Half of the migrant engineers in Australia are either unemployed or working in other sectors, despite their qualifications

When Ritesh Mahato emigrated from India to Australia in 2017 to pursue an engineering career, he was prepared for competition. Key points: Half of all qualified migrant engineers in Australia cannot get work in the field The nation's current shortage of 30,000 engineers is forecast to reach 100,000 by 2030 Emigrant Ritesh Mahato says having accreditation is not enough to get a job in the sector His portfolio features everything from university transcripts and AutoCAD credentials to board membership of the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and even a second-place certificate for robotics in 2013. Engineers Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said the shortage was due to falling university enrolments, infrastructure stimulus and border closures during the pandemic as well as the national energy transition. "I felt that I didn't get that proper guidance from anyone else, who could guide me through the process of getting into the job market here in Australia," he said. 'Gap between overseas engineers and Australian employers' Both Mr Adhikari and Ms Madew say government and industry should also be working together to develop and promote "pathways to employment" programs.