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Australia isn*t a country you would typically associate with leading edge engineering skills and technical innovation. Australia, however, is full of surprises and in fact boasts many firsts. These include the mechanical refrigerator, the black-box-flight recorder, the bionic ear (cochlear implant), the pace maker, the electric drill, and the combine harvester. In fact Australia's output of inventive genius is far beyond what you would expect - given that the population size barely exceeds 20 million people (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics).

The demand for engineers

As a place to work, Australia must be amongst the most exciting for an engineer * no matter the discipline. The booming economy has a strong technology focus, and vast amounts are invested in research and development. However, there is a shortage of engineers which limits what firms are able to do. According to the engineering body *Engineers Australia* the current vacancy rate is estimated at 20%. The demand for engineers applies to a wide range of engineering disciplines including: Mining engineers, electrical engineers, civil engineers, chemical engineers and mechanical engineers. These are on the *Migration Occupations in Demand List* (MODL) and are therefore amongst the most sought after professions in Australia.

High levels of remuneration

Engineering salaries are very competitive. For instance, entry level mining engineers earn annual salaries ranging from A$95,000 to A$105,000, while management level engineers* earnings range from approximately A$175,000 to A$210,000.

The door is wide open

Australia utilises a points system to determine whether a visa is issued. Given the shortages, engineers are viewed in a favourable light when applying for a visa. Engineers holding qualifications of the type listed on the MODL list, earn between 15 to 20 points (depending on whether or not the applicant has a job offer).

A fairly new Visa, labelled the 457 Visa is one of the best options for obtaining temporary residence in Australia. The visa is sponsored in part by your employer. The employer covers your return trip costs as well as your medical expenses. The 457 Visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years. In addition your spouse, partner and/or children may accompany you on this Visa. After 24 months you are permitted to apply for citizenship should you so desire.

The 457 Visa affords you most of the rights (and duties) of an ordinary Australian citizen, including access to an excellent healthcare system. Rights which do not apply include the right to vote and jury duty.

At present Australia is a land of opportunity for those with the right skills, an opportunity which should not be missed! Australia offers the ideal lifestyle. A pleasant climate, wide-open spaces, and beautiful coastlines enhance life quality. Those who enjoy the outdoors are sure to feel right at home. The infrastructure is first class, crime rates are low and the education system is amongst the best in the world.

Copyright reserved by Mike Stowe, Oz-LifeStyle.com, 2007. The author provides permission for this article to be republished under certain specific conditions. However, no alterations are allowed without permission. Should you wish to make any alterations please contact the author in advance to clear said alterations.