Skilled Migration Australia

Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA)

The BNIT Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting
(SMIPA) operates in consultation with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; accounting professional bodies (the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, CPA Australia, and the National Institute of Accountants); and Australian Internships.

Targeting recent international university graduates, the purpose of the SMIPA program is to develop Australian workplace knowledge, skills and experience to fulfill the Critical Skills List (such as Professional Occupational Shortages in Accounting).

The 44 week pilot program began in Trimester 1 2009, with 14 students from China, India, Japan and Thailand studying theory-based practical sessions covering four core topics:
Orientation; Professional Workplace Skills for Accountants; Internship; and Course Review.

SMIPA student Mehul Patel said the course had helped him improve his corporate communication skills considerably.

"The application of theory to practical usage should be very useful for me in obtaining a career in Australia," said Mehul.

SMIPA Lecturer Pia Dowling said she is immensely proud of the progress made by the students.

"Noticeable improvements in communication, interpersonal skills, time management, team work, research, performance and networking  skills have been achieved, underpinned by enhanced confidence," said Pia.

"These students are now better prepared for entry into the internship phase of the program, which consists of professional work experience within a Brisbane-based accounting firm from 24 August. I wish them all the very best."

Due to the success of the Trimester 1 group, a second Trimester group was enrolled on 6 July 2009, and a third Trimester group is scheduled to begin 7 September 2009.