Job Ready Program (JRP)
Job Ready Program (JRP) – TRA Skills Assessment Pathway
The Job Ready Program (JRP) is an employment-based skills assessment program run by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). It is designed for international student graduates who completed an Australian trade qualification and need a skills assessment outcome for skilled migration.
Important: The JRP requires at least 12 months of full-time paid employment (or part-time equivalent) in a TRA-approved workplace. You must maintain a valid visa with work rights and enough time to complete the program. The program must be completed within 3 years from your Job Ready Employment (JRE) Start Date.
Key benefits
- Structured pathway to obtain a TRA skills assessment outcome
- Opportunity to develop trade skills and gain employment experience in Australia
- Workplace assessment to confirm you can perform your occupation to Australian standards
- A successful Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA) outcome can be used for skilled visa purposes (where required by Home Affairs)
Who this program suits
- International student graduates with an Australian trade qualification verified through a Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
- Applicants who need a TRA skills assessment outcome to support a skilled visa and employer sponsored application ( such as 189,190,491,494 and 186)
Eligibility
- Hold a successful Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) for your nominated occupation
- Hold a valid visa that allows you to work in Australia and has sufficient time for you to complete the program
- Be employed in your nominated occupation with a TRA-approved employer (your employer must be registered and accepted by TRA)
- Provide required evidence through the TRA Online Portal (for example: Employment Verification Report and pay evidence)
Employment requirements
- You must complete at least 12 months of full-time paid employment (or equivalent part-time) from your JRE Start Date
- Full-time is an average of 38 hours per week
- Part-time work, unemployment and extended leave will mean it takes longer to complete
- All JRP employment must be undertaken within Australia
- You can change employers, but you cannot exceed 5 employers and at least 6 months full-time equivalent employment must be completed with one employer
The Process (Step-By-Step)
Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
Before you start the Job Ready Program, you must obtain a successful PSA for your nominated occupation. Your PSA is used to confirm your Australian qualification and eligibility to enter the JRP. PSA skill assessment is also required to apply for 485 post vocational visa.
Job Ready Employment (JRE)
You register your employment and employer in the TRA Online Portal and begin the JRP. TRA reviews your employer and employment arrangements. Your 12-month employment period is counted from your JRE Start Date.
Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)
A workplace assessment is arranged through a registered training organisation (RTO). The assessment takes place in your current TRA-approved workplace. TRA will advise you when you are eligible to proceed to JRWA.
Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)
After you have achieved a successful JRWA outcome and completed at least 12 months of paid employment (full-time or equivalent part-time) from your JRE Start Date, TRA may invite you to apply for the JRFA. A successful JRFA is your final skills assessment outcome letter.
Do you need to be in Australia?
Yes. The JRP is based on paid employment in an Australian workplace. Time spent overseas does not count towards the JRP employment requirement.
Fees
TRA charges fees when you apply for each step of the JRP. Fees can change, so always check the current JRP Applicant Guidelines and TRA fee policy before you apply.
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FAQs
Yes — but only in limited cases. You may be able to claim up to 3 months of unbroken (continuous) paid employment that you did immediately before you lodged your JRE application, and it must be with the first eligible employer you register for JRE. This claim must be made when you submit your JRE application online (you can’t add it later), and TRA will adjust your JRE Start Date only if the claim is approved. However, TRA will not consider any prior hours if you did not register your employer after that.
Yes. You must have a successful Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) before you can apply for Job Ready Employment (JRE).
Full-time means working an average of 38 hours per week. Part-time work is allowed, but you must still complete 12 months full-time equivalent employment.
No. All employment under the Job Ready Program must be undertaken within Australia.
Yes. You can have more than one employer, but you cannot exceed five employers and at least 6 months full-time equivalent employment must be completed with one employer. Each employer must be registered and approved by TRA.
You can only apply when TRA invites you after you complete 6 months at least 6 months of full-time equivalent paid employment.
You usually need your employer to provide the Employment Verification Report (EVR), the Skill Progress Report (SPR), and pay slips. If you are doing a Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA), your employer will also need to complete the Employer Confirmation Form (for the workplace assessment).
If you are working as a contractor or are self-employed, you may still be eligible for Job Ready Employment (JRE), but it depends on your circumstances.
The Job Ready Program requires you to be supervised by a suitably qualified tradesperson in an Australian workplace. TRA may accept subcontractor arrangements where your nominated occupation and work setup meet the requirements (including the rules set out in the Job Ready Program Applicant Guidelines).
In practice, you must be able to show that you can complete at least 6 months of full-time equivalent paid employment with one contractor who agrees to act as your supervisor and is willing to sign your EVR and SPR.
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