Skills assessment pilots for migrants

The Australian Government has introduced three Skills Assessment Pilots to provide greater opportunities for onshore migrants to join the workforce and address skills shortages that Australia is currently facing.

Pilot 1 – Faster Migrant Skills Assessments concluded in June 2022.
Pilot 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants is open and accepting applications.
Pilot 3 – Employability Assessments commenced 26 September 2022.

Pilot 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunity for Migrants

We are offering a FREE skills assessment opportunity for onshore migrants as part of the Australian Government’s Skills Assessment Pilots Program. Pilot 2 is available to eligible applicants until 29 February 2024.

You may be able to access a fast-tracked skills assessment if you have unrecognised skills in:

Residential Care Officer ANZSCO 411715
Youth Worker ANZSCO 411716

Having your skills assessed as suitable for Australian workplaces will improve your chances of getting a job. Businesses and employers will have the confidence that you have the skills they need to do the job.

To be able to apply for a free assessment you must:

have not had a skills assessment in the priority occupation
be living in Australia when you submit your application
be on a permanent family, partner, humanitarian or refugee visa, or is a secondary entrant to a skilled visa holders
have held that visa from 1 January 2016.

Please complete the skills assessment application form - Skills Pilot 2

It should take about 15 business days to complete your assessment once we have received all the information we need from you.

There is a priority list of other occupations that skilled migrants can access free assessments. More information is available on www.dewr.gov.au/skills-assessment-pilots

Pilot 3 – Employability Assessments

This Pilot offers a free employability assessment and access to subsidised training for migrants who have already received a suitable skills assessment outcome in a priority occupation but are currently working below this skill level. Participants who complete an employability assessment and training may improve their employment opportunities and secure employment in a priority occupation where there are critical skills shortages.

As part of this Pilot, you will have access to:

A free employability assessment.
One free coaching session to develop your personalised plan and to help support you to further develop your employability skills.
Subsidised course fees for accredited training with a nationally recognised training provider. The Australian Government will contribute 90% of the course fees, up to a maximum of $3,000 (GST exclusive). You will need to contribute 10% towards the course fees

You may be eligible for this Pilot if you:
✔ have received a suitable skills assessment outcome in a priority occupation from your relevant Assessing Authority on or after 1 January 2012* and have held it for a minimum of 12 months.
✔ are seeking an Employability Assessment in the priority occupation for which you received a suitable skills assessment.
✔ are in paid employment below your skill level at the time of submitting your Application Form to participate in the program.
✔ have worked a minimum of 40 hours per fortnight within the last month. This includes work you have performed with more than one employer.
✔ are residing in Australia at the time you submit the Application Form.
✔ are on an eligible permanent visa subclass.
✔ are not registered as a job seeker or have an active referral with Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services or the Community Development Program.
✔ have not previously completed or withdrawn from a Pilot 3 - Employability Assessment.

*Refer to What are the eligible occupations for more details.

You must apply through the Assessing Authority that completed your skills assessment.

If ACWA identifies you as potentially eligible for this Pilot, we will approach you with an Introductory Information Pack about the Pilot and an Application Form to apply to the Pilot.

To apply:

You will need to submit an Application Form provided by your relevant Assessing Authority.
The Assessing Authority will check your eligibility after the Application Form is returned via email.
If you are eligible and there are places available, you will be invited to participate in the Pilot.
If you are not eligible to participate, you will be notified via email.

Places for a free employability assessment are limited. If we haven’t contacted you yet, and you think you are eligible, please contact us as soon as possible via assessments@acwa.orga.au.

Residential Care Officer ANZSCO 411715

Youth Worker ANZSCO 411716

*ACWA only offers Pilot 3 for suitable outcomes received on or after: 11 March 2019 for Residential Care Officer, and 1 July 2017 for Youth Worker.

To view the list, Download Pilot 3 - Employability Assessments FAQs

Visit https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/skills-assessment-pilots