The Workplace Communication for Skilled Migrants programme is a partnership between Victoria, the Rotary Club of Wellington and recruitment company The Johnson Group. It is funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Dr Angela Joe, who is the director of the English Language Institute at Victoria’s School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, says the programme is for recently-arrived migrants with a Bachelor degree or higher who are unemployed—or under-employed.
“The programme was introduced in 2005 after census figures showed there were many skilled migrants coming to New Zealand who were not being employed at a level that matched their skill and qualifications.” Dr Joe says common problems faced by skilled migrants when first applying for jobs in New Zealand include not presenting their CV effectively, or being too direct—or oblique—in the way they communicate and having difficulty interpreting the intended meaning of behavioural questions in interviews.
“Often they would come to us, after receiving many rejection letters with no explanation why. They’re at a loss about how to proceed and get a break. We’re aiming to give them the tools and strategies to find their feet in the job market.”
The intensive 12-week programme has two intakes a year, each catering for 12 new migrants. The first six weeks of the course are in a classroom setting where communication training is the focus.
“We teach skills in communication, job interviews, oral presentations, writing emails and writing CVs and cover letters,” says Nicky Riddiford, the course co-ordinator and teacher. “Language used in real life is often very different to what’s learned in formal language lessons—learners don’t tend to pick up the subtleties so we analyse authentic conversations and practise the key features by role playing different communication scenarios.”
Ms Riddiford says the classroom component is research-led, with much of the course material based on research and authentic data from the Language in the Workplace project conducted by the School of Language and Linguistics.
The crucial part of the course, says Dr Joe, is the six week unpaid internship at a local workplace. “The internship is what really beds-in what they’re learning in the classroom. It’s an opportunity for the migrants to experience first-hand the culture of the New Zealand workplace.”
Dr Joe says businesses can benefit from hosting a skilled migrant on an internship. “Migrants often bring experience in markets the businesses are trying to target—China, for example. The businesses are able to draw on that expertise, which is a huge advantage. Migrants also offer a fresh perspective, and can help a company reflect on its own practices and sharpen the way it’s operating.”
Ms Riddiford says of the nearly 200 people who have been through the programme, around 75-80 percent are currently employed in their fields of expertise.
The success of the course results from a successful synergy between Victoria and the wider community, including business and government.
“One of the unique things about this programme is the partnerships,” says Dr Joe. “The Rotary Club of Wellington plays a very important role by providing high quality mentors, volunteers and guest speakers, as well as networking opportunities for the migrants. Rotary has also spearheaded some of our funding efforts, including facilitating our current contract with MBIE.
“We’re also lucky to have the support of recruitment company The Johnson Group, which profiles and interviews each person on the course and matches their skillset to a company for the six week internship.”
A cost-benefit analysis has shown the value skilled migrants can contribute to New Zealand society. “We found that for every dollar invested into this group, there’s a $98 return,” says Dr Joe. “When you take into account the fact they are educated elsewhere and then bring those skills here, this programme is overwhelmingly something the Government should be proud of.
“This is one of those courses that actually has a direct impact on people’s lives. Some course participants come to us at a low ebb, knowing they have much to offer but without getting a break. With the right kinds of support, they gain confidence, build networks and reclaim their professional identity.”
More information about the course can be found on Victoria's website.