Apiarists and beekeepers who need a skills assessment for Australian migration purposes will no longer require a bachelor-level degree to satisfy the criteria.
They can now apply with a qualification equivalent to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate Level III or IV, and a period of employment experience that is highly relevant to the occupation.
The change comes after VETASSESS consulted with industry bodies who advised that a certificate-level qualification and experience would meet the requirements of employers in the industry.
Australia has 1800 commercial beekeepers and 28,000 recreational beekeepers, according to the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.
The bees are vital to the horticulture and agriculture industries, pollinating around 65% of the nation's crops.
VETASSESS Executive Director Rob Thomason says qualified apiarists have been unable to bring their skills to Australia because of the requirement to hold a degree.
“We expect more beekeepers to apply for a skills assessment due to this change,” he said.
The changes take effect from December 12, 2022.
Find an information sheet on this occupation here
For media inquiries only, contact our communications team at communications@VETASSESS.com.au
About VETASSESS
For more than 25 years VETASSESS has provided tailored, independent assessment services to governments, education sectors and industries globally.
We have pioneered assessment services to recognise and verify individuals’ qualifications, skills and experience for migration purposes against the requirements of 341 professional and 27 trade occupations.
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