As part of continuous improvement, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is introducing changes to evidence requirements and to its processes for the Job Ready Program (JRP). The JRP provides international graduates who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia relevant to an occupation assessed by TRA, with an opportunity to demonstrate their ’job readiness’through employment in their chosen occupation before applying for permanent residency.

From 1 July 2011, the following changes will apply to JRP applications:

1.  Applications for a Provisional Skill Assessment must be decision ready. Applicants seeking a Provisional Skills Assessment have one opportunity to supply TRA with all their supporting hard copy information and evidence. TRA has previously accepted additional evidence where applicants have failed to provide sufficient information in the first instance. From 1 July 2011, applicants who do not provide all the required documentation with their printed PSA summary page should expect an unsuccessful outcome.

2. Provisional Skills Assessment applicants will no longer submit a certified copy of their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result. Applicants will be required to enter their valid IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) number in the on-line application form.

3. Provisional Skills Assessment applicants will be required to supply additional evidence to support claims of time spent in work.

For any employment claimed as time spent in work and undertaken in Australia after 1 July 2011, TRA will require:

• an employer statement for each period of employment claimed detailing the work undertaken, the period of employment, the location of the workplace and contact details of the employer; and
• verifiable evidence of time spent in employment, such as pay slips, group certificates, payroll printouts, time sheets, and/or bank statements.

For any vocational placements claimed as time spent in work and undertaken in Australia after 1 July 2011, TRA will require a letter of confirmation from the relevant Registered Training Organisation that:

• confirms the vocational placement has been undertaken as a requirement of their training course;
• details exact dates, hours and location of the vocational placement;
• includes a description of the nature and content of the work undertaken (note: this description may be supplied by the Registered Training Organisation or the approved work placement supervisor).

4. The earliest date Job Ready Employment can commence will be the date TRA acknowledges receipt of the Employment Registration Form. As a transitional arrangement, TRA has allowed participants to claim up to three months work before the date of their Job Ready Employment registration towards their 12 months of Job Ready Employment.  This interim arrangement was in place so as not to disadvantage potential participants who were not yet familiar with the new program requirements.

However, as the JRP has been in place for almost 18 months, this interim arrangement will end on 30 June 2011.

If you have any questions, please email traenquiries@deewr.gov.au