information on the IECSEP scheme is available by visiting immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or emailing aukfta.iecsep@dfat.gov.au

Pictured (l to r): Daniel Simpson, Andrew Hipgrave (international logistics support manager, GBCC), Zinat Hoque and Henrietta Brealey