Helping Australian employers sponsor qualified workers from India

The Workforce Mobility Plan may involve institutional strengthening in India, the use of the Australian VET curriculum, and smoother migration pathways for skilled workers.

The partnership envisages bringing together employers, trainers and governments to identify skilled workers from India who can work in Australian industries with severe labour shortages. 

In the first instance VETASSESS and the NSDC will develop a Workforce Mobility plan to fill jobs under Australian Industry Labour Agreements that allow specific employers to attract overseas workers in their industry.  

Priority areas for the project are: 

• Hospitality 
• Automotive 
• Agriculture 
• Aged care 

VETASSESS Executive Director Rob Thomason said these industries have a chronic shortage of qualified workers. 

“We know there are many highly qualified and skilled Indians who would welcome the opportunity to gain work experience in Australia, and this program will ensure they arrive understanding Australian workplace rules and culture,” he said. 

Identifying skilled Indian workers 

The NSDC will identify organisations that can supply skilled workers and work with Sector Skill Councils, workforce suppliers and training organisations in India that can provide gap training, any English language training required, and preliminary skills assessment. 

VETASSESS can assess workers’ skills and training in India, and certification if required, and provide any gap training in partnership with Australian and Indian Institutions. 

In Australia, VETASSESS will work with industry bodies to identify demand for employees and to identify employers who can sponsor workers and the job roles in demand. 

Industry Labour Agreements are signed between Australian employers, respective unions, and the Australian Government and cover certain industry roles. 

The recruitment process, visas, and orientation prior to departure would be part of the plan. 

Comparing qualifications between Australia and India 

VETASSESS and the NSDC will work on comparing qualifications between Australia and India, with benchmarking of qualifications between the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and the Indian National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). 

Mr Thomason said this will build confidence with Australian employers and industry. 

“The benchmarking process means we can identify any gaps and arrange for training, so Indian workers can feel confident they will arrive in Australia ready to work because they understand the expectations of Australian employers.” 

Photo: VETASSESS ED Rob Thomason and NSDC CEO and Managing Director NSDC International Ved Mani Tiwari at the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

For media inquiries only, contact the VETASSESS communications team at communications@vetassess.com.au