Using the experiences of skilled migrants to reflect on continuing education policies for workforce and sustainable development

Abstract

Many countries emphasise skills shortages as the demand driver of migration policy. In this article experiences of skilled migration in Australia are analysed, drawing on the capability approach and the concept of adaptive preferences. Findings from interviews with skilled migrants illustrate how skilled migrants are encouraged to enter Australia but the skills they bring may not be recognized by employers and they are not deemed to be an education priority target group. The migrants have to engage in different adaptations to fulfill their aspirations for a good life in Australia. Some migrants hold on to their initial aspiration for high skilled work and engage in strategies that help to re-position themselves and gradually pursue opportunities in their preferred areas of employment. Others adapt by downgrading their aspirations; they often find themselves on new trajectories that may limit their opportunities. Still the skilled migrants display considerable navigational capacities in negotiating the difficulties of transnational mobility. The analysis contributes to rethinking the links between education, work and the economy.

Keywords

• Capability
• Migration
• VET
• Adaptive Preferences