The Study NSW Employability Training Course is offering 500 international students at a number of the region’s institutions training modules online, aiming to help them to prepare for work – be it part-time, full-time, a work placement during studies or post-graduation.

“NSW is committed to enhancing the experience of international students”

This is provided in collaboration with the private sector, as “employability training solutions” firm Successful Graduate run the project on the ground.

“Regardless of whether international students are studying in Sydney, regional NSW or in an overseas campus of a NSW institution, all NSW international students can now access online training modules which will teach them a range of employability skills including how to prepare a job application,”Gordon Scott, managing director of Successful Graduate  said.

Six NSW institutions taking part in the project include University of New England, Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, UNSW Global and Times Academy.

The project is being financially supported by the NSW government, as it sees access to work for international students as an important commitment, and the project also seeks to improve the international student experience and support the competitiveness of the state’s international education.

“By supporting Partner Projects such as this the government is sending a strong message that NSW is committed to enhancing the experience of international students,” minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair MLC said.

Skills that the project focuses on include; self-awareness and understanding, ability to market themselves, develop individual resumes, selection criteria responses, improve written job application techniques, develop professional LinkedIn profiles, improve interview techniques, develop job offer negotiation skills, and prepare graduates for their first days at work.

In 2018, Western Australia launched a strategy that focused on improving employability, while international students have voiced difficulties with accessing work post-graduation other parts of the country.

The NSW government has in the past recognised the contribution that international students make to the state’s schools and communities, through its Department of Education International Student Awards.