Across Australia, international students face a familiar challenge: while they complete their studies with solid academic foundations, many struggle to secure the local work experience employers require. This gap between qualification and employability remains one of the most significant barriers for talented graduates seeking to transition from study into meaningful professional careers. For many, the missing link is not ability but opportunity, and the structured support needed to navigate an unfamiliar job market.
Skills Solutions Australia (SSA), based in Tasmania, has positioned itself as a critical solution to this problem. By delivering practical training, industry engagement and targeted career development, the organisation is helping international graduates convert their education into employment outcomes. Its work has become particularly important in Tasmania, where demand for skilled ICT and professional talent continues to outpace supply.
At the centre of SSA’s approach is its “Future Ready Internship Program,” a structured three-month, part-time placement designed to give graduates the real-world experience employers consistently identify as essential. The program enables participants to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings while developing the workplace habits, communication skills and industry awareness required for long-term career success.
This internship experience is complemented by comprehensive employability support. Graduates receive guidance in resume preparation, cover letter writing, interview technique, networking, workplace communication and personal branding — all areas where international students, in particular, benefit from clear, localised expectations. The combination of practical experience and tailored professional development helps bridge the persistent gap between study and work.
SSA was founded to respond to Australia’s growing shortage of job-ready ICT professionals, particularly in Tasmania, where the skills pipeline has struggled to keep up with industry needs. Under the leadership of Director Julia Lane, the organisation has built strong relationships with employers and education providers, ensuring its internship pathways reflect real workforce demand. Lane’s background in professional year programs and graduate career development is evident in SSA’s supportive, student-centred ethos. TAS ICT has recognised the organisation for its contribution to strengthening the state’s workforce capabilities.
For international students, the benefits are substantial. Many enter the Australian job market without local networks, references or workplace experience. SSA’s programs offer a structured entry point to overcome these barriers, helping students understand workplace expectations, demonstrate their abilities and build the confidence needed to pursue longer-term employment.
As Tasmania and other regions continue to seek skilled workers, SSA’s role in shaping job-ready graduates is becoming increasingly valuable — not only for individuals but for the broader economy.
In a recent call out to businesses in Tassie, Director Julia Lane encouraged those who may be interested in hosting talented ICT and Engineering graduates over the summer to get in touch.
Lane says, “I believe as a sector we have a responsibility to give these graduates a chance to learn in the real world, creating internship opportunities for them does just that. Every single one of us was given a chance at some stage in our careers, and now it’s our turn to pay that forward.”
The Koala is proud to shine a spotlight on an organisation supporting international students from academia to potential employment.
