Success Story - Irish Vet Already a Winner: Overseas Vets Ensure Equine Hospital Maintains High Level Operations
Irish-born vet David Beehan couldn't have picked a better time to move to Victoria on the Australian Government's 457 visa programme.
Arriving in the lead-up to Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival, the veterinary intern could find plenty of interesting challenges at his workplace, Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital.
One of Australia's top equine hospitals, its recent star patient was Leica Falcon, one of the horses which had been favoured for this year's Melbourne Cup.
According to hospital manager Libby Vasey, the practice, located at Congupna near Shepparton, is a world-renowned centre for routine and specialist horse care.
Because the hospital is well-respected internationally for its medical, surgical and reproductive services, it attracts many graduates from overseas.
‘Most Australian graduates prefer to work a mixed practice for their first job so they get a taste of what they would like to specialise in,’ Libby said.
‘The Australian Government's temporary business (long stay) subclass 457 visa is fantastic for us. We can attract young veterinary interns, like David, who know they want to specialise in horses.
‘They can gain experience here and in return we are able to maintain a high level of operations.’
Overseas skilled workers help businesses and industry meet their labour needs as well as playing a critical role in supporting and training young workers. Filling the skilled labour shortage is critical for business and industry as they grow and create even more job opportunities for young Australians in the future.
‘Filling skilled labour shortages is critical if business and industry is to sustain the existing workforce and grow to create even more job and training opportunities for young Australians in future.’
David, who studied at University College Dublin, said he plans to stay in Australia for 18 months and gain experience in surgery, anaesthetics, medicine and reproduction.
‘The Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital offers a good mix of experience and I'm looking forward to my stay here,’ David said.
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