STREWTH! South Aussie authorities are head-hunting skilled Bolton workers and trying to entice them to start a new life Down Under.

And to tempt Boltonians make the move, they are even using an ex-Bolton man to lead their campaign.

Engineers and information technology specialists are being offered a range of incentives by the State Government of South Australia, which is trying hard to increase the number of skilled workers in "the sunshine state".

A package of benefits including accommodation is up for grabs to encourage people to "fill growing job opportunities fuelled by economic growth".

Former Bolton tool-maker Ratilal Mistry is one man who decided to take up the offer to move to the other side of the globe just under six years ago.

Mr Mistry, 45, was one of the first wave of English tool-makers enticed to state capital Adelaide by the electrical accessories firm Gerard Industries.

The father of two, said: "It was my wife Hansa who was looking through the paper and saw the advertisement which prompted the decision. It was the right decision for us and we are happy.

"It's a good place for the children. There's a lot of space for them to grow up and there are a lot of choices where to live, either in the city or the country area.

"The only thing that you have to get used to is the Aussie accent, mate!"

As well as openings for precision tool-makers there are also shortages of skilled professionals in the software, civil, electrical, electronic and mining sectors and information technology.

Mr Geoff Walls, Agent General for the State of South Australia in the UK, said: "On average, we are currently receiving around 300 inquiries per day from people wanting to know more about starting a new life in South Australia.

"That is a fantastic level of interest, but we specifically want to hear from people with qualifications across a range of engineering disciplines and in information technology.

"We believe we will find the right people in Bolton."

Companies such as Motorola, Electronic Data Systems, British Aerospace Australia and Mitsubishi have established business bases in and around Adelaide, taking advantage of low business costs.

Mr Walls added: "Melbourne and Sydney have long been popular migration destinations for people from the UK, perhaps because they feel they know more about these places due to TV programmes like Neighbours and Home and Away.

"By contract, the South Australian state capital Adelaide attracts fewer immigrants because it is a relative newcomer to the global business community and its strong cultural background and good quality of life are only now gaining an international reputation."

The State Government of Australia says that since the General Election was announced more than 4,000 have requested information about emigrating to the state. For more information about South Australia and immigration contact the South Australian Government on 0171 240 8585.

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