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Melbourne

January 6 - 8, 2024

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
INTERCONTINENTAL MELBOURNE THE RIALTO

Fair Organizer: Nick Kendell

This fair is suitable for teachers who are experienced International educators as well as those looking to move overseas for the first time.

Registrations open August 16th.

Search Associates registered candidates wishing to recruit in Melbourne should request an invitation from their senior associate via their dashboard on or after that date.

 

Teaching candidates have an early opportunity to impress schools and recruiters at the beautiful InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. This has consistently been one of the most successful Search Associates Fairs in terms of placement ratios. Teachers who receive invitations to this fair are passionate about their students and have a proven track record.

The FAIR SCHEDULE details pre-fair preparation and mandatory days to attend.

We estimate around 30 international schools will be in attendance and approximately 150 candidates, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, the majority of whom are new to international schools.

WHY CHOOSE THE MELBOURNE FAIR?

  • Extremely friendly and collegial fair.
  • Most candidates have had inquiry-based teaching in Australia and New Zealand. 
  • The highest percentage of teachers placed each year (In the past almost 70% of teachers attending the fair have walked away with a job, and 80% of teachers received an offer).
  • If you’d like to meet multiple schools and recruiters in the one place at the one time and possibly walk away with a job offer in hand, we’d love you to join us. Face to face interviews, networking and meeting people socially are great opportunities to make connections. Learn about the schools and get a feel for the people who work there.

WHAT SORT OF SCHOOLS RECRUIT AT THE Melbourne FAIR?

Each year we are seeing a considerable number of new schools coming 'on line' and looking to recruit teaching staff. There is, naturally, a very wide quality spectrum of schools available for candidates to consider and we can help candidates chart their way through this vital exercise in a number of ways.

Schools attending the Melbourne fair have to be registered with Search Associates. Roughly 10% of all schools listing themselves as providing international education worldwide are currently registered with us. This is the product of clear policy by our company to work with a certain type of school. Each applicant school has to undertake a rigorous process of screening before it is accepted.  As a registered candidate at the Melbourne Fair you can expect specific advice from our advisors regarding schools which are of interest to you.

Click on the tab, 'Schools Attending' on this page, for an up-to-date record of registered schools. This list will grow as schools finalise their hiring needs. Check back frequently to see the school list which will automatically update as schools register to attend, and/or cancel their attendance.

IS THERE A CLEAR PROFILE OF CANDIDATES WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING PLACEMENTS AT THE melbourne FAIR?

This is a very difficult question to answer as there are always exceptions to the rule. Teachers in specialist fields have the best chances of success due to a smaller teacher supply in relation to the number of jobs. Specialist areas include: music, art, library, early childhood, science and mathematics, and advanced level teachers (such as IB Diploma, AP, GCE A-Level). Specialists do have an advantage over English and ESL teachers, fields in which the supply is large, but schools are always looking for outstanding teachers in all areas.  Also in high demand: educators who have flexibility and the willingness to work in sometimes challengingly different professional environments. 

Teachers without recognised professional training and teaching certification/qualification will find it difficult to secure placements at this Fair. 

Please contact Nick Kendell for more information.

We would love to see you there!
Country School
Bangladesh American International School Dhaka
Cambodia Australian International School Phnom Penh
China American International School of Guangzhou
China Beijing City International School
China Beijing International Bilingual Academy - Beijing Campus
China Benenden Bilingual School Guangzhou
China Concordia International School Shanghai
China Dehong Shanghai International Chinese School
China Dulwich College Beijing
China Green Oasis School
China International School of Tianjin
China ISA Liwan International School
China ISA Science City International School
China ISA Tianhe International School of Guangzhou
China ISA Wuhan International School
China Shenzhen Oasis International School
China United World College Changshu China
China Wellington College International Hangzhou
China Wellington College International Shanghai
China Wellington College International Tianjin
China/Hong Kong Christian Alliance International School
China/Hong Kong The Independent Schools Foundation Academy
Egypt Cairo American College
India Dhirubhai Ambani International School
Indonesia Sekolah Ciputra, Surabaya
Indonesia Sekolah Pelita Harapan Kemang Village
Japan Fukuoka International School
Japan Nagoya International School
Korea Chadwick International
Korea Gyeonggi Suwon International School
Nepal Lincoln School Kathmandu
Nigeria American International School of Abuja
Oman Al Sahwa Schools, Muscat
Philippines International School Manila
Saudi Arabia NEOM Community School
Singapore Chatsworth International School - Singapore
Thailand KIS International School Reignwood Park
Vietnam Australian International School, Vietnam

Access the InterContinental Hotel Link here.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is geared to give you memorable, authentic local experiences. This stunning 253-room luxury Melbourne accommodation features a Venetian Gothic façade while the modern interior translates the building into the 21st century. Located on Collins Street in the heart of the CBD, Melbourne accommodation at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers best-in-class facilities.

The Melbourne job fair has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere, and attention to the individual needs of both candidates and recruiters. To make your reservations at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, at a discounted rate, you MUST click on this link  to make your online reservation directly through the Search Associates room block. Please do NOT call the hotel directly to make or modify your reservations.

ACCOMMODATION 

All rates are inclusive of complimentary wireless internet and breakfast for 1. Rates are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD)  and are inclusive of GST.

  • DELUXE KING ROOMS $240 per night. 

Reservations must be cancelled 30 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges equal to total room nights booked.

Candidates are not required to stay at the Fair hotel, but we have negotiated a very competitive group rate. There is a distinct advantage to 'in-house' candidates in terms of availability for interviews and "exposure" to the recruiters, all of whom stay at  InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. 

The Hotel check-in time is from 1500, check-out time is up to 1100 

Hotel charges: To be settled directly with the hotel on departure.

If for some reason the above link did not work, please try copying and pasting the following link into your browser or contact me directly - 

There is valet parking at the hotel – available for $70 per day, or click here for information on parking at 522 Flinders Lane Car Park. Check out the Early Bird Parking rate – for single-day parks, you will need to remove your car each day before the carpark closes and if you're wanting a multi-day overnight park, it's $40 per day (per 24hrs). 

Bookings must be made using the hotel's online reservation system to receive the discounted rate (the link is also provided in the candidate invitation). Please note that the hotel could be fully booked by December, so we highly recommend that reservations be made EARLY as Search Associates and InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto cannot guarantee the preferred rate once sold out.

GETTING THERE

Information correct as at time of writing

From the Airport

Uber 

https://www.uber.com 

If departing from Terminal 1, 2 & 3, follow the signs for ‘Uber’ towards the Pickup Zone. For Terminal 4, head to the Pickup Zone on level 2 of the T4 car park.

Private cars

Approximately $140 one way. To book through the hotel, call +61 3 8627 1400 or email icmelbourne@ihg.com

Taxi

The taxi ranks are located across from the terminals. taxi to the city should cost between A$55 and $65, including the compulsory airport fee payable by departing taxis and CityLink tollway charges. This will all be included in the final fare. 

The taxi ranks are located across from the terminals. Rideshare drivers pick up travellers from two locations, for Qantas, International and Virgin Australia passengers, the rideshare pickup zone is lane 1 of the forecourt.

 
For Jetstar, TigerAir, Rex or AirNorth passengers, the pickup zone is level 2 inside the T4 Ground Transport Hub.

SkyBus

https://www.skybus.com.au

The main airport shuttle to and from Melbourne Airport and the city. It leaves from two locations directly outside the terminals and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SkyBus travels directly to and from Southern Cross Station and leaves every ten minutes for most of the day. Travel times to Southern Cross Station range from 20 - 35 minutes. It is a 5 minute walk from the station to the hotel.

Tickets are $19 one way/$32 return for adults. SkyBus have on-board wifi and a shuttle service from Southern Cross Station to most hotels in the city, including Southbank and Docklands.  SkyBus recommends allowing 1.5 hours when being picked up from your hotel and transiting to the airport.

Full details of public transport buses serving Melbourne Airport are at http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/...

General public transport information (for Melbourne and the entire state of Victoria) including a journey planner is at http://ptv.vic.gov.au/

Cost and time comparison:

Ranking in terms of travel times to inner city locations, a taxi will be fastest (approx. 20 - 30 minutes), followed by shuttle buses (25-60 minutes) then public transport (1 - 1.5 hours). In terms of cost, public transport is cheapest ($6), followed by Skybus and city shuttles (around $19), then a taxi (around $50-$65).

Onward travel:

Southern Cross station is a major train station in the CBD with access to all train destinations including regional and interstate, good Melbourne tram access, tourist information, buses, taxis, travellers aid etc.

Melbourne's public transport "smart card" fare system is called Myki and can be confusing for visitors or casual travellers. A good idea is to purchase a Myki card on line prior to visiting Melbourne. Regular Myki cards can be purchased for $6 at the airport by a special visitors' pack available from the Skybus booth (terminal 1). Note that Skybus does not accept Myki but does sell Myki visitor packs. For visitors wishing to purchase a 'full fare' (adult) Myki or add credit to their current Myki card can do so at a Myki machine located on the ground floor of T2, near the toilets at the north end, closest to T1.Full Myki details at Public Transport Victoria.

Hire cars and ride share:

If you plan to drive around, you can hire a car at the airport from one of several operators such as EnterpriseRedspotAvisBudgetHertz and Thrifty. The drive to the city is along CityLink. Check with your rental company on how you are covered for CityLink tolls.

Melbourne Airport partners with the original cabfriend.com (taxi share).  This can instantly find you a friend to share with in all suburbs and save 30% to 75% of the cost of a taxi. You can also use co-seats from the Melbourne Airport ride sharing page. 

Trams

Trams on routes 12, 109, 11 and 48 all pass the hotel along Collins Street, get off at the William Street stop which is a 3-minute walk to the hotel. The hotel is located within the free tram zone which means travel within the CBD on the tram is free.

The easiest way to approach the hotel is to ensure you are driving west along Collins Street so you can pull into the hotel driveway pull-in area. The concierge can assist with unloading and if you are driving they can valet park your car ($70 per day) or provide directions to the self-park car park.

These prices were correct at the time of writing, but please confirm yourself!

 

"After sending numerous letters and CV's and completing many of the schools online application processes and not getting anything back except the occasional auto response, it was great to come the fair; the heads of some fantastic schools were there and ready to seriously consider candidates and offer positions." - Mark
"A whirlwind few days, but professionally run and with a spirit of friendliness and helpfulness that shone through." - Mathew
"Well organised, everything worked smoothly. Great to have a range of schools from various regions." - Katherine
"This was my first fair and I really appreciated the opportunity to get an insight into schools from around the world through the individual school presentations." - Lee
"Without the opportunity to meet recruiters face to face, candidates are often just 'another piece of paper' (cv) so it is invaluable!" - Rebecca
"A fantastic fair. We had no idea what to expect beforehand but would definitely recommend to others!" - Matthew
"Outstanding prior info about the fair and what to expect. Very good communication at all times and exceptionally helpful and friendly staff." - Clinton
"Well organised, plenty of help from staff when required. Staff were really friendly and made a point to check in with how I was going." - Pippa
"The atmosphere Nick, Paula and the team bring to the fair is why I come back. It is warm, and supportive with some humor which is perfect match and balance to the intensity of the fair." - Lauren
"At the start I was incredibly nervous but I was at ease after a few days and meeting with some of the schools and talking to them about their packages and support for teachers new to the school. If I wanted help it was there, that's all I could ever want." - Royce
"Great organisation, friendliness and helpfulness all around." - Henriette
"Wonderful atmosphere from recruiters, Search staff, and candidates." - Kyle
"I thought the backup and continued interest from Search Associates was excellent. You have some awesome people, including the boys." - Adrian

"The skill level of candidates, particularly in inquiry pedagogies which is easily transferrable to IB curriculum; personalised service from Nick, Paula & team, who provide constant support to recruiters and informed advice to candidates."

"Excellent hospitality; Search staff care for their candidates and recruiters; quality candidates; overall, this is always a highlight to our recruiting each year."

"As we've said before (from many a rafter to anyone who will listen), the Melbourne Fair is a treat for us each year. We meet great, highly qualified, enthusiastic teachers and we have the best hosts in the business".

"Great Fair - small, but great candidates and excellent service".

"Outstanding personalised support and constant communication makes this fair one-of-a-kind. Just a joy to be there. Nick and Paula set the tone of a collaborative, communicative fair and the recruiters respond to this, so that there is a feeling among schools of supporting each other to find the right people, not of competition. Nick Kendell knows every single candidate so there can be real, informed conversations about "best fit" for each candidate and school. The quality of the teachers is top notch, with training and experience which makes them highly attractive to IB schools. The other staff are highly knowledgeable and experienced, particularly in the Asian region and work hard to support candidates and schools. The main drawback is the number of candidates - we always wants more - to ensure that schools walk away with sufficient number of sign-ups but this can't be helped. Also, for our school, a large number of the truly excellent candidates had 3-5 years experience. To process a visa in Beijing at present, we require more than 5 years experience, so we were just unable to interview many of the excellent people. Again, this is our issue, not the fault of the Fair or Search Associates. We look forward to continuing to hire candidates from Nick's books, as he attracts the best. We hope to fill our positions in the coming weeks/month. Thank you so much."

" We really cannot speak highly enough about Nick and Paula Kendell and their team. This fair is incredibly well organised with carefully selected candidates. For us, coming to the Melbourne Fair each year feels like we're coming home to a family reunion. We get to catch up, meet new people and expand the family to the next year. Hats off to all of you for being able to organise a fair of this calibre, year on year. In a word, exceptional. We feel fortunate to be invited to attend". 

Did You Know…?

Senior Associate Nick Kendell has worked in Asia, Australia, and Africa as an educator and administrator.