The Department of Education, Skills and Employment announced its “Migrant skills incentives” last Thursday. This initiative is expected to benefit skilled migrants who are already residing in the country by offering free fast-tracked skills assessments, employability assessment, career advice and subsidised training options.
The department’s media release says the program aims to provide eligible skilled migrants with targeted support – like processing delays in skills assessment applications, financial or eligibility barriers, and challenges finding a job at their skill level – “to remove obstacles”.
The government has set aside $19.7 million to invest in a program that will help support migrant employment outcomes for occupations where workers are in shortage, as well as impact COVID-19’s negative effects on the Australian economy.
“Having their skills recognised in Australia provides a greater opportunity for migrants to join the workforce. Businesses and employers will have increased confidence that migrants have the skills they need to do the job,” the department said.
“The Migrant Skills Incentives are not only providing greater opportunities for onshore migrants to join the workforce but also assisting Australian businesses and industries address workforce pressures,” the department added.
The program is categorized into three, namely:
- Incentive 1 – Faster Migrant Skills Assessment
- Incentive 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants
- Incentive 3 – Employability Assessments will commence in mid-2022.
Incentive 1 – Faster Migrant Skills Assessments
The Skills Assessments for Onshore Migrants scheme offers fast-tracked skills assessments to applicants who have already submitted and paid for an application in a priority occupation, but are awaiting an outcome.
A full list of priority occupations is linked below.
Incentive 1 – Faster Migrant Skills Assessment Fact Sheet
Incentive 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants
Offers a free and fast-tracked assessment of your skills, qualifications and experience if you are an onshore migrant who resides in Australia. It is available to those with a permanent family visa, partner visa or humanitarian or refugee visas. The assessment is for migrants without any prior assessments that have relevant skills for priority occupations.
Incentive 3 – Employability Assessments
The Government will make a free employability assessment and subsidized training available to skilled migrants who are currently working below their skill level. The aim is to improve employment outcomes for these people, with the first opportunity being in mid-2022.
Sometimes, the work involved in immigrating to Australia can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with a migration agency like ours- Australian Migration Services- our experienced MARA Agents are here for you from day one. They will know what’s required for each type of visa and immigration process so your chances of success are much higher through their help.
For more information on how our registered migration agents can help you, arrange an appointment using our online contact form or call 03 9092 1688
