Workforce gaps in skilled trades continue to be a major challenge, however, international talent is helping RWM to bridge this gap. One of our clients in the manufacturing sector needed a skilled boilermaker for a long-term role but struggled to find local talent.

To bridge this gap, we leveraged our international recruitment expertise to connect our client in Victoria with highly skilled boilermakers from overseas to address critical workforce shortages. Lewis and Abel, who joined us from South Africa on three year visas are now contributing their expertise to keep manufacturing operations productive and competitive. We identified talented individuals like Lewis and Abel, facilitated their relocation, and ensured their transition to Australia was seamless.

We provided end-to-end support, from initial recruitment to onboarding, including:

• Comprehensive recruitment: Our process involved conducting in-depth skill assessments and ensuring compliance with visa applications, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. This enabled them to access highly skilled tradespeople from across the globe, effectively addressing skill shortages.
• Relocation and mobilisation: Our team handled all the logistics, from coordinating flights to ensuring safe, efficient travel to the worksite. We arranged airport pickups, transport to accommodation, and supported the workers with settling into their new roles, providing a smooth transition for Lewis and Abel’s new international hires.
• Onboarding: We assisted with essential services like opening bank accounts, setting up SIM cards, and completing health checks. Plus, with our 24/7 pastoral care support, we ensured the workers' emotional and cultural well-being, helping them feel welcomed and supported both on-site and off-site

By facilitating a smooth transition, we helped our client secure the skilled workforce needed to maintain efficiency and drive business success.

RWM not only helped our client to fill critical skills gaps but also ensureed Lewis and Abel had the support they needed to settle into their new roles – and a new country. Our approach provided a smooth transition for both the business and the workers joining it. Here’s how we  made it happen:

• Housing: Upon arrival, both workers were provided with employer-arranged shared accommodation, giving them the time to find a suitable apartment to move into near their work.
• Setting up essentials: Both workers received support with bank accounts, SIM card setups, tax file numbers, and other key services to ensure they were set up and could settle in quickly.
• Community integration: Lewis and Abel quickly acclimated, with Lewis arriving 2 weeks earlier, learning the ropes of Melbourne and then guiding Abel through the adjustment process when he arrived, helping him settle into Melbourne.
• Personalised support: Lewis purchased a car when he arrived in Melbourne, and then spent time introducing Abel to the city when he arrived, further strengthening their friendship and easing the transition.

Both Lewis and Abel have become integral to the client’s operations, contributing their trade expertise to an exciting new project. Their skills have ensured that manufacturing deadlines are met, client expectations are exceeded, and operations remain ahead of schedule.

Their journey highlights RWM’s broader mission: empowering skilled international workers to build futures in Australia while addressing critical skills shortages for clients.

As Lewis reflected, “RWM really looked after us. They arranged our flights, picked us up at the airport, and made sure we had everything we needed, like setting up a bank account and a SIM card.”

The ultimate goal for both workers is to reunite with their families in Australiar, made possible by the opportunities and support provided by RWM.

By bringing international talent to Australia, RWM continues to solve the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople, helping clients like ours maintain productivity and competitiveness.

If you're facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, RWM is here to help. Contact us today or reach out to our Recruitment Operations Manager, Maike Holland, at MHolland@fipgroup.com.au, to discuss how we can support your workforce needs.