Job Ready Program
Participant Guidelines
Document publishing date (March 2015)
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Document particulars
TRIM ID
ED11/011107
File
Job Ready
Program
Guidelines.doc
Content last updated
March 2015
Document
status
DRAFT
Due for review
September 2015
Point of contact
Trades Recognition Australia
Approval authority
Branch Manager, Trades Recognition Australia
Date of first approval to
publish
15 September 2011
Note: This is a controlled document in its electronic form only. Paper copies of this
document are not controlled and should be checked against the electronic version
before use.
With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted,
all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons
Attribution 3.0 Australia (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au) licence.
The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons
website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY
3.0 AU licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/legalcode).
The document must be attributed as the Job Ready Program Guidelines.
Document change history
Version
Date
published
Authors
Summary of change
Authorised by
1.0
28/04/2011
TRA
Publication
Jan Febey
Branch
Manager, TRA
2.0
28/06/2011
TRA
Policy update: additional
evidence requirements
for PSA from 1 July 2011
Jan Febey
Branch
Manager, TRA
3.0
04/10/2011
TRA
Incorporating online
application for Steps 2-4
Job Ready Employment
requirements clarified
Jan Febey
Branch
Manager, TRA
4.0
June 2012
TRA
Update to payment
details and Contact
information
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
General
Manager, TRA
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Page 2 of 43
Version
Date
published
Authors
Summary of change
Authorised by
5.0
March 2013
TRA
Update fees and
payment options
Tracy Feeney,
A/g General
Manager, TRA
6.0
July 2013
TRA
Remove review fee for
JRFA. Clarify verification
arrangements for PSA.
Reflect Visa changes
and Department name.
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
General
Manager, TRA
7.0
November
2013
TRA
Updates to reflect recent
Government and
Departmental name and
brand changes.
Clarification of
requirements around the
use of the PSA and
access into the JRE.
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
General
Manager, TRA,
Skills Mobility
and Asian
Connections
Branch
8.0
December
2013
TRA
Remove need to do
Professional
Development Training
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
General
Manager, TRA,
Skills Mobility
and Asian
Connections
9.0
September
2014
TRA
Update JRE eligibility
criteria to include prior
employment.
Update requirements for
online journal entries.
Re-word text for greater
language clarity and
cohesion.
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
General
Manager, Skills
Engagement
Branch
(incorporating
TRA)
10.0
January 2015
TRA
Update PSA eligibility
requirement to remove
IELTS test result
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
Branch
Manager, Skills
Engagement
Branch
(incorporating
TRA)
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Page 3 of 43
Version
Date
published
Authors
Summary of change
Authorised by
11.0
March 2015
TRA
Updates to reflect recent
Government and
Departmental name and
brand changes.
Dr Melissa
McEwen,
Branch
Manager, Skills
Engagement
Branch
(incorporating
TRA)
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Page 4 of 43
Table of Contents
1
Overview of the Job Ready Program
1.1
Job Ready Program objective
1.2
Before applying
1.3
Job Ready Program summary
1.4
Fees
1.5
Migration Agent or Authorised Representative
1.6
Privacy
1.7
False and misleading information
1.8
Certification of Documentation
2
Job Ready Program requirements and processes
2.1
Step 1: Provisional Skills Assessment
2.2
Step 2: Job Ready Employment
2.3
Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment
2.4
Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment
3
Roles and responsibilities
3.1
Employers and Supervisors
3.2
TRA Liaison Officers (TRA LO)
3.3
TRA approved registered training organisation’s (RTOs)
3.4
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
4
Contact Details for Trades Recognition Australia
5
Glossary
6
Acronyms
6
6
6
7
8
9
10
12
12
13
13
19
28
34
37
37
37
37
38
39
40
43
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Page 5 of 43
1 Overview of the Job Ready Program
These guidelines describe the Job Ready Program and define the requirements for
potential applicants and Job Ready Program participants.
The primary audience for the guidelines is potential applicants and Job Ready Program
participants. Terms explained in the Glossary are bolded when they first appear in this
document.
The Job Ready Program is a four-step employment-based skills assessment program
for international student graduates seeking a skills assessment for migration purposes.
The Job Ready Program gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and
job readiness in an Australian workplace, relevant to their nominated occupation, before
they apply for migration in Australia.
The Job Ready Program is managed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) as a
business unit of the Department of Education and Training. TRA is the relevant
assessing authority for certain occupations under the Migration Regulations 1994.
Regulation 2.26B (2) of the Migration Regulations 1994 requires that the skills of a
person must be assessed against the standards set by the relevant assessing authority
for the skilled occupation.
1.1 Job Ready Program objective
The Job Ready Program aims to increase the confidence of Australian employers in the
skills and qualifications of recently graduated international students who have
completed a qualification in Australia that is relevant to an occupation assessed by TRA,
and who intend to apply for migration to Australia.
The Job Ready Program also aims to ensure that an international trade qualified
graduate is well placed as a skilled worker to seek employment in their nominated
occupation.
1.2 Before applying
Potential applicants for the Job Ready Program must:

check with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) before
submitting an application to TRA, to ensure they have identified the appropriate visa
pathway*

check TRA is listed on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) as the
assessing authority for their nominated occupation
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JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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
check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to ensure their occupation is listed before
applying for Step 1 - a Provisional Skills Assessment, if they intend to apply for a
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

review and understand the eligibility requirements for each step of the Job Ready
Program before lodging an application.
*These guidelines do not provide specific information on visa or points requirements for
migration. All enquiries about migration requirements must be directed to the
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) at www.immi.gov.au as TRA
plays no role in the issuing of visas or the allocation of points for migration purposes.
TRA reserves the right to amend these guidelines as needed. Information about
changes to the guidelines will be listed in the ‘Document change history’ table on pages
2 and 3.
1.3 Job Ready Program summary
Applicants need to apply and pay for each step of the Job Ready Program through the
Online Portal via the TRA website and post the relevant registration forms and
supporting evidence to TRA for their application to be processed.

Step 1—Provisional Skills Assessment
The Provisional Skills Assessment verifies the authenticity of an international student
graduate’s Australian trade qualification and any employment, work experience and/or
vocational placement undertaken in an Australian workplace (360 hours minimum).
Applicants are required to demonstrate they have had exposure to a range of tasks and
duties relevant to their nominated occupation in an Australian workplace.
A successful Provisional Skills Assessment may be used in conjunction with a suitable
visa which satisfies the eligibility requirements for entry into Step 2 of the Job Ready
Program and/or to satisfy the DIBP skills assessment requirements for a Temporary
Graduate visa (subclass 485), where the assessed occupation appears on the Skilled
Occupation List (SOL).
Go to Section 2.1 for more information about the Provisional Skills Assessment.

Step 2—Job Ready Employment
Applicants who intend to apply for permanent skilled migration may choose to complete
Steps 2-4 of the Job Ready Program.
For Job Ready Employment, applicants must find employment in their nominated
occupation, and submit that employment for Job Ready Employment through the online
portal and provide the appropriate registration documents to TRA.
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JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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Employment completed prior to registration for Job Ready Employment, may be
considered. Such employment will only be considered where suitable evidence is
provided. The decision to accept or reject any employment completed prior to
registration is at the absolute discretion of TRA.
When registration for Job Ready Employment has been acknowledged by TRA,
applicants can participate in a process to verify 12 months of employment.
Go to Section 2.2 for more information about Job Ready Employment.

Step 3—Job Ready Workplace Assessment
When a participant has completed and provided acceptable evidence of at least 863
hours of paid employment over a minimum of six months, they may be eligible to
participate in Step 3 - a Job Ready Workplace Assessment.
The Job Ready Workplace Assessment is conducted in the place of employment
registered for Job Ready Employment. The purpose of the workplace assessment is to
determine whether the participant is successfully operating at the required skill level for
their nominated occupation in an Australian workplace.
Go to Section 2.3 for more information about the Job Ready Workplace Assessment.

Step 4— Job Ready Final Assessment
A Job Ready Final Assessment is conducted when acceptable evidence of at least
1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 calendar months is verified and
after the successful completion of a Job Ready Workplace Assessment.
The Job Ready Final Assessment will determine whether the participant has satisfied the
skills assessment requirement of DIBP for an independent skilled migration visa.
Go to Section 2.4 for more information about the Job Ready Final Assessment.
1.4 Fees
TRA manages the Job Ready Program on a cost-recovery basis in accordance with the
Australian Government Cost Recovery Guidelines. The following fees are payable to
TRA (all amounts in these guidelines are in Australian dollars). The fees paid to TRA do
not attract Goods and Services Tax (GST).1
1
As provided for in Schedule 1, Part 1, Item 10.10 in A New Tax System (Goods and Services
Tax) (Exempt Taxes, Fees and Charges) Determination 2011 (No. 1)
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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Fee Type
Step 1. Provisional Skills
Assessment (PSA)
Step 2. Job Ready
Employment (JRE)
Employment registration
Step 3. Job Ready
Workplace Assessment
(JRWA)
Step 4. Job Ready Final
Assessment (JRFA)
Provisional Skills
Assessment (PSA) Review
Subsequent Job Ready
Workplace Assessment
(JRWA)
1.4.1
Fee
Payable
STANDARD FEES
When submitting a PSA
$300
application online
$500
When submitting the first
Employment Registration Form
online
$2,000
When submitting a JRWA
application online
$150
When submitting a JRFA
application online
OTHER FEES
$300
If applying for a PSA Review
$2,000
If applying for a second JRWA
Fee Payments
Payments for TRA services are made online by Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card
through the Online Portal via the TRA website. Instructions for paying through the Online
Portal will be provided when an applicant applies for each step. Online payments are
processed securely using the Government EasyPay website which is operated by the
Reserve Bank of Australia. After payment, an email containing the receipt will be sent
automatically. It is important to retain this email receipt as evidence of payment.
1.4.2
Fee Refunds
Refunds will not be provided if an applicant chooses to withdraw an application or does
not provide the requested registration forms and supporting documents within the
specified timeframes. The circumstances in which TRA will refund a payment are
detailed in the TRA Payment and Refund Policy available in Forms & Policy on the TRA
website.
1.5 Migration Agent or Authorised Representative
Applicants may nominate a migration agent or representative to act on their behalf for
Step 1 – Provisional Skills Assessment - and/or Step 4 – Job Ready Final Assessment.
These steps have outcomes that require interaction with DIBP for visa eligibility and
processing. DIBP provides advice about the use of migration agents in Australia.
For Steps 2 and 3 of the Job Ready Program, participants and their employers will liaise
with a TRA Liaison Officer (TRA LO). TRA will only provide information to Job Ready
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
Page 9 of 43
Employment participants and will not liaise with any other parties who contact TRA on
their behalf. All correspondence for these two steps will only be sent to the participant.
If a migration agent or representative is engaged to assist an applicant with Step 1
and/or Step 4 of the program, the agent or representative details must be supplied with
the relevant online application. A signed Nomination of a Migration Agent or
Representative form located in Forms & Policy on the TRA website (or similar
correspondence), must also be provided to TRA. This will allow TRA to provide
information about participation in Step 1 and Step 4 of the program to the nominated
agent.
The Nomination of a Migration Agent or Representative form (or similar correspondence)
must be completed and submitted to TRA each time an applicant appoints or changes a
migration agent or representative. Information provided on the form will replace any
previous migration agent or representative details held on the applicant’s TRA file.
TRA will not correspond with, or speak to, another person on an applicant’s behalf about
their assessment without their approval in writing.
1.6 Privacy
All personal information collected by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is protected by
the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act). Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act contains the Australian
Privacy Principles (APPs), which prescribe the rules for handling personal information.
The Privacy Act defines ‘personal information’ as ‘information or an opinion about an
identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable:
(a) whether the information or opinion is true or not; and
(b) whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not’.
Privacy information
Under the APPs, the Department of Education and Training (Department) is required to
have a clearly expressed and up to date policy about the way the Department manages
personal information. This policy contains information about how you may access the
personal information the Department holds about you, and how you may correct any
inaccuracies in that information. We will correct your personal information if it is
inaccurate (subject to restrictions on such access/alteration of records under the
applicable provisions of any law of the Commonwealth).
It also includes information as to how you may make a complaint about a breach of the
APPs, and how the Department will respond to such a complaint.
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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A copy of the Department’s privacy policy is available on the Department’s website at
https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy.
More information about the Privacy Act, including a copy of the full text of the APPs, can
be obtained from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website at
www.oaic.gov.au.
Collection
TRA collects personal information from applicants for the purposes of:






processing applications, verifying evidence provided with applications, and
assessing whether an applicant has suitable skills in a nominated occupation
confirming authorisation by an applicant of his or her representative or migration
agent, and to provide contact details for that representative or migration agent
allowing you to make a payment of fees to TRA so you can lodge an application
allowing TRA to confirm payment and process refunds as applicable
conducting investigations and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, awards or
standards; and
ensuring compliance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines (2011).
Personal information collected by the Department will only be used for the purposes
outlined above. If TRA is not able to collect your personal information, your application
will not be able to proceed.
In the course of assessing your application, TRA may receive unsolicited personal
information about you from a third party. If TRA would normally have been able to collect
that information or it forms a part of a Commonwealth record, it will be treated in
accordance with the APPs. If not, TRA will destroy or de-identify that information.
Disclosure
TRA may give some or all of the information it collects from applicants or third parties to
the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Migration Review Tribunal, the
Australian Federal Police, your employer/s, your supervisor/s, your nominated agent or
representative, the organisations that issued your qualifications, TRA approved
registered training organisations, agencies providing advice to TRA on qualifications
such as UK NARIC, organisations or individuals providing in-country verification
services, the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Reserve Bank of Australia, your
banking institution, contractors, the Fair Work Ombudsman and other Australian and
state/territory government agencies.
TRA may disclose your personal information to these entities for the reasons that are
listed above in the collection section.
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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As part of the application process, TRA may be required to disclose your personal
information to an overseas recipient to verify information in your employment and
training claims. Typically, this personal information will be your name and date of birth.
These overseas recipients are likely to be located in the country or countries from which
you are making your employment or training claims.
Personal information collected by TRA will not be disclosed to any other third party
without your consent, except where authorised or required by law
Complaints
Please note, applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and validity of all
information provided to TRA.
Complaints about breaches of privacy should be referred to:
Privacy Contact Officer
Legal and Compliance Group
Department of Education and Training
GPO Box 9880
CANBERRA ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Email: privacy@education.gov.au
1.7 False and misleading information
TRA will take reasonable steps to verify the validity of all information supplied to TRA
throughout the Job Ready Program.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and validity of all information
provided to TRA.
However, if TRA determines at a later date that information previously supplied is false,
misleading, non-factual or simply incorrect, and that in reliance on that information TRA
has incorrectly assessed an applicant as successful, TRA may write to the applicant to
advise the assessment is no longer considered successful. TRA will advise DIBP
accordingly.
TRA may refer such matters to the appropriate authorities for investigation where
information provided to support an application is known or believed to be false.
1.8 Certification of Documentation
TRA must be able to verify, to its satisfaction, the content of all documents provided by
the applicant.
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JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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Original documents must not be sent to TRA.
All documentation not generated by the Job Ready Program online application process
must be copied and then fully certified.
A certified copy is a true copy of an original document that has been seen and certified
by an acceptable person, and annotated as follows:
'I certify that I have sighted the original document and this is a true copy of it.'
This certification must be made on a copy of the original documentation and include the
certifier’s name, title and registration number (where applicable), their original signature
and the date. Copies of signatures will not be acceptable.
If a document has multiple pages, the first page must include the signature and date of
the certifier, as well as the total number of pages of the document. Every page in the
document must have the original initial of the certifier and the date.
TRA will only accept documents certified by people who are listed in Schedule 2 of the
Statutory Declarations Regulations 1993, which is available through the Australian
Attorney-General’s Department website and documentation certified by a registered
migration agent.
2 Job Ready Program requirements and
processes
2.1 Step 1: Provisional Skills Assessment
2.1.1
Overview of the Provisional Skills Assessment
The Provisional Skills Assessment is an assessment process in which an applicant is
required to provide TRA with proof of identification, documentation of work in Australia
and an Australian qualification in a nominated occupation assessed by TRA.
A TRA officer will assess your documentation and determine whether your application
demonstrates that you have met the eligibility requirements (see Section 2.1.2).
The Provisional Skills Assessment can be used for the following purposes:
1
In conjunction with a suitable visa to satisfy the eligibility requirements for entry into
the remaining three steps of the Job Ready Program, beginning with registration into
Step 2 - Job Ready Employment.
2
To satisfy the DIBP skills assessment requirements for a Temporary Graduate visa
(subclass 485), where the assessed occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation
List (SOL).
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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You should check with DIBP at www.immi.gov.au before submitting an application to
TRA to ensure that you have identified the appropriate visa pathway for you, and that
TRA is the correct assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
2.1.2
Eligibility for a Provisional Skills Assessment
To apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment, an applicant must have a valid visa to
reside in Australia and provide evidence that they have:

met the DIBP Australian study requirement and earned a qualification awarded by a
registered training organisation (RTO) under the Australian Qualifications
Framework as a result of study in Australia, and is relevant to an occupation
assessed by TRA; and

evidence of work (employment and/or vocational placement) in Australia relevant to
the qualification and nominated occupation that meets the following two criteria:

has occurred in a genuine Australian workplace using current industrystandard equipment and industry-endorsed processes; and

totals a minimum of 360 hours of employment in Australian workplaces.
All employment must comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 and any other relevant
Australian workplace relation laws. For more information on the employment
requirements under the Fair Work Act 2009, please visit
www.fairwork.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Vocational placements completed as part of an Australian qualification may be included
where they satisfy the requirements of relevant training laws.
2.1.3
Nominated occupation for the Provisional Skills
Assessment
An applicant’s nominated occupation for the Provisional Skills Assessment must be:

one for which TRA is listed on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) as
the assessing authority

relevant to the qualification issued as a result of study in Australia

relevant to the employment the applicant secures for Step 2 of the Job Ready
Program, should they intend to continue in the program

the same as the occupation the applicant intends to nominate if they are applying for
a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) with DIBP.
Important: If an applicant intends to use a successful Provisional Skills Assessment
outcome in an application to DIBP for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), it is
their responsibility to monitor and comply with any eligibility requirements administered
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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by DIBP. TRA understands that the applicant will be required to nominate an occupation
from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). If their occupation is not on this list they should
contact DIBP to discuss their options.
2.1.4
Provisional Skills Assessment Application Process
Applicants must follow this process to be eligible for a Provisional Skills Assessment.
Applicants can contact TRA for assistance if required (see Section 3 for contact details).
2.1.4.1
Online application
To apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment, applicants must register through the TRA
online portal. Registration by other methods, such as email and post, will not be
accepted.
Applicants will be prompted to establish a username and password; these must be
retained as it will be necessary to use them to sign in to the online portal for Steps 2, 3
and 4 of the Job Ready Program.
The applicant is responsible to ensure that their application is correct, accurate and
complete. If an applicant engages an agent or representative to help them complete the
Provisional Skills Assessment application, they are required to notify TRA in writing (see
Section 1.13).
2.1.4.2
Provisional Skills Assessment Fee
The Provisional Skills Assessment fee payable online to TRA is $300. Refer to Section
1.4 for information about making a payment.
2.1.4.3
Registration documents
When the applicant has completed the online application process, the Provisional Skills
Assessment Summary Page must be printed from the online portal.
For the Provisional Skills Assessment application to be processed, the applicant must
post to TRA the signed Provisional Skills Assessment Summary Page together with the
following supporting documents:

a certified copy of the biographical identification page of the applicant’s current
passport

two certified current passport-size photographs of the applicant

a certified copy of the applicant’s qualification relevant to the nominated occupation
issued by an RTO in Australia and a full academic transcript of results, including
the commencement and completion dates of study in Australia. If the applicant has
completed a diploma and they wish to be assessed for a trade-level qualification Certificate III or, where relevant, Certificate IV - they must provide the appropriate
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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trade-level qualification and accompanying academic transcript listing the units of
competency completed for that qualification

certified copies of evidence of work (see Work statements - Section 2.1.4.4)
including, where relevant, certified copies of additional evidence for any work
undertaken after 1 July 2011.
Applicants are advised to keep their original documents, as well as copies of all
documents submitted to TRA, for their own records.
The applicant must ensure that TRA receives all of the registration and supporting
documents within 30 working days from lodgement of their online application. TRA will
acknowledge receipt of documents.
TRA will endeavour to conduct the assessment of the documentation provided, within 30
working days from receiving it.
A TRA case officer will assess the documentation and determine whether the applicant
demonstrates they have met the eligibility requirements.
2.1.4.4
Work statements
Each work statement provided to TRA as part of Step 1 - a Provisional Skills
Assessment - must be unique and must accurately describe the work undertaken at the
particular workplace. All work statements provided must be signed by a person
authorised to make, and capable of making, the statement. This may include an
employer, a direct supervisor or the RTO that issued the qualification (if the work related
to a vocational placement). Each work statement must clearly demonstrate a link to the
business.
Additional evidence is required for work undertaken after 1 July 2011. Applicants must
ensure they meet the evidence requirements for the periods of work claimed and that
any additional evidence clearly demonstrates a link to the business.
Employment: For each period of employment in Australia included in the online
application, certified copies of the following must be provided:

verifiable evidence that demonstrates hours worked, such as pay slips, payroll
printouts, logbooks, bank statements timesheets, payment summaries or group
certificates (for employment that was undertaken after 1 July 2011 only); and

a written employment statement (for all employment being claimed) that can be
confirmed with the relevant employer that:

states the occupation in which the applicant was/is employed


states the exact dates and hours of employment
provides a detailed description of the nature and content of the work undertaken,
along with the machines, tools and/or equipment used
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JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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
is on letterhead used by the RTO or the employer’s business

is signed and dated by the employer/s or a person authorised by the RTO and/or
employer/s, including the name, position and contact details of the person
making the statement. (For verification purposes, the landline and/or mobile
telephone number/s must be able to be linked to the business by TRA.)
Vocational Placements: For each period of vocational placement included in an online
application, the applicant must provide a certified copy of a written statement from the
RTO that:

confirms the vocational placement has been undertaken as a requirement of a
training course

details exact dates, hours and location of the vocational placement

includes a description of the nature and content of the work the applicant undertook,
along with the machines, tools and/or equipment used (this description may be
supplied by the RTO or the approved vocational placement supervisor)

is signed and dated by an authorised person, including the name and position, as
well as verifiable contact details.
TRA will verify all claims by contacting the person who signed the applicant’s work
statement. TRA requires a contact telephone number for every person who supplies a
work statement. TRA will verify independently that the number is linked to the business
where the applicant worked.
Applicants should ensure that the person who signed their statement is contactable at
the number provided and is aware that TRA will contact them. TRA will only attempt
contact three times. If the person who signed the work statement cannot be contacted,
TRA will be unable to verify the applicant’s work statement and their application will be
unsuccessful.
2.1.4.5
Request for additional time to provide supporting
documents
If an applicant is not able to provide the registration and supporting documents to TRA
within 30 working days of submitting their online application, they must write to TRA to
request an extension of time. The request must include the applicant’s signature and be
sent to TRA by post to Trades Recognition Australia, Department of Education and
Training, GPO Box 3022, Canberra ACT 2601 or by fax to +61 2 6123 7883. Extensions
of time will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances as determined by TRA, and at
the absolute discretion of TRA.
If an applicant successfully receives an extension of time, they will be provided with a
new due date for providing the supporting documents to TRA.
Department of Education and Training
JRP Participant Guidelines V10
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If the supporting documents or a request for an extension of time to provide the
supporting documents is not received within 30 working days, the applicant should
expect an unsuccessful outcome.
2.1.4.6
Provisional Skills Assessment Steps
The application must be decision ready for TRA assessment. This means that it is the
applicant’s responsibility to ensure their application is correct, accurate and complete
before being submitted to TRA. If all the required information and documentation is not
provided to TRA, an applicant should expect an unsuccessful outcome.
A Provisional Skills Assessment will generally be completed within 30 working days of
receipt of an application and supporting documents, and will involve the following steps:

verification that the application meets the eligibility requirements for a Provisional
Skills Assessment

verification of all supporting documents provided by you

verification of all claims made by the applicant

notifying the applicant of the assessment outcome.
2.1.4.7
Provisional Skills Assessment outcome
The Provisional Skills Assessment is finalised when TRA has assessed the application
and supporting documents and established whether the applicant has provided sufficient
evidence to meet the eligibility requirements (see section 2.1.2).
The applicant will be advised of the assessment outcome by email and by letter.
An applicant will receive a successful Provisional Skills Assessment if:

they have followed the process outlined in Section 2.1.4

all documents you have provided can be verified to satisfy TRA requirements.
An applicant will receive an unsuccessful Provisional Skills Assessment if:

the supporting documents have not been received by TRA within 30 working days of
the online submission date

the supporting documentary evidence provided to TRA is not relevant to the
nominated occupation

the supporting documents evidence contains insufficient detail to satisfy TRA that the
applicant meets the Provisional Skills Assessment eligibility requirements

TRA cannot verify that the supporting documents are a true and accurate record
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
the documents provided are found to contain false or misleading information.
2.1.4.8
Review of Provisional Skills Assessment outcome
If an applicant does not agree with an unsuccessful Provisional Skills Assessment
outcome, they may choose to lodge an application for a Provisional Skills Assessment
review. The applicant will be provided with an Application for Provisional Skills
Assessment Review form with their Provisional Skills Assessment unsuccessful outcome
letter.
The Application for Provisional Skills Assessment Review form, the review fee and any
new documentation the applicant may wish to supply, must be received by TRA within
60 working days from the date of the original assessment outcome letter. A fee of $300
applies. Refer to Section 1.4 for information about making a payment.
Further information can be found in the TRA Assessment Review Policy available on the
TRA website. An applicant who receives an unsuccessful outcome does not have to
apply for a review. They may choose to submit a new application with new supporting
documents at any time. There is no limit to the number of times a new Provisional Skills
Assessment Application can be submitted online.
2.2 Step 2: Job Ready Employment
2.2.1
Overview of Job Ready Employment
The Job Ready Employment step is to enable the participant to gain experience in an
Australian workplace to further develop skills relevant to their nominated occupation.
Participants are required to provide evidence which demonstrates completion of at least
1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 calendar months in their
nominated occupation in an Australian workplace. The employment must be in the
occupation, or a closely related occupation as the one identified and assessed as part of
a successful Provisional Skills Assessment outcome.
For employment to be considered for Job Ready Employment, participants must first
register the employer through the online portal and post a Job Ready Employment
Summary page and Employment Registration Form to TRA.
Participants who register employment that has been approved by TRA for Job Ready
Employment will be required to:

work at least 1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 months in a
genuine Australian workplace, which may involve more than one employer in the
case of part-time employment (see Section 2.2.5.2); and

have an employee–employer relationship with each business they register with TRA
(see Section 2.2.5.1); and
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
document the development and use of their workplace skills, relevant to their
nominated occupation, through a Job Ready Journal (see Section 2.2.8).
2.2.2
Eligibility for Job Ready Employment
To be eligible for Job Ready Employment, a participant must have:

a successful Provisional Skills Assessment outcome

lodged an application for, or hold a suitable visa with unlimited work rights which
provides sufficient time to complete all requirements of Steps 2-4 of the Job Ready
Program. In most cases, this will be the 485 visa. TRA will determine the suitability of
visas other than the 485 on a case by case basis. The decision to accept or reject
visas for this purpose will be at the absolute discretion of TRA and its officials.

secured employment that meets the eligible Job Ready Employment requirements
(see Section 2.2.5)

less than 4 months remaining on their student visa if applicable.
2.2.3
The Job Ready Employment process
Participants must adhere to the following process to successfully complete the Job
Ready Employment step of the program.
2.2.3.1
Job Ready Employment online registration
A participant must register each employer they want to be considered for Job Ready
Employment through the online portal on the TRA website. They must sign in with the
username and password obtained when first registered for the Provisional Skills
Assessment then select the Job Ready Employment link and complete all the mandatory
fields.
The JRE start date for Job Ready Employment will be deemed by TRA to be the date
the participant submits their employment through the online portal, provided the required
registration documents are received by TRA within 30 working days of the online
submission. Otherwise, TRA will deem the start date to be no earlier than 30 working
days prior to receipt by TRA of the registration documents.
A participant may apply to vary the JRE start date by up to three months, where they can
provide acceptable evidence. (see section 2.2.4 Claiming Prior Employment)
A participant can have more than one employer during Job Ready Employment, but they
must complete 50% (minimum 863 hours) with the one employer. A participant must not
exceed five employers during Job Ready Employment. In exceptional circumstances,
TRA may provide an exemption to this requirement entirely at its own discretion.
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If a participant has more than one employer during the 12 month period, they must
register all other employers on the online portal by selecting ‘Add New Employer’ under
the Job Ready Employment link and post to TRA a signed Employment Registration
Form within 30 working days of the online submission.
2.2.3.2
Job Ready Employment fee
The Job Ready Employment fee of $500 is payable online to TRA when the participant
submits the first Employment Registration Form. Refer to Section 1.4 for information
about making a payment.
Payment for the Job Ready Employment step is only required with the first Employment
Registration Form and not for any additional employers the participant may register with
TRA.
2.2.3.3
Registration Documents
When the participant has completed the online application process, the Job Ready
Employment Summary Page and Employment Registration Form must be printed from
the online portal.
The participant must send the following registration documents to TRA for the Job
Ready Employment application to be processed:

signed Job Ready Employment Summary Page

the Employment Registration Form, signed and dated by the participant, the
employer and their nominated supervisor
o

the employer and supervisor must sign and date the Employment
Registration Form as evidence that they are aware of and acknowledge their
role in the Job Ready Program
a copy of their current visa
The participant must ensure that TRA receives all of the registration documents within
30 working days from lodgement of their online application. TRA will acknowledge
receipt of registration documents.
If the information contained in the registration documents cannot be verified to satisfy
TRA requirements, the participant’s employment may not be approved for Job Ready
Employment.
2.2.4
Claiming Prior Employment
Participants may claim up to three months employment where they have been in paid
employment in their nominated occupation prior to registering their first employer for Job
Ready Employment.
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This employment must:

have been completed in the six months preceding online application for JRE

have been completed with the participant’s first registered employer

be claimed prior to applying for Step 3 – Workplace Assessment

have been paid

have commenced after completing an Australian qualification relevant to the
nominated occupation

not have already been used for step 1 - Provisional Skills Assessment.
In exceptional circumstances further credit may be applied however this will be granted
solely at the discretion of TRA.
For prior employment to be considered, the participant must provide a Statement of Prior
Employment form and acceptable pay evidence (see Section 2.2.6 Employment
Evidence Requirements).
The Statement of Prior Employment must:

be on the template available on the TRA website under ‘Forms and Policy’

be completed by the participant and signed by the employer, or an authorised person
with that employer

include the name and position of the person signing the statement and the telephone
number for the business. TRA will need to be able to link the telephone number to
the business

include the name, address and ABN of the employer

include the occupation in which the participant worked

include the period of employment to be claimed with that employer

provide a detailed description of the nature and content of the work the participant
undertook, along with the machines, tools and/or equipment used.
2.2.5
Eligible Job Ready Employment arrangements
To be considered eligible employment for the Job Ready Employment step, a
participant’s employment must meet the following requirements:

have commenced after they completed an Australian qualification relevant to their
nominated occupation
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
be registered with TRA via the online portal and an Employment Registration Form,
signed by the participant, their employer and their nominated supervisor, posted to
TRA

involve work at an appropriate skill level relevant to their nominated occupation

include a range of tasks and duties relevant to their nominated occupation

be paid in accordance with applicable industrial awards or agreements and
Australian workplace relations laws

not have been used to meet the work component of the Provisional Skills
Assessment.
Note: Work claimed for the Provisional Skills Assessment cannot be claimed for Step 2
Job Ready Employment. Each step is assessing different criterion and has different
eligibility requirements.
2.2.5.1
Paid employment
Participants in Job Ready Employment must be in paid employment in an arrangement
where an employer - employee relationship exists.
Indicators of an employer - employee relationship may include:

work is assigned to the participant by their employer/supervisor and they complete
the work under their direction

the participant works a standard number of hours per day/shift as agreed by their
employer

the employer provides the participant with pay slips

an employer paying award wages for their skill level for their nominated occupation

an employer making superannuation contributions on behalf of the participant

the participant accrues annual leave and/or other leave entitlements.
TRA may consider subcontractor work if the nominated occupation on the Employment
Registration Form is in a building construction trade. Subcontractors whose employment
is eligible for consideration must show that they expect at least 50 per cent (863 hours)
of their work to occur with a single contractor, and that the contractor is willing to fulfil the
requirements of an employer for the purpose of the Job Ready Program.
2.2.5.2
Minimum Employment Required
The participant must complete at least 1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum
of 12 calendar months from their Job Ready Employment start date.
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A
12 calendar months
The participant must remain in employment for a minimum of 12 calendar months. For
example, if their JRE start date is 24 September 2011, they are required to stay in
employment in their nominated occupation until at least 23 September 2012. Please
refer to Section 2.2.5 for information with regard to the Job Ready Employment start
date.
Periods of part-time employment or no employment may result in a longer timeframe for
the employment to be equivalent to the 12 calendar months requirement.
B
1725 hours
The participant must complete a minimum of 1725 hours of employment. This calculation
does not include any paid leave.
It may take the participant longer than 12 calendar months to complete the minimum
number of hours required if they are in part-time employment or have periods of
unemployment or extended leave.
It may take the participant less than 12 calendar months to complete the minimum
number of hours required if they work more than 38 hours per week. However, if they
complete the minimum number of hours in a shorter period, they will still be required to
complete the 12 calendar months Job Ready Employment requirement to be eligible for
a successful Job Ready Final Assessment (Step 4).
Where overtime or penalty loadings are paid, only the actual hours worked will contribute
to the employment requirement for Job Ready Employment.
2.2.6
Employment Evidence Requirements
A participant will be required to provide pay evidence for any employment approved by
TRA by supplying certified copies of the following documents:
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Employees
Sub-contractors - Construction trades only
Payslips showing a minimum of:
Invoices showing a minimum of:











Name of applicant
Name of employer
Employer ABN
Hours worked and/or hourly rate
Gross pay
Dates worked
Subcontractor’s ABN
Dates worked
Hours billed
Total
Name and ABN of employer
OR
PLUS
Payroll printout from the employer
showing a minimum of:
 Name of applicant
 Name of employer
 Employer ABN
 Dates worked
 Hours worked
 Gross payments
Copies of bank statements showing the
deposits for the above invoices. The
participant must be able to demonstrate
that the deposits are from the employer e.g.
the name of the employer being clearly
identifiable on the bank statement or via
other means such as certified copies of
deposit slips from the employer etc.
PLUS
Copies of bank statements showing the
deposits for the above payslips or
payroll print out as requested
2.2.7
Verification of employment arrangements and site visit
After the Job Ready Employment Summary Page, Employment Registration Form and
fee payment is received by TRA, the participant will be assigned a TRA Liaison Officer
(TRA LO) who will assist them through the program and who will provide advice on what
they need to do to successfully complete the program. The TRA LO will not provide
migration advice.
The TRA LO will be in regular contact with the participant and will also need to talk
directly with the employer about the Job Ready Program only. The employment
arrangement is between the participant and their employer and the TRA LO will not get
involved in any workplace disputes.
TRA will determine whether the employment arrangement is appropriate for the Job
Ready Program through the following processes:
2.2.7.1
Verification of employment arrangements
A TRA LO will conduct online verification processes to confirm the validity of the
business after receiving the signed Employment Registration Form.
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2.2.7.2
Site visit
Following the verification of the participant’s employment arrangements, a TRA LO will
contact them and their employer to arrange a site visit. The TRA LO must obtain
employer approval to visit the work site.
The purpose of the site visit is for the TRA LO to:

ensure that the employment arrangements provide sufficient opportunity for the
participant to be involved in a range of tasks and duties so that they can demonstrate
their skills using industry-accepted practices and tools/equipment relevant to their
nominated occupation

confirm that the employer is aware of the requirement for a TRA-appointed
workplace assessor to visit the workplace and conduct a workplace assessment with
the participant after they have completed at least six months of employment (see
Section 2.3)

respond to questions the participant or their employer may have about the Job
Ready Program.
TRA will notify the participant in writing after the site visit to advise whether the
registered employment arrangement meets the Job Ready Employment eligibility
requirements (see Section 2.2.6)
Reasons for employment arrangements not meeting the Eligible Job Ready Employment
requirements may include the following:

the work that the participant is employed to do is not at an appropriate skill level
relevant to their nominated occupation

the participant is not being paid

the employment arrangements are unlikely to provide the participant with access to
an appropriate range of tasks and duties or industry-accepted tools and equipment
relevant to their nominated occupation.
If the participant receives advice that the registered employment arrangement does not
meet the Job Ready Employment requirements, the period of that employment cannot
be counted for the Job Ready Program and they must find different employment that
does meet the requirements to be able to complete the Job Ready Program.
2.2.8
2.2.8.1
Job Ready Journal
Purpose of the Job Ready Journal
The purpose of the Job Ready Journal is to document and record examples of the work
that the participant does in the workplace relevant to their nominated occupation.
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The participant will be required to document in their journal the work that they do to show
how they are demonstrating the following workplace skills:



work to industry standard:

use trade skills effectively

plan and organise your own work

use technology,
work productively:

manage resources

meet business expectations

identify and resolve issues and problems,
communicate effectively in the workplace:

meet client expectations

work well with others.
The Job Ready Journal will be reviewed by a TRA-appointed workplace assessor to
guide the planning of the Job Ready Workplace Assessment (see Section 2.3).
2.2.8.2
Accessing the Job Ready Journal
When the participant has submitted a Job Ready Employment application, the Journal
can be accessed under the Job Ready Employment link via the online portal.
Please note, access to the Journal does not indicate that the employment has been
assessed as appropriate for Step 2 of the Job Ready Program. TRA will advise the
participant separately whether the employment is appropriate.
If TRA concludes that the employment is not appropriate for the participant to be able to
demonstrate a range of trade skills in an Australian workplace for the nominated
occupation, any Journal entries recorded for that employment will not be counted
towards the Job Ready Employment step.
2.2.8.3
Participant responsibilities for completing the journal
The TRA LO will talk to the participant about how to complete the journal.
The participant must record tasks and duties performed by them in their workplace,
including examples of what they did, what tools and equipment were used, how their
work related to or involved others, and the processes they had to follow to complete the
job.
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The tasks recorded in the journal must relate to the work that the participant
completed/undertook and must be at an appropriate skill level for the nominated
occupation.
The journal needs to include enough detail about the work completed to remind the
employer what they participant did and when they did it, as the employer will need to
review and sign the Journal at the end of every three month period.
The participant is required to complete online journal entries every month until advised
by their TRA LO that they are no longer required.
Once the participant has successfully completed the Job Ready Workplace Assessment,
there may be no further requirement to continue completing the Journal.
2.2.8.4
Employer’s role in the Job Ready Journal
The Job Ready Journal is grouped into three month blocks called Quarterly Journal
Reports.
The employer or supervisor will need to review the Quarterly Journal Reports to confirm
that the journal entries reflect the work the participant had been doing.
The employer may make additional comments in the journal about the work performed
by the participant and how they are demonstrating the workplace skills.
2.3 Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment
2.3.1
Overview of the Job Ready Workplace Assessment
The purpose of the Job Ready Workplace Assessment is to determine whether the
participant is successfully operating at the required skill level for their nominated
occupation in their Australian workplace.
The Job Ready Workplace Assessment is conducted by TRA - approved registered
training organisations (RTOs). TRA coordinates these services through contractual
arrangements (service deeds) between the Department of Education and Training and
the individual RTOs who are approved to deliver the service.
When the participant has met the eligibility requirements for a Job Ready Workplace
Assessment (see Section 2.3.2) a TRA - approved assessor will visit them in their
workplace to assess their skills. The focus of the assessment will be on the activities the
participant has been required to perform during their employment as recorded in their
Job Ready Journal.
The participant must complete a minimum of six months (863 hours) of paid employment
to be eligible for a Workplace Assessment.
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The workplace assessment will assess the skills of the occupation the participant
nominated in their Employment Registration Form.
2.3.2
Eligibility to apply for a Job Ready Workplace
Assessment
Before the participant completes an online application for a Job Ready Workplace
Assessment, they must contact their TRA LO to discuss their eligibility to undertake the
assessment.
It is recommended that the participant does not request an assessment until they have
had the opportunity to demonstrate a range of skills relevant to their nominated
occupation in the workplace and documented them in the Job Ready Journal.
To be eligible for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment, the participant must provide their
TRA LO with:

certified copies of evidence of at least 863 hours paid employment over a minimum
of six months, such as payslips or other acceptable evidence to substantiate that the
participant has been paid by their employer for the period (see section 2.2.6)

journals and/or Statements of Prior Employment to cover a minimum of six months of
employment that has been approved by TRA
Once the TRA LO has reviewed all of the documentation and is satisfied that the
participant is eligible to apply for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment, they will contact
the participant to confirm they can submit an application online.
2.3.3
2.3.3.1
The Job Ready Workplace Assessment process
Applying for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment
When the participant receives confirmation they can apply for a Job Ready Workplace
Assessment, they must complete an application through the online portal by selecting
the Job Ready Workplace Assessment link.
2.3.3.2
Job Ready Workplace Assessment fee
The Job Ready Workplace Assessment fee of $2,000 is payable online to TRA. Refer to
Section 1.4 for information about making a payment.
2.3.3.3
Registration documents
When the participant has completed the online application a Job Ready Workplace
Assessment Summary Page must be printed from the online portal and must be signed
by the employer or supervisor as evidence that they agree to TRA undertaking a Job
Ready Workplace Assessment at the participant’s workplace.
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The participant must ensure that TRA receives the Job Ready Workplace Assessment
Summary Page within 30 working days from lodgement of the online application. TRA
will acknowledge receipt of the registration documents.
2.3.3.4
Assignment of Workplace Assessment Provider
TRA will assign a workplace assessment provider to conduct the Job Ready Workplace
Assessment following receipt of the participant’s registration documents and fee. The
TRA LO will provide the workplace assessment provider with:

the participant’s contact details and the contact details of their employer or
supervisor

copies of the Job Ready Journal entries and any Statement of Prior Employment
forms that have been completed by the participant and signed by the employer or
supervisor.
The workplace assessment should be conducted within 30 working days from the date
the workplace assessment provider is assigned the assessment.
2.3.3.5
Before the Job Ready Workplace Assessment
The workplace assessment provider will contact the participant and their employer or
supervisor to:

negotiate a time and date to visit the place of employment to conduct the
assessment that is suitable to the participant and the employer

discuss with the participant the work they have undertaken as part of the Job Ready
Employment step of the Job Ready Program

discuss with the participant and the employer the tools and equipment that would be
available for the workplace assessment.
The workplace assessment provider will:

review the Job Ready Journal entries and other relevant information provided to
them by TRA

review any comments that the employer has made in the participant’s Job Ready
Journal entries

consider the information provided to them during discussions with the participant and
their employer or supervisor

prepare an assessment plan that details what the participant will be required to do
during the workplace assessment
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
provide the assessment plan to the participant and to their employer or supervisor
before the scheduled date of the assessment.
2.3.3.6
During the Job Ready Workplace Assessment
The workplace assessment provider will:

show photographic identification to the participant and the employer to verify their
identity

require the participant to provide photo identification2 so that they can verify their
identity

in accordance with the documented assessment plan, require the participant to
demonstrate:

an ability to perform tasks, follow directions, and plan work at the required skill
level relevant to their nominated occupation and their workplace

their understanding of the workplace, including:

role in their workplace

the language/terminology used in the workplace/industry sector

relevant Australian Standards, legislation and/or regulations

solving problems

asking directions

working well with others

using resources effectively

how to respond to irregularities.
The assessment may be conducted using a range of methods, including observation of
the participant’s practical demonstration of skills and oral questioning.
2.3.3.7
Job Ready Program participant unable to attend a scheduled
assessment
The participant must make all reasonable efforts to be available for a scheduled
workplace assessment.
2
Acceptable photo identification may include an Australian driver’s licence, your current passport
or Australian Student Identification Card. Workplace assessors are required to report any
suspected identity or documentary fraud to TRA.
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If they are unable to participate in the scheduled workplace assessment, the participant
must notify the workplace assessment provider immediately they become aware of the
situation. If they are unable to contact the assessor, the participant must notify TRA
immediately. If the participant finds they are unavailable to participate in the assessment
on the day of the assessment, they will be required to immediately notify the workplace
assessment provider and provide TRA with a medical certificate.
If a medical certificate is not provided or the participant cannot provide other evidence to
TRA to show why they were unable to participate in the workplace assessment, they will
be required to pay for any relevant travel costs incurred by the workplace assessment
provider on the date of the scheduled assessment.
It is the participant’s responsibility to negotiate a new assessment date and time with the
workplace assessment provider. The workplace assessment provider will notify TRA of
the new assessment date and time.
2.3.3.8
Workplace Assessment outcome
The workplace assessment provider cannot provide the outcome of the Job Ready
Workplace Assessment. TRA will notify the participant of the outcome of the assessment
in writing and include a copy of the Workplace Assessment report prepared by the
workplace assessment provider.
The report will provide the outcome of the assessment which will be either:
Job Ready
‘Job Ready’ means that the participant required little guidance to achieve good results in
the workplace/occupation, and that they demonstrated the following:

well-developed (sound) job knowledge

an ability to suggest and initiate improvements

an ability to deal with all the routine and most of the complex matters relating to
the occupation

they were reliable and responsible

they had a well-developed ability to work to industry standard, work productively
and communicate effectively in the workplace.
or
Not Yet Job Ready
‘Not Yet Job Ready’ means that the participant was unable to perform the duties
required of the occupation for one or more of the following reasons:

had limited job knowledge
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
made frequent errors

work output was poor, compared to industry standards

had difficulty carrying out the responsibilities required in the occupation or
solving routine problems

demonstrated difficulty dealing with routine matters required in the occupation

required close guidance to perform to industry standards

demonstrated inconsistency in work performance.
If the participant receives a ‘Job Ready’ outcome and they have completed all the
requirements of Step 2, they may be eligible to apply to TRA for a Job Ready Final
Assessment (see Section 2.4).
If the participant receives a ‘Not Yet Job Ready’ outcome from the Job Ready Workplace
Assessment, they may:

request a workplace assessment review
and/or

apply for a second Job Ready Workplace Assessment.
2.3.3.9
Review of Job Workplace Assessment outcome
The participant must complete an Application for Job Ready Workplace Assessment
Review to request a review of their Job Ready Workplace Assessment outcome. The
Application for Job Ready Workplace Assessment Review form will be provided with the
Job Ready Workplace Assessment outcome letter.
No additional fee is payable for a workplace assessment review.
TRA will coordinate the review process.
The Job Ready Workplace Assessment Review will not involve another workplace
assessment but will review all of all the evidence gathered during the first assessment.
The participant will be notified of the outcome in a letter at the completion of the review.
2.3.3.10 Second Job Ready Workplace Assessment
Where a Not Yet Job Ready assessment outcome remains unchanged following the
workplace assessment review, the participant may request a second workplace
assessment.
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It is recommended the participant does not apply for a second workplace assessment
until they have addressed the reasons they were unsuccessful in their first workplace
assessment.
The participant must contact their TRA LO before applying for a second workplace
assessment.
A fee of $2,000 payable to TRA is required for a second Job Ready Workplace
Assessment. Refer to Sections 1.6 and 1.7 for information about making a payment.
TRA will advise the participant of the assessment outcome in a letter when the
assessment is finalised.
If a participant is unsuccessful in their second Job Ready Workplace Assessment they
may need to meet additional eligibility criteria, such as completing a further period of
three months employment before being allowed to apply for a subsequent assessment.
2.4 Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment
2.4.1
Overview of the Job Ready Final Assessment
Step 4, a Job Ready Final Assessment, is the final step of the Job Ready Program.
The participant will need to have successfully completed Steps 1, 2 and 3 of the Job
Ready Program to be eligible to apply for a Job Ready Final Assessment.
A successful Job Ready Final Assessment outcome will enable the participant to satisfy
the skills assessment requirement for an application to DIBP for a visa for independent
skilled migration.
2.4.2
Eligibility for the Job Ready Final Assessment
Before the participant completes an online application for a Job Ready Final
Assessment, they must contact their TRA LO to discuss their eligibility to undertake the
assessment.
To be eligible to apply for a Job Ready Final Assessment, the participant must have:

a successful Provisional Skills Assessment outcome

a successful Job Ready Workplace Assessment outcome

at least 1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 months in their
nominated occupation

Job Ready Journals and any Statement of Prior Employment forms that have been
verified by their employer
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The TRA LO will ask the participant to send the following documentation to demonstrate
their eligibility for a Job Ready Final Assessment:

evidence of a minimum of twelve months and 1725 hours paid employment such as
payslips or other acceptable pay evidence

journals and any Statement of Prior Employment forms
Once the TRA LO has reviewed the participant’s documentation and is satisfied that they
are eligible to apply for a Job Ready Final Assessment, they will contact the participant
to confirm they can submit their application online.
2.4.3
Job Ready Final Assessment application process
2.4.3.1
Applying for a Job Ready Final Assessment
When the participant receives confirmation that they can apply for a Job Ready Final
Assessment, they must complete an application through the online portal by selecting
the Job Ready Final Assessment link and complete all the mandatory fields.
2.4.3.2
Job Ready Final Assessment fee
The Job Ready Final Assessment payable to TRA is $150. Refer to Section 1.4 for
information about making a payment.
2.4.3.3
Registration documents
When the participant has completed the online application a Job Ready Final
Assessment Summary Page must be printed from the online portal.
The participant must ensure that TRA receives the Job Ready Final Assessment
Summary Page within 30 working days from lodgement of the online application. TRA
will acknowledge receipt of the registration documents.
2.4.3.4
Job Ready Final Assessment outcome
The participant will be advised of the assessment outcome in a letter after the
assessment is finalised.
The Job Ready Final Assessment outcome will be successful if:

the participant has provided evidence of successfully completing all three steps
of the Job Ready Program

all documents provided can be verified to satisfy TRA requirements.
The outcome will not be successful if:

the supporting documents provided to TRA do not demonstrate that all steps of
the Job Ready Program have been successfully completed
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
the documentation contains insufficient detail for TRA to be satisfied that the
participant met the Job Ready Program requirements

the documentation is found to contain false or misleading information.
2.4.3.5
Review of an unsuccessful Job Ready Final Assessment
outcome
If the participant does not agree with the Job Ready Final Assessment outcome, they
can lodge an Application for Job Ready Final Assessment which is provided with their
outcome letter.
No additional fee is payable for a Job Ready Final Assessment review.
The review application form must be received by TRA within 30 working days from the
date of the assessment outcome letter.
The participant will be advised of the Job Ready Final Assessment review outcome in a
letter when the review assessment is finalised. The majority of Job Ready Final
Assessments will be completed within 30 working days.
Further information can be found in the TRA Assessment Review Policy available on our
website www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au.
2.4.3.6
Re-apply for a Job Ready Final Assessment
Alternatively, the participant can choose to re-apply for another Job Ready Final
Assessment at any time by contacting their TRA LO.
The fee for any subsequent Job Ready Final Assessment is $150. Refer to Section 1.4
for information about making a payment.
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3 Roles and responsibilities
3.1 Employers and Supervisors
The employer or supervisor must:

have industry knowledge and experience to supervise the participant and confirm
their skills in their nominated occupation

provide the participant with the appropriate tasks and duties to enable them to
demonstrate a broad range of skills of their nominated occupation

understand that a TRA Liaison Officer (TRA LO) may contact them if necessary to
arrange a visit to the workplace by either a TRA LO or a TRA nominated
representative. TRA may contact an employer to verify information provided in the
application and requires a contact telephone number for every person who supplies
an employment statement for the participant. TRA will verify independently that the
number is linked to the organisation where the participant is employed

validate the participant’s Job Ready Journal

understand that any personal information provided may be used only as allowed by
the Privacy Act 1988 (see Section 1.14)

allow Department of Education and Training-authorised staff and TRA-approved
independent assessors to access the workplace.
3.2 TRA Liaison Officers (TRA LO)
The TRA LO is responsible for:

visiting the work site and verifying Job Ready Program employment arrangements

advising participants, employers and supervisors about their responsibilities in the
Job Ready Program

coordinating assessment arrangements with TRA-approved workplace assessors

adhering to the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.
3.3 TRA approved registered training organisation’s
(RTOs)
TRA-approved RTOs are responsible for:

meeting all the requirements identified in their service deeds with TRA
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
meeting obligations for registration as an RTO

where relevant, implementing measures to ensure the safety, wellbeing and health of
the JRP participant and their assessors at the work site of a JRP participant during
the Workplace Assessment

reporting the participant’s workplace assessment outcomes to TRA

liaising with TRA, the participant and their employer as required.
3.4 Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
The roles and responsibilities of TRA in relation to the Job Ready Program include:

managing the objectives of the program

providing up-to-date information about program processes and procedures

contract management and monitoring of TRA-approved RTOs

responding to enquiries from you and your employer/s about the program

budget and policy management

developing and maintaining an appropriate IT system to support the program

liaising with DIBP and other key stakeholders

managing complaints and reviews as required

managing evaluations of the program

undertaking compliance and investigative measures as required.
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4 Contact Details for Trades Recognition
Australia
To enquire about the Job Ready Program, contact Trades Recognition Australia.
Phone
Monday to Friday: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Australian Eastern Standard Time, excluding public holidays (GMT +10 hours)
(Outside Australia): +61 2 6240 8778
(Within Australia): 1300 360 992
Email
jrpenquiries@Education.gov.au
Fax
+61 2 6123 7883
Web
www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
Post
Job Ready Program
Trades Recognition Australia
Department of Education and Training
GPO Box 3022
CANBERRA ACT 2601
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5 Glossary
Term used in guidelines
academic transcript
applicant
assessing authority
assessment standards
Australian Qualifications
Framework
award wage
decision ready
Department of Immigration
and Border Protection
(DIBP) formerly known as
the Department of
Immigration and
Citizenship or DIAC
Department of Education
and Training, formerly
known as the Department
of Industry
eligible employment
employment
Definition
A record of all learning leading to an Australian Qualification Framework
qualification issued by an authorised organisation such as a registered training
organisation.
In Australia, this may be called a ‘transcript of results’, ‘record of results’, ‘record
of achievement’ or ‘statement of results’.
A participant in the Job Ready Program is referred to as an ‘applicant’ until the
application for Provisional Skills Assessment has been received and
acknowledged.
An ‘applicant’ is then referred to as a ‘JRP participant’ for the remainder of the
Job Ready Program.
A body or organisation approved by the Minister for Education or the Minister
for Employment and gazetted by DIBP as responsible for undertaking skills
assessments for migration purposes.
The standards established for the Job Ready Program to determine the
eligibility of an applicant to participate in the program or to measure the
progress of a participant through the program.
A national system of qualifications encompassing all post-compulsory
education.
An award is an enforceable document containing minimum terms and
conditions of employment, in addition to any legislated minimum terms. In
general, an award applies to employees in a particular industry or occupation.
The award wage for a specific occupation can be found at the Fair Work
Australia website www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm ?pagename=awardsmodernlist.
For the purpose of the Job Ready Program, applicants/participants must be
paid at or above award rates.
An application that is on the correct application form and contains all the
information, documentation and evidence of payment as required by the
guidelines for the program.
DIBPs key objectives are to:
manage the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people in Australia including,
through effective border security,
promote a society which values Australian citizenship, appreciates cultural
diversity and enables migrants to participate equitably.
DIBP has responsibility for administering the Migration Act 1958 and associated
regulations.
DIBP works in conjunction with Department of Education and Training to deliver
skilled trades/technical people and professionals to Australia through the skilled
migration program.
The department will be responsible for national policies and programmes that
help Australians access quality early childhood education, school education,
higher education, vocational education and training, international education and
research.
Employment that meets the eligibility requirements for Job Ready Employment
(see Section 2.2.6).
Full-time, part-time, or casual employment from which income is earned and in
which there exists an employer–employee relationship. For more information
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Term used in guidelines
Definition
visit Fair Work Australia at www.fwa.gov.au.
genuine Australian
workplace
guidelines
A workplace that is operating lawfully in Australia.
Job Ready
Job Ready Employment
Job Ready Employment
start date
Job Ready Final
Assessment
Job Ready Journal
Job Ready Program
Job Ready Program
participant
Job Ready Workplace
Assessment
migration agent
nominated occupation
Not Yet Job Ready
Provisional Skills
Assessment
qualification
registered training
organisation (RTO)
required skill level
This document, which is designed to clarify the procedural requirements of the
Job Ready Program.
Possessing the skills, abilities and personal qualities required in the occupation,
and requiring little guidance to achieve good results in the
workplace/occupation.
The step of the Job Ready Program in which the participant is required to
complete at least 1725 hours over a minimum of 12 months of paid employment
in an Australian workplace in their nominated occupation.
The date on which TRA deems your 12 months Job Ready Employment to
commence.
Step 4 of the Job Ready Program, which requires a participant to demonstrate
that they have successfully completed Steps 1–3 of the program.
A successful outcome will satisfy the skills assessment requirement for a visa
application to DIBP for permanent migration.
A logbook completed by the Job Ready Program participant that records the
work tasks they do over the course of their Job Ready Employment.
A four-step employment - based program, administered by Trades Recognition
Australia and designed to support the aims of the Australian Government’s
skilled migration program.
A person who is actively participating in Steps 2 - 4 of the Job Ready Program.
Step 3 of the Job Ready Program, in which a workplace assessor conducts an
assessment of the participant in their place of employment to determine their
job readiness in their nominated occupation.
In Australia, people who want to provide immigration assistance must be
registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. See
www.mara.gov.au.
A registered migration agent can use their knowledge of Australia’s migration
procedures to offer advice or assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to
enter or remain in Australia. They can also assist people who are nominating or
sponsoring prospective visa applicants.
The occupation selected by the applicant for the Job Ready Program.
This occupation must be on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL)
and one for which TRA is the designated assessing authority.
The Job Ready Program participant is unable to demonstrate that they possess
the skills, abilities and personal qualities required for the occupation to the
standard required by industry in Australia.
Step 1 of the Job Ready Program.
A qualification awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework as a
result of study in Australia, and relevant to an occupation assessed by TRA.
An organisation registered by a state or territory training authority to deliver
training and/or conduct assessments and issue nationally recognised
qualifications in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework and
the Australian Qualifications Framework.
The level of skills, knowledge and attributes expected for a tradesperson to
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Term used in guidelines
review
Subcontractor
Temporary Graduate visa
(subclass 485)
TRA Liaison Officer (TRA
LO)
Trades Recognition
Australia (TRA)
verification
visa
vocational placement
workplace assessment
provider
Definition
operate effectively in an Australian workplace as a skilled worker.
A request to re-examine an application where the applicant/participant does not
agree with an assessment outcome.
A person who has their own business (that is, their own Australian Business
Number).
To register their employment for the Job Ready Program, they must be able to
demonstrate that they will be contracted by the same employer for at least 50
per cent of their time.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows overseas students who
meet the Australian study requirement and nominate an occupation on the
Skilled Occupation List to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work
and improve English language skills. It allows principal and any secondary
applicants to remain in Australia for up to 18 months with no restrictions on work
or study.
More information can be obtained from www.immi.gov.au.
An employee of the Department of Education and Training assigned by TRA to
support both the Job Ready Program participant and the employer through the
Job Ready Employment stage.
The assessing authority, under the Migration Regulations 1994, for trade and
related occupations identified on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the
Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL).
Quality assurance processes to establish the accuracy and reliability of
documentation and claims made in applications.
A document that gives someone permission to travel into a specific country and
stay there for a set period.
Vocational placements undertaken as a requirement of an education or training
course and authorised under a law of administrative arrangement of the
Commonwealth, a State or a Territory are allowable.
An appropriately qualified person who is working on behalf of a TRA-approved
RTO to provide workplace assessment services for Step 3 of the Job Ready
Program.
Workplace assessors must have recognised assessment skills and knowledge,
together with demonstrated skills and/or trade qualifications in the occupation
for which they will be conducting the assessment.
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6 Acronyms
Acronym
Meaning
DIBP
Department of Immigration and Border Protection formerly known
as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or DIAC
GST
Goods and Services Tax
JRE
Job Ready employment
JRFA
Job Ready Final Assessment
JRP
Job Ready Program
JRWA
Job Ready Workplace Assessment
PSA
Provisional Skills Assessment
RTO
registered training organisation
TRA
Trades Recognition Australia
TRA LO
TRA Liaison Officer
Department of Education and Training
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