Local councils are no strangers to the skills shortages experienced across Australia’s regional areas. While roles in regional local government can offer employees the chance to gain a greater depth of career experience than they might in larger urban organisations, attracting high-calibre talent outside metro areas can be difficult and time consuming.
Five new specialist engineers for Campaspe Shire Council
With multiple vacancies for specialist engineers, Campaspe Shire Council were facing a significant recruitment effort which would need to draw in skilled talent beyond the local area. Recognising the scale of what was needed, they engaged regional recruitment specialists Work + Stay, which partnered with them to successfully source, recruit and relocate a new team of five expert engineers.
The search reached as far afield as Qatar to unearth specialist engineers who not only had the right skills and experience but were also keen to move to the beautiful Echuca-Moama region. The council has been incredibly pleased with the outcome the Work + Stay regional recruitment and retention model has delivered.
“It has been wonderful experience collaborating with Work + Stay to recruit a team of engineers with magnificent work ethics. The number of skills they have… [not only helps fill] the vacant positions, but also leverages our internal service delivery capacity,” said Mazen Saeed, Senior Portfolio Manager for Infrastructure and Project Management at Campaspe Shire Council.
From Qatar to Echuca
Mohamed, an internationally experienced specialist engineer and one of the new team recruited by Work + Stay, made the move to Echuca-Moama from the dynamic urban environment of Qatar, together with his wife and children.
Through Work + Stay’s unique STAY service, which supports candidates to relocate and settle into their new communities, Mohamed and his family received high-touch support across every aspect of their move, ensuring they had everything they needed to successfully transition to regional Australia. This included help with relocation logistics and travel, sourcing housing, finding appropriate schools for the children and making personal connections in their new community.
Work + Stay’s local ‘Welcome Ambassador’ Ivy played a key role in connecting Mohamed and his family into community life. An Echuca local, Ivy personally welcomed them to the area, orienting them to the town and providing insights into community life. She’s since stayed in regular contact, acting as a friendly face and helping hand in a setting that’s quite different from the urban rush of Qatar.
Mohammed said he appreciates the work-life balance this role offers him, while still deliver strong career growth. In contrast to the fast-paced environment of Qatar, he said the regional lifestyle in Echuca has allowed him to focus on family life while still being fully engaged in his career.
The children have quickly settled into school, making new friends and becoming engaged in their studies. Mohammed’s wife is exploring employment opportunities in the local community, supported by Work + Stay.
Help for regional employers experiencing workforce challenges
Work + Stay understands the challenges faced by regional employers. If you need help finding the right people to build out your workforce, then please reach out to [email protected].
Call for candidates
If you’re a professional who is considering a regional move, then please register as a candidate at www.workandstay.com.au or send an email to [email protected].
