Trades Recognition Australia

Skilled Worker Program

Assessment Criteria
March 2010

Table of Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Preamble........................................................................................................................... Definitions for the Skilled Worker Program.................................................................... Authority.......................................................................................................................... Assessment Practice......................................................................................................... Benchmark of an Australian tradesperson....................................................................... Benchmark of an Australian Child Care Co-ordinator.................................................... Skill Pathway Assessments.............................................................................................. Skill Pathway Overview................................................................................................... Skill Pathway A (4 years Formal Apprenticeship).......................................................... Skill Pathway B (Informal Apprenticeship)..................................................................... Skill Pathway C (5 years Vocational Traineeship).......................................................... Skill Pathway E (Australian Qualification Holders)........................................................ Supervisor or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades).................................................... Child Care Co-ordinator...................................................................................................

Trades Recognition Australia Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria March 2010 1. Preamble
1.1. The following Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria provides detail on the procedures used by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) in the consideration of applications for assessment of training and employment carried out for the purposes of applying for a residence visa. 1.2. The Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria applies to applicants applying for a skills assessment for a residence visa: 1.2.1.under the General Skilled Migration program from outside Australia; or 1.2.2.under the General Skilled Migration program from within Australia but who do not hold an Australian qualification based on studies undertaken in Australia; or 1.2.3.under employer sponsored arrangements. 1.3. The assessment criteria do not apply to those applications seeking accreditation of training and employment experience toward the award of an ARTC. 1.4. Applications must be complete and decision ready. (See Glossary of Terms at www.deewr.gov.au/tra) 1.5. These criteria must be read in conjunction with the Skilled Worker Program Application Guidelines (See www.deewr.gov.au/tra).

2. Definitions for the Skilled Worker Program

2.1. .Tradesperson: A tradesperson is an individual who has formal training or skills recognition which is comparable with the appropriate AQF Certificate III level trade qualification, and on-the-job trade-level employment which results in evidence that they meet the benchmark of an Australian tradesperson . (See clause 5). 2.2. Accordingly, a tradesperson is deemed to be a person who can demonstrate trade-level skills in their designated trade and, where relevant, is able to: 2.2.1.work unsupervised across the full range of trade duties; 2.2.2.follow complex written and verbal directions; 2.2.3.complete trade work in accordance with relevant industry standards; 2.2.4.plan the method and order of progressing trade work; 2.2.5.work safely in accordance with workplace health and safety regulations; and 2.2.6.identify, select and use tools and equipment to complete trade tasks. 2.3. Technician: A technician is an individual who has completed formal structured technical training equivalent to an AQF Certificate IV level or higher and whose range of duties consist primarily of the following: 2.3.1.uses test equipment; 2.3.2.undertakes technical tests and tabulates testing results; 2.3.3.assembles pre fabricated parts and equipment; and 2.3.4.works in support of and/or under the instruction of an engineer(s). 2.4. Associate Professional: An associate professional is an individual who is involved with design and test analysis of product(s) and/or undertakes a supervisory/management function (e.g. a Head Chef or Child Care Co-ordinator).

2.5. Associate professionals would normally have completed an Advanced Diploma or Diploma qualification or otherwise meet the equivalent international standard in the relevant technical field (see clause 2.7). 2.6. The majority of associate professionals may be considered under all skill pathways (see clause 14 for further information on Child Care Co-ordinators). 2.7. References: In determining an equivalent international standard TRA may refer to, but not necessarily be limited to, publications including The training of skilled workers (Central Trades Committee Tripartite Mission reports) or Country Education Profiles published by Australian Education International - National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition.

3. Authority
3.1. In accordance with Regulation 2.26B(1) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations), the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has designated TRA as a relevant assessing authority for skilled occupations as listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). 3.2. In accordance with Regulation 136.222 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations, TRA is required to determine whether the skills of a person are suitable for a nominated skilled occupation (as listed on the SOL) in Australia for which they are responsible. 3.3. Regulation 2.26B(2) of the Regulations provides the authority for TRA to determine, at its sole discretion, the standards against which the skills of a person are assessed as being suitable for their nominated occupation. 3.4. TRA has determined that the Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria are to be used for the purposes of Regulation 2.26B(2). These criteria displace all previous instruments, criteria or determinations to the extent of any inconsistency.

4. Assessment Practice
4.1. TRA assesses applicants against the occupation nominated in their application form. If the applicant is unsuccessful in the nominated occupation, TRA may assess the applicant against other occupations which TRA considers may be relevant to the applicant. 4.2. For the purposes of assessing applications, TRA, or its agent, has the discretion to interview applicants and employers; seek video evidence of skills, authorise assessments of trade skills; and inspect work sites. 4.3. If, as a result of such an interview, video, assessment or inspection, TRA forms an opinion that an applicants skills are not suitable for the nominated occupation, then notwithstanding the other terms of the Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria, TRA will determine that the applicant does not have suitable skills for the nominated trade occupation.

5. Benchmark of an Australian tradesperson

5.1. An Australian tradesperson is generally recognised as such on completion of a formal apprenticeship. Trade status is then confirmed by way of appropriate title,

Trades Recognition Australia Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria March 2010
remuneration and conditions conferred under the relevant industrial award. 5.2. Where applicable, TRA applies the benchmark of trade training and employment equivalent to that of an Australian apprenticeship-trained tradesperson in determining whether an applicants skills in their nominated trade are suitable for that trade.

6. Benchmark of an Australian Child Care Co-ordinator

6.1. Australian state and territory licensing requirements generally state that a Diploma level qualification with significant content relating to early childhood development is the minimum requirement for this occupation (see clause 14).

7. Skill Pathway Assessments

7.1. To determine whether an applicant meets the benchmark of an Australian tradesperson (as applicable), TRA applies a Skill Pathways approach. An overview of this approach is set out in clause 8. 7.2. Skill Pathways provide TRA staff with the complete assessment framework which can be applied to all source countries and all relevant occupations listed in the Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) where relevant. 7.3. Applicants must provide sufficient evidence to support each claim made in their application. Evidence must be capable of independent verification by TRA. 7.4. TRA Assessors (herein after referred to as Assessors) are required, from the evidence provided by the applicant, to determine whether an applicant satisfies the requirements of at least one skill pathway in relation to a nominated skilled occupation and whether the applicant should be recognised as satisfying that skill pathway. 7.5. Successful applicants who have demonstrated that their skills are suitable for their nominated skilled occupation (i.e. have met the benchmark of an Australian tradesperson, as applicable) are deemed to have had their claims accepted and are provided with a designated ANZSCO occupation and relevant code for migration purposes only. 7.6. Where TRA has assessed the applicant as having suitable skills for their nominated occupation, the applicant will receive a letter from TRA which identifies them as having successfully undertaken a TRA skills assessment for the purposes of migration to Australia. This letter is not a qualification, nor does it allow the holder to gain employment on arrival in Australia. 7.7. On arrival in Australia, successful applicants may be subject to additional requirements before they are eligible to practice in their nominated skilled occupation. These may include testing, assessment and licensing or registration requirements some of which are unique to different States and Territories. 7.8. Where requested by the applicant, Assessors determine whether the applicant is also eligible for recognition as a supervisor and/or as a Vocational Education Teacher (Trades).

8. Skill Pathway Overview

8.1. The requirements that applicants must meet for each Skill Pathway, for the purpose of applying for a residence visa to Australia, are displayed in Table 1.

Table 1. Skilled Worker Program Skill Pathways

Skill Pathway
Notional Title

A
Formal Apprenticeship 900 Hrs formal training (inclusive of employment) Regulated national apprenticeship 4 years (inclusive of training)

B
Informal Apprenticeship 900 Hrs formal training (inclusive of employment) 5 years (inclusive of training)

C
Vocational Traineeship 1800 Hrs formal training (inclusive of employment) Recognised traineeship 5 years (inclusive of training)

E
Australian Qualification Australia Qualifications Framework (AQF) Trade Qualification 4 years (exclusive of training)

Training requirement Specific requirements related to training Minimum employment requirement Employment Currency Primary Outcome

All pathways require evidence of at least 12 months full-time paid employment in the nominated trade in the last 24 months before the date of lodgement of application Trade Occupation Recognised (See clause 7.5)

Supervisor or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) Requirements in addition to those listed in the above Skill Pathways Secondary Outcome Employment Currency A minimum of 3 years experience as a Supervisor or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) is required after first satisfying the Skill Pathway requirements at the base trade level. Supervisor / Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) To be considered at the Supervisory or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) you must provide verifiable evidence of at least 12 months full-time paid employment in the nominated trade at the Supervisory or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) in the last 24 months before the date of application

Trades Recognition Australia Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria March 2010 9. Skill Pathway A (4 years Formal Apprenticeship)
9.1. Recognition: The apprenticeship cited must be one that is regulated (and endorsed as having been completed) by an authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA (e.g. government, military or recognised industrial party). 9.2. Employment: The apprenticeship cited must comprise of a period of acceptable formal training, directly related on-the-job training and continuing directly related and relevant employment of not less than four years duration. 9.2.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided. 9.3. In addition, the employment must meet the following conditions: 9.3.1.the apprenticeship was formalised by a contract entered into between the employer and the apprentice and registered with the authorised governing body; 9.3.2.the apprentice completed on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a qualified tradesperson in the occupation or trade; 9.3.3.successful completion of the apprenticeship resulted in the person being recognised by an acceptable employer as a fully qualified tradesperson; and 9.3.4.where applicable, the apprentice had reached the standard required to be recognised as a tradesperson by the military service and/or upon discharge, be eligible for recognition by the relevant union or industry association as a skilled tradesperson. 9.4. Formal training: The training cited must be formal, vocational training which: 9.4.1.consists of not less than 900 hours of structured tuition (including tuition by the military); 9.4.2.has been conducted in concurrence with employment; 9.4.3.is directly related to the occupation; 9.4.4.has been accredited by an authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA (e.g. government, military or recognised industrial party); and 9.4.5.results in the award of certification verifying completion of such training. 9.5. Restrictions: A formal apprenticeship has not been completed where the applicant cites circumstances which include but are not limited to: 9.5.1.training which is determined not to be to an equivalent international standard (see clause 2.7); 9.5.2.an apprenticeship in a country or countries where no formal apprenticeship system exits; or 9.5.3.an apprenticeship in a country or countries where there is no authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA.

10. Skill Pathway B (Informal Apprenticeship)

10.1.Employment: The apprenticeship cited must comprise of a period of acceptable formal training, directly related on-the-job training, and continuing directly related and relevant employment of not less than five years duration. 10.1.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided. 10.2.In addition, the employment must meet the following conditions: 10.2.1.the apprentice completed on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a qualified tradesperson in the occupation or trade; and 10.2.2.successful completion of the informal apprenticeship has resulted in the person being recognised by an acceptable employer as a fully qualified tradesperson. 10.3.Formal training: The training cited must be formal, vocational training which: 10.3.1.consists of not less than 900 hours of structured tuition; 10.3.2.has been conducted within 2 years of the apprenticeship; 10.3.3.is directly related to the occupation; 10.3.4.has been accredited by an authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA (e.g. government, military or recognised industrial party); and 10.3.5.results in certification verifying completion of such training. 10.4.Restrictions: An informal apprenticeship has not been completed where the applicant cites circumstances which include, but are not limited to: 10.4.1.training which is determined not to be equivalent (see clause 2.7); or 10.4.2.an apprenticeship or employment arrangements which are determined not to be equivalent or are incomplete.

Trades Recognition Australia Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria March 2010 11. Skill Pathway C (5 years Vocational Traineeship)
11.1.Employment: The traineeship cited must comprise of a period of acceptable formal training, directly related on-the-job training and continuing directly related and relevant employment of not less than five years duration. 11.1.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided. 11.2.In addition, the employment must meet the following conditions: 11.2.1.the applicant completed on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a qualified tradesperson in the occupation or trade; and 11.2.2.successful completion of the traineeship resulted in the applicant being recognised by an acceptable employer as a fully qualified tradesperson. 11.3.Formal Training: The training cited must be formal, vocational training which: 11.3.1.consists of not less than 1800 hours of structured tuition; 11.3.2.has been conducted within 2 years of the traineeship; 11.3.3.is directly related to the occupation; 11.3.4.has been accredited by an authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA (e.g. government, military or recognised industrial party); and 11.3.5.results in certification verifying completion of such training. 11.4.Restrictions: A vocational traineeship has not been completed where the applicant cites circumstances which include, but are not limited to: 11.4.1.training which is determined not to be equivalent (2.7); or 11.4.2.traineeship or employment arrangements which are determined not to be equivalent or are incomplete.

12. Skill Pathway E (Australian Qualification Holders)

12.1.Employment: Applicants citing an AQF qualification in a trade occupation awarded on either the basis of Formal Training (see clause 12.2) or Recognition of Prior Learning (see clause 12.4), must provide evidence of not less than 4 years paid fulltime employment in a relevant and directly related trade. 12.1.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided. 12.2.Formal Training: Acceptable formal training must be bona fide formal vocational training which: 12.2.1. is delivered by an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that is authorised to deliver the training for the nominated occupation; and 12.2.2.results in the award of an appropriate AQF qualification from the relevant training package, for a relevant skilled occupation listed on the SOL. 12.3.Credit Transfer (CT)/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applications citing AQF qualifications awarded on the basis of acceptable formal training (see clause 12.2) which include competencies recognised by CT/RPL, must include evidence of how the competencies recognised by CT/RPL were achieved. For example, such evidence should include transcripts provided by alternative RTOs or evidence of acceptable employment in the nominated trade occupation. 12.4.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL assessments must be conducted: 12.4.1.by an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) which is authorised to deliver the training for the nominated occupation. 12.4.2.by a qualified workplace assessor (who holds the appropriate assessor qualification); 12.4.3.in the presence of an appropriately trained and qualified Australian tradesperson; 12.4.4.across all compulsory core competencies as defined by the relevant training package for the occupation nominated by an applicant; and 12.4.5.consistent with the requirements of the relevant training package.

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Trades Recognition Australia Skilled Worker Program Assessment Criteria March 2010 13. Supervisor or Vocational Education Teacher (Trades)
13.1.Supervisor: Applicants must first be recognised under a Skill Pathway (see clauses 9 -12) and also possess at least three years post-recognition supervisory experience involving qualified tradespersons. 13.1.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided. 13.2.A supervisor is expected to demonstrate a working understanding of staff management, occupational health and safety policies and procedures and relevant quality standards. In addition, a supervisor would be expected to demonstrate that they have had direct supervision of at least four subordinates in allied occupations. 13.3.An applicant under consideration for recognition as a supervisor will also be entitled to claim a maximum 1000 hours credit resulting from the completion of supervisoryrelated training. This training must have been completed within two years of commencing in a supervisory role. 13.4.Vocational Education Teacher (Trades): Applicants must first be recognised under a Skill Pathway and also must demonstrate at least three years post-recognition employment as a Vocational Education Teacher (Trades). 13.5.A vocational education teacher is expected to demonstrate an understanding of: 13.5.1.adult education processes particular to vocational disciplines; 13.5.2.adult student supervision; 13.5.3.management of student records; 13.5.4.occupational health and safety policies and procedures; and 13.5.5.relevant quality standards. 13.6.An applicant under consideration for recognition as a vocational education teacher will also be entitled to claim a maximum 1000 hours credit resulting from the completion of vocational education related training and assessment. This training must have been completed within two years of commencing an educative role. 13.7.Applicants who achieve recognition through Skill Pathway E, are eligible for consideration as a Vocational Education Teacher (Trades) upon completion of the following additional requirements: 13.7.1.AQF Certificate IV in assessment and workplace training; and 13.7.2.minimum three years experience in a vocational trades teaching capacity (see clause 13.5).

14. Child Care Co-ordinator

14.1.Applicants must have completed a two year accredited post-secondary course in child care (diploma or advanced diploma) or three year accredited tertiary course in early childhood care or education. 14.2.Employment: Applicants must have three years supervisory employment that reflects the responsibilities, duties and tasks of a Child Care Co-ordinator. This must be obtained in an environment of substantial size and reputation and subject to a regulatory framework, and gained after the accredited course referred to in clause 14.1 is completed.

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14.2.1.Evidence of 12 months paid full-time employment in the nominated trade within the 24 months prior to lodging an application must also be provided 14.3.Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in English language literacy and numeracy with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least six in all four components.

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