The Job Ready Program (formerly known as Job Ready Employer-Sponsored Program) is a component of the Australian Government’s skilled migration program. It is designed for international workers who are sponsored by an employer in Australia on a temporary visa under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) program or a similar employer-sponsored visa.
The Job Ready Program is managed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and is intended to help skilled workers gain formal recognition of their skills and qualifications in Australia. Here is an overview of the program:
1. Stages of the Program:
– Stage 1 – Job Ready Employment (JRE): In this stage, participants must complete at least 20 hours of paid employment per week in their nominated occupation for a minimum period of 12 months. This employment is meant to provide the worker with practical experience and ensure they are job-ready in the Australian context.
– Stage 2 – Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA): After completing the required employment period, participants move on to Stage 2. This involves undergoing a workplace assessment to evaluate their job skills and knowledge in the Australian workplace. The assessment is conducted by a TRA-approved assessor.
– Stage 3 – Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): This stage involves submitting evidence of relevant qualifications and skills acquired during the Job Ready Program. This is assessed by TRA to determine whether the participant meets the required standard.
2. Eligibility:
– Participants must hold a valid temporary visa that allows them to work in Australia, such as the TSS visa (subclass 482) or a similar employer-sponsored visa or 485:
– They must have a relevant qualification and meet the English language proficiency requirements.
– They must be employed in a nominated occupation related to their qualifications.
3. Benefits:
– Successful completion of the Job Ready Program can lead to a positive skills assessment by TRA, which can be valuable for future skilled migration applications.
– It provides formal recognition of the participant’s skills and qualifications in the Australian context.
– It allows participants to gain practical work experience in Australia.
4. Assessment Process:
– TRA works with approved registered training organizations (RTOs) and assessors to conduct assessments.
– Participants are required to submit evidence of their employment and qualifications.
– Workplace assessments may include tasks, interviews, and observations to assess the participant’s skills in a practical work setting.
5. Duration:
The duration of the Job Ready Program varies, but it typically takes at least 3 years to complete all stages.
6. Cost:
– There are fees associated with participating in the Job Ready Program, including assessment and administration fees.