PALM Scheme workers supported through skills training while in Australia

Those working in Australia as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are benefitting from specialist language, literacy, numeracy, and digital training designed to help workers settle in and learn new skills whilst in Australia.

The PALM Scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia, while helping workers to develop their skills and send income home. Currently more than 30,000 short-term and long-term workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste are employed across sectors including early childhood education and care (ECEC), agriculture, meat processing, aged care and other critical sectors and industries.

The Scheme is highly valued by Australian employers and industry, as well as participating countries, delivering significant economic and social benefits for all involved.

As the scheme continues to grow and evolve the Federal Government has redesigned and invested in the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, to now also include PALM workers.

“The PALM scheme is an important investment in regional prosperity and resilience,” Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said.

“It helps to address Australia’s workforce shortages, while developing long-term skills and expertise that will strengthen domestic labour markets in the Pacific.”

Participating in training such as this allows PALM scheme participants to actively participate in the community and the economy, and take new skills home when they finish their employment in Australia.

It complements the PALM scheme Skills Development Program (SDP), which funds PALM scheme employers to upskill PALM workers with technical knowledge and abilities for the workplace. PALM scheme workers can also take part in workplace-based training projects delivered in the classroom, workplace or online.

Under the SDP since November 2023:

• more than 180 PALM scheme workers have completed driving-related courses
• more than 110 workers have undertaken forklift training
• more than 60 PALM scheme employers have accessed SDP funding to upskill workers
• more than 90 workers have trained in first aid.

Meanwhile, representatives from the PNG and Kiribati Governments have recently visited Australia to engage with PALM workers.

In December, there were 1,600 PALM scheme workers from PNG and 1,365 from Kiribati in Australia.

The Government recently hosted representatives from PNG’s Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) in the Northern Territory, with the visit aiming to strengthen relationships and increase demand for PALM scheme workers in the Territory.

Whilst there, government delegates from PNG and His Excellency Mr John Kali, Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to Australia, attended a welcome event for participants in the early childhood education and care pilot at Charles Darwin University. The delegation also met with representatives from employers and local sector groups.

“The recent visits by the Papua New Guinea and Kiribati Government delegations recognise the value of the scheme to all countries involved, and the partnerships we have developed with our neighbours,” Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt said.

“We continue to work collaboratively to ensure the scheme works for Australian employers, and keeps participants from our partner countries satisfied, engaged, well-paid and safe at work.”

“Improving the PALM scheme workers’ English language, reading, writing, mathematics and digital skills will also help them overcome obstacles at work and develop their confidence.”

“These valuable skills will take program participants forward and benefit every aspect of their lives.”

Learn more about the PALM scheme here.

Image source: Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce.