Your trade skills are valued in Australia
As an Australian Government authorised skills assessment authority, VETASSESS uses standards – specific to each of the 27 trade occupations we assess – to check that your skills match up to the relevant Australian trade.
As part of your skilled migration journey into Australia, you might need to get a trade skills assessment from a TRA-approved registered training organisation (RTO), like VETASSESS.
To get your skills assessed, you’ll need to choose the right occupation and pathway for your trade.
Prepare your application
As an Australian Government authorised skills assessment authority, VETASSESS uses standards – specific to each of the 27 trade occupations we assess – to check that your skills match up to the relevant Australian trade.
How to choose the right skills assessment program with VETASSESS
There are two programs we can assess your skills for migration purposes: with a Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) or a Skilled Migration Visa (excluding 485 or TSS visas).
TEMPORARY SKILLS SHORTAGE (TSS) SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
“I want to work temporarily in my trade in Australia to fill a skills gap.”
Do you need a skills assessment as part of your temporary skills shortage (subclass 482) visa application to the Department of Home Affairs? A TSS Skills Assessment will show if you have the skills and experience needed to work in Australia in your nominated occupation. .
*Please visit the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Citizen) page for more information on the TSS visa application process.
OFFSHORE SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (OSAP)
“I want to use my trade skills to apply for permanent residency in Australia.”
Do you need a skills assessment as part of your skilled migration visa application to the Department of Home Affairs?
An OSAP Skills Assessment will show if you have the skills and experience to work in Australia in your nominated occupation.
Select your pathway to a skills assessment
Once you’ve chosen your skills assessment program from the two options above, you’ll then need to decide which pathway to take. There are two options: PATHWAY 1 or PATHWAY 2. Within each pathway, you’ll also need to determine whether your trade occupation needs a licence to work in Australia.
The main difference between the pathways is whether or not you already have recognised Australian qualifications or licences for your trade.
PATHWAY ONE
"I don’t have an Australian qualification or occupational licence..."
To apply, you’ll need to give us evidence (documentation) of your employment, skills and knowledge. We’ll review it and if it meets the requirements for assessment, invite you to do a practical assessment and/or technical interview.
If you’re successful in the practical assessment and/or technical interview, you’ll get a Successful Skills Assessment Result Letter. If you’re unsuccessful, you can apply for a reassessment or review.
For more information on PATHWAY 1, download this guide.
PATHWAY TWO
"I do have an Australian qualification or occupational licence..."
To apply for pathway 2, you’ll need to give us evidence of your Australian qualifications. We will also need evidence of your work experience. We will review both your qualifications and your evidence and if they meet the requirements, we will invite you to a technical interview.
If you’re successful, you’ll receive a successful Skills Assessment Result Letter. If unsuccessful, you can apply for a reassessment or review.
For more information on PATHWAY 2, download this guide.
Explore popular trade occupations we assess
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
Automotive Electrician
Baker
Baker (Bread Baking)
Bricklayer
Cabinetmaker
Carpenter
Carpenter and Joiner
Chef (Commercial Cookery)
Chef (Asian Cookery)
Cook (Commercial Cookery)
Cook (Asian Cookery)
Diesel Motor Mechanic (Mobile Plant)
Diesel Motor Mechanic (Heavy Commercial Vehicle)
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
Electrician (General)
Electrician (Special Class)
Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter-Welder
Hairdresser
Joiner
Metal Fabricator
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Motor Mechanic (General)
Panelbeater
Pastrycook
Plumber (General)
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
Toolmaker
Welder (First Class)
We have assessment centres around the world
We don't just have skills assessment teams in Australia, we also have assessment venues in India, the UK, South Africa and South East Asia to assess your practical skills, making your assessment easier when living abroad.
Some occupations need a practical assessment and we have venues in Australia, India, South Africa and the UK.
Why use VETASSESS for your Trades skills assesment
The migration process can be overwhelming and stressful. It’s important to partner with someone who truly understands the process. We’ve supported potential migrants and Australian businesses for more than 25 years with our assessment expertise, so let us be your partner in trade skills assessment.
Industry leaders
We understand trades and skills, recognising and assessing more occupations than any other agency in Australia.
Comprehensive assessments
Your skills and experience will be assessed by someone who has worked in your trade and understands your skills and qualifications.
Authorised Assessors
We are Australia's largest supplier of skills assessment services, as authorised by the Australian Government.
Global connections
We operate venues in India, the UK, China, South Africa and Southeast Asia to assess your practical skills globally, not just in Australia.
Always relevant
We stay up to date with the newest skills and emerging occupations, so our skills assessments are current and reflective of your full skill set.
We do more than skills assessments – we can help your business grow
Whether your business has skills shortages or is planning for change, you can use our assessments to inform and support your decision making.
VETASSESS can give you the confidence you need in hiring and workforce planning, and save you time by designing custom online learning solutions.
Explore FAQs
Do you have a question about the trades skills assessment process or what information you need to give us? Explore our FAQs or, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us.
If you do not meet the requirements for your nominated occupation, you will be issued with a letter that states that you have not met the pre-migration skills assessment requirements. The letter will indicate the assessment components where your application did not meet the requirements.
If you disagree with the outcome, you should discuss your case with the assessor who will advise you on the options available for a reassessment where applicable.
For all visa types:
- You will need to ensure that you meet the assessment requirements for your nominated occupation for both the VETASSESS assessment, and for your visa.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you nominate an appropriate occupation for your visa/sponsorship requirements.
- For information about visa requirements, you should visit the Department of Home Affairs website. For more specialised visa advice, you may wish to contact the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
For all general enquiries correspondence via phone or email, VETASSESS can only provide information regarding our assessment process, and cannot tell you which visa is best for you, which state or territory list your occupation appears on, or whether you will meet the visa requirements.
We're here to help
Contact us
Ask a question or find more information.
Call our office
Speak to our friendly customer support team.
Email us
Send us your question or ask for more information.