APC offers skills assessment opportunity for migrants

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is offering a free skills assessment opportunity for migrants as part of the Australian Government’s Migrant Skills Incentives Program.

The Australian Government is supporting stronger economic growth through policies that increase workforce participation and address critical skills shortages.

The Government is introducing three Migrant Skills Incentives that will deliver faster, cheaper skills assessments and improve the employability of migrants who are in Australia and ready to work. This will enable onshore migrants who have unrecognised or under‑recognised skills in pharmacy to join the workforce and contribute to Australia’s economic recovery.

To be eligible for a free skills assessment with APC, individuals must:

• have not previously submitted a skills assessment application with APC
• be living in Australian when you submit your application
• be on a permanent family, partner, humanitarian or refugee visa that was granted on or after 1 January 2019.
  

Chief Executive Officer, Ms Bronwyn Clark, says they are pleased to be a part of this much needed initiative.

"Many of our pharmacists have been on the front line whilst grasping at straws to fill gaps in their workplaces. And interns have been thrown into the deep-end into fairly unconventional environments due to staff shortages.

"The incentive also provides individuals an opportunity to apply when they may not have been able to otherwise. We hope it helps," Ms Clark said.

Overseas-trained pharmacists are encouraged to call the APC if they are unsure whether they meet the eligibility requirements.

Other occupations that can access a free skills assessment can be found on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.