RTO WORKSHOP
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR
TRADES RECOGNITION SERVICE (TRS)
AND
457, OSAP & OSAS
Table of Contents
1. Trades Recognition Australia ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Trades Recognition Service (TRS), 457 Skills Assessment Program, Offshore Skills Assessment Program &
Optional Skills Assessment Service ............................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Key Features of the TRA RTO Skills Assessment Programs ......................................................................... 4
2. TRS EOI ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
3. 457, OSAP & OSAS EOI ................................................................................................................................ 6
4. Evaluation criteria ....................................................................................................................................... 8
5. The EOI evaluation process ......................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Submissions - compliance check ................................................................................................................. 9
5.2 Responding to the Expressions of Interest (EOIs) ....................................................................................... 9
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
1.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), a branch of the Australian Government Department of Education
and Training, is the designated assessing authority for a range of trade and associate professional
occupations under the Migration Regulations 1994. In addition to providing migration skills recognition
services, TRA delivers skills assessments for migration and licensing/employment purposes through a
network of registered training organisations (TRA approved RTOs).
TRA approved RTO assessments are available under a range of TRA programs. Assessments are
conducted via recognition of prior learning (RPL) and offer applicants an evaluation of their existing
qualifications, training and experience against the relevant Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
training package qualification for their trade.
1.1 Trades Recognition Service (TRS), 457 Skills Assessment Program, Offshore
Skills Assessment Program & Optional Skills Assessment Service
The following four programs use a skills assessment model based on recognition of prior learning (RPL)
of applicants, which is carried out on a fee-for-service basis by registered training organisations (RTOs)
approved by TRA.
Trades Recognition Service (TRS)
The Trades Recognition Service (TRS) launched on 1 October 2014 as a replacement for the Australian
Recognised Trade Certificate (ARTC) program.
The TRS is a skills assessment service for Australian residents seeking skills recognition for employment
purposes and/or to access occupational licensing. Skills assessments are available in 13 specified
automotive, electrical and metal trades.
The objectives of the TRS program are to:
• deliver an exemplary skills assessment process
• establish a credible alternative for a trade level qualification issued outside an apprenticeship
• provide a pathway to employment and occupational licensing
• provide industry with skilled workers.
457 Skills Assessment Program
The 457 Skills Assessment Program provides skills assessments for applicants of Temporary Work
(Skilled) - Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457) visas who are from nominated countries
applying in nominated occupations. This program also supports successful applicants in licensed
occupations to access licensing once in Australia.
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
The Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) is a skills assessment pathway for applicants from
nominated countries, who are applying in a nominated occupation and require a skills assessment for
a permanent migration visa application.
The OSAP is designed to assess trade skills of people required to undertake a skills assessment as part of
permanent skilled migration by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The program also
supports successful applicants in licensed occupations to access licensing once in Australia.
Optional Skills Assessment Service Program
The Optional Skills Assessment Service (OSAS) is a skills assessment pathway for applicants trained in
trades overseas, who are not required to have a skills assessment for migration purposes. Applicants
are generally seeking a skills assessment for the purpose of gaining an occupational licence in
Australia.
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
1.2 Key Features of the TRA RTO Skills Assessment Programs
The TRA RTO skills assessment programs include the following key features:
• high quality skills assessment services against current industry workplace standards
• assessments conducted via recognised prior learning (RPL)
• coverage of 38 occupations and 18 countries (including Australia)
• two pathways of assessment
 Pathway 1: Applicants who do NOT hold an Australian trade qualification
 Pathway 2: Applicants who do hold an Australian trade qualification (not available under
the Trades Recognition Service)
• final outcomes within agreed timeframes:
 457 Skills Assessment - 7 weeks
 Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), Optional Skills Assessment Service (OSAS) &
Trades Recognition Service (TRS) – 13 weeks
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
2. TRS EOI
The purpose of this TRS EOI is to contract Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with scope and
capability to provide national coverage in specific automotive, metal and electrical trades, with focus
on states and territories not yet serviced by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) approved RTOs.
TRA is seeking RTO coverage in the following trades within the locations listed in the table below.
State
Trade
ACT NSW
NT
QLD
SA
TAS VIC WA
Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
Boilermaker
Boilermaker/Welder
Diesel Fitter
Electrician (General)
Electrician (Special Class)
Fitter
Fitter & Turner
Metal Fabricator
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Motor Mechanic
Sheet Metal Trades Worker
Welder (First Class)
Legend
YES EOI required
NO EOI not required
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
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NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
RTO Workshop – March 2015
3. 457, OSAP & OSAS EOI
Responses are sought from RTOs to deliver quality skills assessments in one or more nominated
occupations and nominated offshore locations.
The nominated occupations and nominated offshore locations can be found at 1.3 and Annexure B in
the ‘Request for Expression of Interest for the provision of skills assessment services for the 457,
OSAP & OSAS Programs’.
A breakdown of assessment data for the past two financial years shows the volume of skills
assessments for each program.
Number of applications by Program and Country 2012-2013
Country
457 (by passport)
OSAP (by passport)
Brazil
13
China
214
6
Fiji
52
22
India
335
72
Iran
6
Ireland
17
636
Korea (South)
PNG
24
Philippines
1472
39
South Africa
102
105
Sri Lanka
13
Thailand
27
1
United Arab Emirates
1
United Kingdom
13
798
Vietnam
40
1
Zimbabwe
39
1
Total
2348
1701
Total
13
220
74
407
6
653
0
24
1511
207
13
28
1
811
41
40
4049*
*In 2012-13 the 457 Skills Assessment Program was available to overseas-trained tradespeople who may not be
required by the Department of Immigration to have a skills assessment for temporary migration, but who
required a skills assessment to facilitate access to occupational licensing in plumbing and electrical occupations.
There were 194 Optional Applications, which is included in the above table.
Number of Applications by Program and Country 2013-2014
Country
Brazil
China
Fiji
India
Iran
Ireland
Korea (South)
PNG
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457 (by passport)
10
53
22
258
1
OSAP(by passport)
2
22
19
192
4
732
6
Total
12
75
41
450
4
732
6
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
Philippines
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Vietnam
Zimbabwe
Other
Total
450
30
59
95
22
509
125
22
14
1
877
31
11
10
2921
14
1
877
1
3
10
2045
30
8
876
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8
3
2
3
10
6
Total
Sri Lanka
Ireland
South Africa
1
United States of
America
Other
51
1
United Kingdom
1
42
4
4
Canada
Occupation
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
Electrical Linesworker
Electrician (General)
Electrician (Special Class)
Plumber (General)
Technical Cable Jointer
Total
Australia
Total - Optional Skills Assessment applications 2013-14
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
4. Evaluation criteria
Eligible RTOs will be considered against the following evaluation criteria:
(a) Evidence in conducting quality skills assessment services to Australian regulatory standards that
combines trade training with a period of experience in the nominated trade which needs to include
the:
• length of time involved in recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessments
• number of RPL assessments undertaken in the last 12 months
• number of successful RPL assessments granted
(b) Capacity to provide skills assessment services as set out in Schedule 1 of the Services Deed. This
will require information that includes:
• documentation indicating adherence to the assessment process
• statistics that indicate the time taken to process reassessments
• statistics that indicate the timeframe for delivery of service.
(c) Provide examples of the range and suitability of the tools and methods used to conduct the skills
assessment services e.g. applicant workbooks/assessment activities, assessor guides, skills
assessment strategies, moderation strategies
(d) Indicate the proposed fees that will be charged to the applicant for each step of the skills
assessment process nominated below:
• documentary assessment
• technical interview
• technical interview with practical skills demonstration
• reassessment
(e) Evidence of links to and engagement (e.g. letters of endorsement from industry partners, copies of
MoUs) with relevant industry stakeholders and how these will contribute to the establishment of
the RTO-AG (reference to the RTO-AG for RTOs submitting a response to the TRS EOI only).
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RTO Workshop – March 2015
5. The EOI evaluation process
In assessing submissions, evaluators will focus on RTOs that can clearly demonstrate and articulate an
ability to undertake skills assessments at a high standard to secure industry confidence. Submissions
will need to articulate and emphasise the importance of quality in their skills assessment process,
experience and industry engagement.
5.1 Submissions - compliance check
All submissions are reviewed for compliance with the administrative requirements in the EOI
document, including (but not limited to):
• submissions must be lodged by the specified closing date
• submissions must be submitted electronically and should not exceed 80MB
• response cover form/respondent’s declaration and response template should be completed,
signed and submitted
• the trades nominated by the RTO are on the RTO’s scope for delivery/assessment.
Who evaluates the submissions?
Government and industry representatives participate in the submission evaluation process.
Only information included in the submission itself is evaluated. Evaluation panel members cannot rely
on any information about an RTO that is not in its submission.
5.2 Responding to the Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
In assessing each submission, evaluators will look for comprehensive examples that a RTO can
demonstrate a high degree of expertise against each criterion. Examples of graded submissions are set
out in the table below.
Evaluation Criteria
(a) Evidence in conducting
quality skills assessment
services to Australian
regulatory standards that
combines trade training
with a period of experience
in the nominated trade
which needs to include the:
• length of time involved
in recognition of prior
learning (RPL)
assessments
• number of RPL
assessments
undertaken in the last
12 months
• number of successful
RPL assessments
granted
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Good Submission
•
•
•
Poor Submission
Includes evidence supporting any claims
made
Comprehensive administration processes
and procedures which support the delivery
of RPL assessment services
Testimonials from industry partners
Examples of good evidence
 Overview of RTO and the services it offers.
 Description of TRA current skills assessment
services offered (if applicable)
 Statistics evidencing the number of RPL
assessments undertaken in the last 12
months
 Statistics evidencing the number of
successful RPL assessments granted
 Statistics evidencing the number of RPL
assessment undertaken broken down by
occupation and location
 Details of any potential venues and the
trades that will be able to be assessed at
each potential venue
 Documents detailing administration
processes for RPL assessment services,
•
•
Basic
administration
processes
No/ little
evidence
supporting any
claims made
RTO Workshop – March 2015
Evaluation Criteria
(b) Capacity to provide skills
assessment services as set
out in Schedule 1 of the
Services Deed. This will
require information that
includes:
• documentation
indicating adherence to
the assessment process
• statistics that indicate
the time taken to
process reassessments
• statistics that indicate
the timeframe for
delivery of service
(c) Provide examples of the
range and suitability of the
tools and methods used to
conduct the skills
assessment services e.g.
applicant
workbooks/assessment
activities, assessor guides,
skills assessment strategies,
moderation strategies
(d) Indicate the proposed fees
that will be charged to the
applicant for each step of
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Good Submission
including QA processes, IT systems and
auditing processes
 Results of previous ASQA/ State VET
regulator audits
 Details of integrity and risk management
procedures
 Testimonials, letters or references from
industry partners, detailing working
relationship with RTO
• Evidence of comprehensive experience in
providing RPL assessments within set time
frames and following documented
procedures. Evidence can include copies of
or reference to:
 Procedural documents
 Testimonials
 Timelines for delivery of RPL
assessments with evidence of keeping
to timelines
Poor Submission
•
Examples of good evidence
 Details of previous government contracts
held (if applicable)
 Documents outlining RPL assessment
processes. This can include
flowcharts/diagrams/tables/etc.
 Details of relevant staff e.g. qualifications,
staff training
 Details of timeframes taken to complete RPL
assessment processes
 Outline of RPL process
 Qualifications of staff and staff training
• Documented comprehensive RPL assessment •
tools and methods
• Evidence of industry involvement in
•
development of RPL assessment tools/
methods
• Examples of tools provided with EOI
submission
Examples of good evidence
 Detailed description of tools and methods
used in RPL assessments
 Details of how an applicant’s evidence would
be accepted and verified
 Overview of how each stage of the RPL
assessment process would be conducted and
the and the tools/methodology that would
be used in each stage
• Fees are within designated range of the
relevant EOI
• Fees are clearly defined for each step of
•
•
No/little
evidence of
experience in
providing RPL
assessments
Basic/no RPL
assessment tools
No evidence of
industry
involvement in
development of
the RPL
assessment
tools.
Basic/no
examples of
tools provided
Fees for each
step are not
clearly defined
RTO Workshop – March 2015
Evaluation Criteria
the skills assessment
process nominated below:
• documentary
assessment
• technical interview
• technical interview with
practical skills
demonstration
• reassessment
(e) Evidence of links to and
engagement (e.g. letters of
endorsement from industry
partners, copies of MoUs)
with relevant industry
stakeholders and how these
will contribute to the
establishment of the RTOAG (reference to the RTOAG for RTOs submitting a
response to the TRS EOI
only)
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Good Submission
•
process
Fees are identified as being GST inclusive/
exclusive (as per the relevant EOI)
Poor Submission
Examples of good evidence
Each step of assessment process has a clearly
defined fee. For example:
 Acceptable
1. Documentary assessment - $XXX
2. Technical Interview - $XXX
3. Practical demonstration - $XXX
4. Reassessment - $XXX
 Not acceptable
Assessment - $XXX
• Regular/frequent contact with industry
stakeholders
• Participation in industry body activities (e.g.
presents at stakeholder forums)
• RTO-AG letters of support from potential
members provided with submission (TRS EOI
only).
Examples of good evidence
 Detailed list of industry stakeholders that
RTO is affiliated with
 Examples of interaction with industry
stakeholders, such as:
 Attendance at expos, conferences and
forums
 QA meetings
 Workplace visits
 Industry consultation
 TRS EOI only - details of RTO-AG and how it
will interact with the RTO in areas of:
 assessment procedures
 assessment outcomes
 industry change/development
•
•
•
Limited/no
contact with
industry
stakeholders
Limited/no
participation in
industry body
activities
No letters of
support from
potential RTOAG members
(TRS EOI only)
RTO Workshop – March 2015