‘Build Life in WA’ expands internationally to attract workers to WA

  • Expanded multi-platform campaign to attract overseas workers to fill skill shortages
  • Key industries targeted include construction and manufacturing sectors
  • Ireland and the UK targeted as key markets for potential workers
  • Promoted as part of the Premier’s current international mission
  • The ‘Build a Life in WA’ campaign is being expanded internationally to help attract skilled workers to Western Australia and fill key skill shortages across a range of jobs.

    The campaign, which launched nationally in 2021, will grow to target skilled workers in Ireland and the United Kingdom, after having previously focused on people living interstate in Australia.

    Workers are needed in the construction and manufacturing industries, which have experienced strong growth in recent times with WA’s robust economy and long-term pipeline of work.

    The launch of the multiplatform campaign coincides with the Premier’s current overseas Reconnect WA mission to recruit new workers and market WA’s strong economy and opportunities for businesses, visitors, workers and students.

    The ‘Build a Life in WA’ campaign was developed off the back of the WA Government’s Skills Summit in 2021, to attract workers to move to WA and fill vacant jobs.

    It initially targeted interstate construction and manufacturing workers before an expansion into New Zealand, and will now focus on additional international markets.

    This complements other initiatives the McGowan Government is implementing to attract skilled migrants and international students to Western Australia to help alleviate skills shortages.

    As part of the State Government’s $195 million Reconnect WA strategy, the State Nominated Migration Program has also been expanded significantly through the addition of 142 occupations to the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List.

    This expansion included the addition of building and construction, health and a number of other occupations.

    An additional 194 occupations have been added to the Graduate Occupation List – taking the total number of listed occupations to 331 – to attract more international students to study in WA.

    Expansion of the Graduate Occupation List will help to attract a broad and diverse range of skills that align with the State’s current and future workforce needs.

    The skilled migration pathway will also provide international students graduating in WA with the option to apply for permanent residence.

    For more information, visit: https://www.buildalifeinwa.com.au or https://likenoother.wa.gov.au/

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “With our economy the strongest in the country, and one of the strongest in the world, it’s a great time to be a Western Australian, and this campaign will help to sell that lifestyle to European markets. 

    “Our world-leading management of COVID-19, robust economy and relaxed way of life positions us strongly as a place for people living overseas to move to and call home.

    “What makes Western Australia so attractive compared to other states is that we have the highest annual salary and the lowest average mortgage – so if you want to earn a good wage while paying less on your home then you should look at WA.

    “Western Australia has a significant program of major infrastructure projects that continues to contribute to quality job and business opportunities, creating a long pipeline of work into the future.

    “I look forward to welcoming more UK and Irish nationals and families to our great State.”

    As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:

    “As our State continues to thrive, this campaign will help to raise awareness amongst key international markets that a wonderful opportunity is on offer in WA.

    “Attracting workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors to support our booming economy and pipeline of work is a priority for the State Government.

    “I highly encourage anyone wanting a sea change to make the move to WA and help to contribute to the future of our state.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.