ACS Professional Year (PYear) Program puts focus on ICT professionalism

Monday, 26 May 2008 - The ACS (Australian Computer Society) together with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship today launched a new Professional Year (PYear) Program, an initiative aimed at former international overseas students who have graduated from ICT university courses within Australia and are seeking permanent residency.

The ACS Professional Year (PYear) Program is a ‘job readiness’ program for international graduates, which aims to provide a bridge from university to permanent employment.

Monash Professional and Swinburne University are the Program’s first accredited PYear Partners and are currently working with the ACS to enhance the professionalism and Australian workplace related skills of former ICT international students.

The PYear Program is available to overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study and involves the following:

* A 12 month program covering a minimum of 44 weeks (with breaks);
* A 12 week internship component with a host company;
* Provides professional development and practical hands-on learning with an
o Emphasis on workplace preparation – culture, workplace ethics and
o Expectations;

* One of three pathways for 485 visa holders seeking permanent residency in Australia.


On successful completion of a PYear Program a participant may be awarded 10 points under the General Skilled Migration points test.

Kim Denham, CEO, ACS explains, “For Australian employers, relevance to the local industry is paramount. ICT workers who are employed from overseas must have Australian industry experience and qualifications. The ACS has developed the Professional Year (PYear) program to ensure that a level of ICT professionalism is maintained in Australia and to enhance the employability of a graduate and the contribution that they can make as a professional. Therefore, a graduate who successfully completes the PYear Program should be well-equipped for employment in the Australian workplace.

“The ACS is delighted with the positive response received so far, particularly from Monash and Swinburne Universities. We expect to announce a further 5 partners within the coming weeks. The PYear Program not only meets the needs of overseas graduates who are interested in working in the Australian ICT industry, it also provides industry with a valuable source of potential employees,” said Ms Denham.

Peter Speldewinde, Director of Skilled Migration, DIaC said: “The ACS is the first to deliver a program of this nature for the Department and we are pleased with the results. The Professional Year Program bridges the gap for skilled migrants, as on successful completion of the program, permanent residency applicants will have gained points towards migration (although the PYear does not guarantee permanent residency).It is expected that participants in the Program will be holders of 485 visas, however it is available to all graduates.”

The first intake for the PY Program begins in early May and aims to achieve core outcomes that would enhance the ability of a graduate to:

* Work within Australian legislative requirements applicable to workplaces and operations;
* Work safely and participate in safety, health and environment (SHE) processes;
* Work effectively within the organisation’s requirements, including those for EEO and diversity;
* Communicate effectively in the workplace;
* Provide effective service to internal and (as appropriate) external clients;
* Participate in a team;
* Apply occupation-specific knowledge and skills to complex professional work situations, and;
* Implement strategies to manage their personal career development.


More details of the Program can be downloaded at www.acs.org.au/pyear

Source: ACS (Australian Computer Society)

http://www.acs.org.au/news/260508.htm