More than 270 jobseekers attended the Northern Territory's first Global Worker Attraction Program information session in Belfast - with a queue stretching out the door.
The program is connecting skilled workers in the UK and Ireland with Territory employers across construction, hospitality, trades, healthcare and technology.
Territory businesses are encouraged to upload jobs to WorkerConnect now to connect with candidates from upcoming sessions in Cork, Liverpool and Leeds.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government's Global Worker Attraction Program is off to a strong start, with more than 270 jobseekers packing out the first information session in Belfast - the opening stop in a UK and Ireland tour connecting skilled workers with Northern Territory employers.
With a line out the door before the session even began, attendees explored live job opportunities with Territory employers, learned about visa pathways and migration options, and were provided a window the Northern Territory lifestyle.
The session was delivered in partnership with peak industry bodies including the Chamber of Commerce NT, ICT Industry Association of the NT, Motor Trades Association NT, Housing Industry Association Northern Territory, and Hospitality NT. Further sessions will follow in Cork, Liverpool and Leeds over the coming week.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the Belfast turnout showed the Territory is firmly on the radar for skilled workers across the UK and Ireland.
"More than 270 people lining up to hear about opportunities in the Northern Territory - that says a lot. The Territory is an attractive destination to work and live, and we're making sure skilled workers in the UK and Ireland know it."
"Growing the Territory's population and economy means we need more skilled workers, and this program is already delivering real connections. We're committed to making it easier for Territory businesses to find the people they need."
Ronan Mackey, Head of Top End at the Chamber of Commerce NT, said the Belfast session was the strongest yet.
"This is the third time I've been in Belfast as part of the Global Worker Attraction Program and by far it's been the best. 270 people turned up - standing room only at the back. I've met some great candidates who are genuinely keen to come and build a life in the Northern Territory."
Damien Charles, representing the ICT Industry Association of the NT and Australian Computer Society of the NT, said the connections made in Belfast were already translating into real opportunities.
"I've made some really good connections here in Belfast. I've got four or five strong candidates I can see moving into jobs, and at least two who could easily land an interview this week if they submitted their resume."
Territory businesses can list vacancies for free at [http://www.workerconnect.com.au] to connect with jobseekers from upcoming sessions.
