The Skilled Migrant Trade Recognition Pathway Program can support skilled migrants in licenced trades gain the compulsory Australian skills gap training required to get a full workers licence.
If you are an electrician or plumber and you have had your skills assessed for migration purposes, and were issued an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), then this Program can help you access funded skills gap training required to work in Australia.
Requirements for the Skilled Migrant Trade Recognition Pathway Program include:
- Currently live in South Australia;
- Be the holder of a current OTSR issued for migration purposes;
- Be in a licenced trade and hold relevant trade qualifications.
- Prepare by getting a provisional licence. Visit Consumer and Business Services (CBS). A provisional licence will allow the holder to perform work in the licensed occupation under supervision while undertaking skills gap training.
- Prepare documentation:
a. Proof of identity, provide one of the following:
i. Current passport (photo and signature page)
ii. Australian driver's licence.
b. Residency status, provide one of the following:
i. Visa approval letter
ii. Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) printout - Evidence of South Australian residency. A document including your name and South Australian residential address, such as: phone bill, utility bill, bank statement or letter from your employer confirming you are residing or working in South Australia.
- Offshore Technical Skills Record including any overseas gained qualification and evidence of skills and experience.
Once you have prepared all your documentation:
- Go to the Skilled & Business Migration portal and login to your account.
If you do not already have an account:
Register an account, and select registration type ‘Skilled Migrant’
- Select to apply for a Skilled Migrant Trade Recognition Pathway Program (listed under Services)
- Complete all relevant details for your application
- Make a declaration upon submitting the application.
You can track the progress of your application at any time by logging into the Skilled & Business Migration portal.
For more information about training initiatives visit www.skills.sa.gov.au
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A Plumber lays out, tests and maintains pipes, fixtures, metal roofing, fittings, gas meters and regulators.
To become a plumber in Australia you usually have to complete an apprenticeship and gain a Certificate III in Plumbing.
Licensing requirements in South Australia
In South Australia under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 all individuals, partnerships and companies are required to hold a licence to perform plumbing work. A Plumbing Workers Registration is issued by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Recognition of qualifications and skills obtained outside Australia
Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR)
New migrants that have an OTSR which shows that you have been assessed as having the required technical skills in Certificate III in Plumbing can apply for a restricted workers registration to work under direct supervision.
The OTSR lists the technical skills demonstrated in the practical assessment undertaken by the individual and outlines the gap in the persons skills or knowledge that is required to be filled in order to work in Australia.
In South Australia, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) will issue a provisional (restricted) licence against the OTSR to allow you to work while the Australia Minimal Context Gap Training (AMCG) is being undertaken.
On successful completion of the AMCG and supervised employment, an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification is issued by the registered training organisation.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Some people have skills and knowledge that enable them to gain a qualification without completing a standard training program or course. These skills and knowledge – that would have otherwise been developed through undertaking an accredited course – may have been gained through some other form of study, formal training, self-tuition, work experience or life experience.
It may be necessary to undertake a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Requirements for self-employment or to be a contractor
If you intend to operate a business as an individual or in a partnership you will need to hold a Plumber and Gas Fitter’s Contractors Licence and meet all licensing requirements.
For information about this level of licensing email: Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Benefits of Trade Recognition
Trade recognition will allow you to:
- obtain a Licence to work unsupervised in your trade
- get recognition for further study
- be qualified to train apprentices
- secure skilled employment using qualifications and skills gained overseas
Useful links:
Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Level 3, Chesser House
91-97 Grenfell Street Adelaide, SA 5000
phone: 131 882
website: Consumer and Business Services
Plumbing Industry Association South Australia (PIASA)
1 South Road
Thebarton SA 5031
phone: 8292 4000
website: www.piasa.com.au
General electricians design, assemble, install, test, commission, diagnose, maintain and repair electrical networks, circuits, equipment, components, appliances and facilities for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes.
To become an electrician in Australia you usually have to complete an apprenticeship and gain a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
Licensing requirements in South Australia
In South Australia under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 all individuals, partnerships and companies are required to hold a licence to perform any electrical works. An Electrical Workers Registration is issued by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Recognition of qualifications and skills obtained outside Australia
Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR)
New migrants that have an OTSR which shows that they have been assessed as having the required technical skills in Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician), can apply for a restricted workers registration to work under direct supervision.
The OTSR lists the technical skills demonstrated in the practical assessment undertaken by the individual and outlines the gap in the persons skills or knowledge that is required to be filled to work in Australia.
In South Australia, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) will issue a provisional (restricted) licence against the OTSR to allow you to work while the Australia Minimal Context Gap Training (AMCG) is being undertaken.
On successful completion of the AMCG and supervised employment, an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification is issued by the registered training organisation.
To qualify for an unrestricted registration you will also need to complete and pass the AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring Rules course provided by a registered training organisation.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Some people have skills and knowledge that enable them to gain a qualification without completing a standard training program or course. These skills and knowledge – that would have otherwise been developed through undertaking an accredited course – may have been gained through some other form of study, formal training, self-tuition, work experience or life experience.
It may be necessary to undertake a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Requirements for self-employment or to be a contractor
If you intend to operate a business as an individual or in a partnership you will need to hold an Electrical Contractors Licence and meet all licensing requirements. For information about this level of licensing visit Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Benefits of Trade Recognition
Trade recognition will allow you to:
- obtain a licence to work unsupervised in your trade
- get recognition for further study
- be qualified to train apprentices
- secure skilled employment using qualifications and skills gained overseas
Useful links:
Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Level 3, Chesser House
91-97 Grenfell Street Adelaide, SA 5000
phone: 131 882
website: Consumer and Business Services
email: pge.bod@agd.sa.gov.au
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
website: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)