By Mike Puia
AN information session about working in Australia horticulture farms held in Honiara yesterday shows the huge interest among locals to work overseas.
AgricSolutions, a licensed recruiter for the Australian Seasonal Worker Programme (ASWP), conducted an information session at the National Museum compound and was surprised with the turn out.
Jobs Australia representatives were also present at the session.
AgricSolutions’ Managing Director, based in Honiara, Simon Mannie, confirmed that the interest among locals is overwhelmed.
“Representatives of Jobs Australia doubted people would be interested. But, as you can see, the turnout is just huge,” Mr Mannie said.
About 30 males were selected during yesterday’s session out of the huge crowd that turned up. Those selected will attend an interview at the Labour Mobility Unit at Rove today and tomorrow.
Those recruited in this round will work in banana and citrus fruit farms in Australia.
Mannie said since working in banana and citrus farms requires physical strength, they only recruit males in this round.
A lot of females also attended yesterday’s session.
Mannie said once overseas employers asked to recruit locals for lighter work, then they will recruit women.
Those who are interested in working under this programme must have clear record with the police, certified by doctors to be healthy and fit, over 21 years, have a passport and has an intention to enter Australia for work and return to the country after his or her employment ends.
Workers traveling to Australia under this programme will work for 30 hours per week.
AgricSolutions confirmed it will increase its recruitment as time goes on.
