To assist with Australia’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and to fill skills shortages, the Australian Government has introduced three pilots to maximise the contribution of Australia’s onshore migrant workforce where there is a shortage of skilled labour.
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Australia’s economic recovery has resulted in strong demand for skilled labour. Skilled migrants are an important source of talent that Australia relies upon.
To provide greater opportunities for onshore migrants to join the workforce and address skills shortages, the Australian Government is delivering three pilots.
The pilots will benefit around 9,500 onshore migrants who will be able to access free, fast-tracked skills assessments, free employability assessments and subsidised training to improve their employment arrangements. This will help Australian businesses and industries address workforce pressures and support workforce participation for migrants.
Pilot 1 – Faster Migrant Skills Assessment and Pilot 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants began 28 February 2022. Pilot 3 – Employability Assessments will commence later in 2022.
- Skills Assessments and Assessing Authorities Fact Sheet
- Skills Assessment Pilots Fact Sheet
- Skills Assessment Pilots FAQs
Pilot 1 - Faster Migrant Skills Assessments
This pilot offers fast-tracked skills assessments for onshore migrants who have already submitted and paid for an application in a priority occupation and are awaiting an outcome.
This pilot will provide an opportunity for onshore migrants to join the workforce and address skills shortages. A full list of priority occupations is linked below.
• Pilot 1 - Faster Migrant Skills Assessment Fact Sheet
• Pilot 1 – Occupation List
Pilot 2 - Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants
This pilot offers onshore migrants who reside in Australia on a family, partner, humanitarian or refugee visa with a free, fast-tracked skills assessment. This pilot is available to migrants who have never undergone a skills assessment and who have skills, qualifications and/or experience directly relevant to a priority occupation. A full list of priority occupations is linked below.
Applicants who receive a suitable outcome in their assessment can use this to improve their employment options in their nominated occupation, through improved employer confidence that the applicant has the skills necessary for working in an Australian workplace.
- Pilot 2 - Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants Fact Sheet
- Pilot 2 - Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants FAQs
- Pilot 2 – Occupation List
Pilot 3 - Employability Assessments
This pilot is aimed at improving employment outcomes for skilled migrants working below their skill level, and support them to gain more secure work.
This pilot offers onshore migrants, who have previously received a suitable skills assessment in a priority occupation, with a free employability assessment and access to subsidised training to gain the specific skills required in the Australian job market. A full list of priority occupations will be published soon.
More Information
If you would like more information on how to apply for the pilots, contact your occupation’s Assessing Authority.