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Case Study

Karen Blanchford, HR manager for mineral & material analysis technology company, Intellection, outlines her company's overseas worker requirements and the assistance received from AVISA Migration Solutions.

Human Capital: First, a brief background on Intellection.

Karen Blanchford: Intellection has been through exceptional growth. In the last three years we've grown from four to 93 employees. We have two overseas employees but this will grow in the next six months.

HC: How have you used AVISA and what has it been like?

KB: I've used AVISA since starting here in May 2006, as I did not have their in-depth knowledge. With my company’s small size (then 40) and my being part-time, I could not keep up with the demand for the operations cadets.

HC: What are the reasons you take on foreign workers?

KB: A staff shortage in the mining industry (geologists, metallurgists, mineralogists); inflated prices for local staff. HC: Your immigration and relocation programs?

KB: We arrange for accommodation, English lessons, and assistance setting up bank accounts. We provide a buddy at work to assist with queries, and an induction program to help with all the intro details to Australia and the company. We invite speakers on travel and medical insurance, and financial advisors regarding super. There are i-shows on each person’s country – to help staff understand more about team members’ homes. We have a training program that lasts six months, and secondment opportunities in Australia and overseas.

HC: how do you attract overseas talent?

KB: When scientists and marketing and sales people are at conferences, universities, and seminars overseas. There are also a large number of referrals from professors, clients and contacts due to our reputation for training and development, and exceptional staff knowledge.

HC: Are you aware of government regulations?

KB: I am on top of these, but also work with AVISA and use their knowledge, and conferences and newsletters.

HC: Are there other aspects in taking on overseas workers?

KB: Ensuring staff understands the tax, super requirements and other legal implications.