Natalie Carrington, CEO at Bloom HR, takes us through Australian work visa options and argues that broadening your recruitment could be way to develop a stronger team.
There's no denying it: The community housing sector in Australasia is part of the solution to tackle housing shortages, delivering affordable housing and strengthening communities. As the demand for skilled professionals grows in our sector and our wraparound services, organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to fill vacancies and diversify from the local Australian workforce. That is why we need to think global.
There is an opportunity to supplement our local talent from a much broader, more diverse pool of overseas workers. It is a practical solution that is very achievable and can bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to your team.
"Visa and sponsorship programs are designed to complement local workforce initiatives, not replace them."
Sponsoring overseas workers offers a way to address skills shortages; however, it is important to approach this responsibly. Visa and sponsorship programs are designed to complement local workforce initiatives, not replace them. As well as looking globally for talent, organisations should also focus on growing the local talent pool through apprenticeships, traineeships and career development programs, and use skilled migration and work visas as a supplementary strategy.
Here is a guide to the key visa pathways, benefits and opportunities for community housing organisations considering overseas recruitment.
482 VISA: TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE (TSS) VISA
The Subclass 482 Visa allows organisations to sponsor skilled overseas workers for up to four years. This visa is particularly useful for community housing providers where niche skills or specific qualifications are difficult to find locally.
Key features of the 482 Visa:
- Employer sponsorship – organisations must become approved sponsors and nominate a specific role to be filled.
- Eligible occupations – the community housing sector can nominate roles such as Housing Manager, Community Worker, Social Worker, Family Support Worker and Welfare Centre Manager.
- Labour market testing (LMT): Employers must show evidence that the position could not be filled by an Australian worker.
- Pathway to permanency: Some streams of this visa offer pathways to permanent residency, which is an excellent way to secure long-term stability in your workforce.
The 482 Visa can be a lifeline for filling critical gaps with highly qualified professionals, ensuring your organisation continues to deliver high-quality services.
417 WORKING HOLIDAY VISA
The 417 Working Holiday Visa is another option to consider, especially for short-term or project-based roles. This visa allows young people (aged 18–30, or up to 35 for certain countries) to work in Australia for up to one year.
Key features of the 417 Visa:
- Short-term workforce support – ideal for filling temporary vacancies or managing seasonal peaks in demand.
- Regional work extensions – visa holders can extend their stay by completing eligible work in regional areas, which is a great way to support regional housing initiatives. This is a great initiative for those regional providers who have even a smaller talent pool to get some excellent industry experience where both the candidate and the company benefit!
- Changes for UK passport holders – under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, UK citizens under 35 can now access up to three consecutive Subclass 417 visas without needing to meet the specified work requirement.
For community housing providers, this visa offers flexibility while introducing young and enthusiastic talent to your team.
Making the most of Global Recruitment
If you're working in management within the community housing sector, you'll know that we're facing ongoing challenges with skills shortages, as well as funding and retaining skilled workers. Sponsoring overseas employees or leveraging working holiday visas can help address these shortages, but it is important to approach global recruitment strategically.
Build a sustainable workforce
International recruitment may offer immediate solutions, but organisations need to keep the long-term in mind. A balanced workforce strategy is key to making this happen. This means integrating global recruitment efforts with local talent development initiatives, ensuring you are investing in your current team while preparing for future needs.
Key focus areas for workforce growth
- Upskilling local staff – provide training and development opportunities for your existing employees;
- Career pathways – develop apprenticeships and traineeships to build a strong pipeline of future professionals;
- Retention strategies – focus on career progression and employee engagement to reduce turnover and build loyalty.
By combining these efforts, you can create a workforce that is both dynamic and sustainable, ready to meet the (many) challenges ahead.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sponsoring overseas workers is a practical and effective way to address skill shortages in the community housing sector. When combined with initiatives to upskill and develop local talent, it can help organisations build stronger teams and improve service delivery. The world's your oyster!
If you're considering sponsoring overseas workers or want advice on leveraging visa options, reach out to Bloom HR directly:
hello@bloomhr.com.au.
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