I am writing this during a layover in San Francisco, having entered the USA on my Permanent Resident Green Card. It reminded me how fortunate I am to hold both a British passport and legal permanent resident status in the United States. For me personally, that combination makes international travel and work easier.

For our company, however, immigration is one of the most pressing challenges we face. We depend on the ability to move skilled colleagues across borders to deliver complex projects. When immigration rules or costs change suddenly, small companies like Elite feel the pressure first. We do not budget for rapid, unplanned shifts of this scale. Larger organisations may be able to absorb the cost, but for us the only options are to reduce investment elsewhere or pass costs on to clients and ultimately the end consumer.

This is why we are so grateful to host countries that provide visa sponsorship. These frameworks give us the flexibility to respond to immediate client needs responsibly and compliantly. But immigration is only part of the answer. The long term solution lies in developing local capability.

Our Cadet Scheme is a clear example of this commitment. I have seen undergraduates in the programme step into responsibilities that in years past were given only to graduates. With the right vocational support and mentoring, they grow into highly capable professionals. It is proof that our investment works, but it is not a short term fix. Training through these pathways can take up to three years before colleagues reach full competence.

The balance is clear: we need immigration to bridge today’s demand while we invest in vocational and graduate training to secure tomorrow’s workforce. Both are vital. With stable immigration frameworks and continued support for local training, companies like ours can deliver immediate value while building sustainable capability for the future. This is where the Australian Skills Levy gives real value, holding us to account for investing back into the communities where we operate while ensuring that immigration remains a bridge and not a crutch.