VETASSESS Trade Skills Assessment changes

VETASSESS(Australia’s leading vocational education and training (VET) skills assessment provider for both migration and national skills recognition) have announced several changes to the trade skills assessment process. These changes commenced on 23 April 2024 and are outlined below: 

Changes in how applications are lodged 

Applicants will only have to pay for a skills assessment once VETASSESS have confirmed that the application is ‘assessment ready’.

When applying for a skills assessment, VETASSESS will review the information and documents that were provided to ensure they have enough evidence for the assessment. 

Once VETASSESS have confirmed the application is ‘assessment ready’, they will accept the application and advise how to pay the assessment fee.   

Reopening new applications in some paused occupations
Following discussions with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), VETASSESS will resume accepting new applications for the following three trade occupations:

• Cook, ANZSCO Code 351411 
• Diesel Motor Mechanic, ANZSCO Code 321212
• Motor Mechanic (General), ANZSCO Code 321211 

New applications under Pathway 1 and Pathway 2  under OSAP and TSS programs remain paused for the following occupations:

• Chef, ANZSCO Code 351311  
• Fitter (General), ANZSCO Code 323211  
• Electrician (General), ANZSCO Code 341111  
• Metal Machinist (First Class), ANZSCO Code 323214. 

Changes for Pathway 1 trade applications
VETASSESS are changing the assessment process for Pathway 1 applications for all trades, except Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, Electrician (General), Electrician (Special Class) and Plumber (General),

Stage 2 of the assessment process will now involve three steps:

1. Video evidence
   When submitting a Stage 2 application, the applicant will need to provide a selection of videos demonstrating their trade skills. This change means that applicants will no longer need to supply photographic evidence, unless requested by the assessor. 
2. Australian Industry Standards Online Assessment 
   The applicant will need to complete a short online course about Australian industry standards relevant to their trade. At the end of the course, they will have 7 days to complete an assessment of their understanding of these standards.  
3. Technical Interview
   Once the online assessment is successfully completed and video evidence requirements are met, VETASSESS will be able to book the applicant’s technical interview. The interview will take about two hours and be conducted either over the internet or face to face at one of VETASSESS’ assessment venues.

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The information provided is a general guide and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; there are many regulations that may apply depending on each individual’s circumstances alongside changes in the industry. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the currency of information. Those seeking advice should engage a MARA registered migration agent.