Job Ready Program - media

Since yesterday's post, I notice that issues with the job ready program are making it into the media. See the article in Adelaide Now.

Job Ready Program - update

I received an email update from the Migration Institute of Australia (www.mia.org.au) which is provided as a service to its members about some further issues which have arisen with TRA skills assessments and the job ready program.

It appears that full details are still being thrashed out, but in relation to the work experience requirement:

1. TRA will look at work experience on a flexible basis but two days per week for six months is the minimum. Work on a regular basis or in holiday periods will fulfill the requirements.
   Work as part of a course (for example, industry placement) can be counted towards the requirement, providing it is in a commercial environment.
2. Overseas work experience does not count – must be in an Australian workplace.
3. Unpaid work can be counted, providing this was legally conducted.

In other TRA related news, it appears that notwithstanding that the changes to the regulations did not prescribe the job ready program would apply to onshore ENS (employer nomination scheme) visas, it is currently being applied. DIAC are trying to sort this out - one would think it wouldn't be difficult if its simply a case of TRA imposing a non-existent requirement. Simply tell them to stop!

However, my favourite TRA news is that apparently applications are being rejected where a mobile telephone number is provided for an employer. Apparently this creates issues with verification of work experience references, even though it would be totally normal for some trade businesses not to have land line numbers at all ...hmmm.

Photograph used pursuant to creative commons licence:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flem007_uk/ / CC BY 2.0

Job Ready Program

From 1 January 2010, overseas student graduates who wish to apply for skilled (or regional sponsored) visas and who nominate a trade occupation will be subject to compliance with a job ready program administered by Trade Recognition Australia.

Details are still emerging/developing, but getting an assessment (necessary for the permanent residence visa application) will be a four step process:

1. Apply for a provisional assessment. This will involve payment of a fee (of course), holding a valid visa, achieving 6 across the four components of an IELTS test and having relevant work experience;
2. Completion of 12 months of "job ready" employment;
3. Complete a work place skills assessment; and
4. Apply for a final assessment.

This seems to me to be quite onerous and must reflect on the variation in the quality of the various trade courses that are offered to overseas students. It's unfortunate that a regime like this is necessary at all.

In writing this post, I acknowledge the assistance I have received from material published by the MIA (www.mia.org.au) as a service to its members

Photograph used pursuant to creative commons licence with the following attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkingsf/ / CC BY 2.0