South Australian Government invests over $1.5 million to support skilled migration programs

Government announces new funding to connect skilled migrants with jobs 

The South Australian Government is committing $1.5 million to a new program aimed at supporting skilled migrants already residing in the state. Scheduled to run until 30 June 2026, the initiative will be implemented across both metropolitan and regional South Australia. Its primary objective is to address workforce shortages in engineering, construction, and ICT by aligning migrant expertise with areas of critical industry demand. 

The funding will support programs offering job-readiness workshops, language training, and networking opportunities enabling greater workforce participation and long-term economic impact. This initiative complements the state’s broader strategy to address skill shortages by better utilising the capabilities of onshore migrants, rather than relying solely on new arrivals. 

Strategic support to address underutilisation 

A key objective of the initiative is to improve employment outcomes for skilled migrants who are not currently working at a level that matches their qualifications and experience. While these individuals bring valuable expertise, they often face barriers such as limited Australian work experience, lack of business networks, or difficulties in having their overseas qualifications recognised. 

This program is designed to bridge those gaps by providing targeted services such as job-readiness training, industry networking, and practical support to help skilled migrants transition into roles that reflect their professional capabilities. The goal is to ensure that migrants are not just employed, but meaningfully engaged in sectors where their skills can make the most impact. 

Partner organisations delivering tailored programs 

To ensure skilled migrants are supported with relevant and practical services, six partner organisations have been selected to deliver tailored programs under the Skilled Migration Talent and Industry Connection Program. Each organisation brings unique expertise aligned with South Australia’s priority sectors. 

• Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) – Connect, Thrive and Contribute: supports migrants in building local connections and workforce readiness. 

• The Committee for Adelaide: helps professional migrants integrate into SA’s corporate and civic networks. 

• South Australian Business Chamber: links businesses with skilled migrants based on workforce needs. 

• SkilledSmart Careers – Engineer Futures: aligns migrant engineers’ skills with local industry standards. 

• Community Corporate – SA Migrant Job Support Centre: provides job matching and employment support across various sectors. 

• Master Builders Association of South Australia: strengthens the construction workforce by connecting skilled migrants to industry opportunities. 

Each of these programs is designed to address sector-specific labour demands while supporting migrants to secure employment that reflects their skills and qualifications. 

Supporting metro and regional workforce needs 

The initiative is not limited to metropolitan Adelaide. It will be rolled out across regional locations such as Whyalla, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Tumby Bay, the Murraylands, Naracoorte, and Bordertown. These areas continue to experience skill shortages, particularly in infrastructure and engineering-related roles. 

Offering services like job-readiness workshops, career expos, training, and language support, the programs ensure that skilled migrants across the state have access to the resources they need to secure work aligned with their backgrounds. 

A long-term economic strategy for South Australia 

This investment forms part of the South Australian Government’s broader commitment to long-term workforce planning and economic growth. By focusing on the integration of existing onshore migrant talent, rather than relying solely on new arrivals. the government is adopting a sustainable approach to filling critical workforce shortages. 

The initiative aligns with insights from a report commissioned by the government, which identified the economic potential of reducing underutilisation within the migrant community. Supporting migrants to work at the level of their expertise not only strengthens industry capacity but also contributes to a more inclusive and resilient labour market across the state. 

Looking for support with skilled migration? 

At Absolute Immigration, we provide expert guidance to businesses and individuals navigating Australia’s skilled migration landscape. Whether you are seeking to employ overseas talent or need help aligning skills to visa requirements, our team is ready to assist. 

Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to learn how we can support your goals through tailored immigration advice.