Pathway Programs
Studying the right trade or vocational course can significantly increase your chances of obtaining an Australian Work Visa.
Simple 4 Step Process
Enrol to a Course
Apply for 485 visa
Undertake Job Ready Program
Apply for 190 or 491 visas
Find a Course
Study Pathways that may meet the 2-year course requirement for positions on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List
Other Non - Trade Pathway Courses
Job Ready Program
The Job Ready Program (JRP) is a four-step employment-based skills assessment program for international student graduates seeking a skills assessment for migration purposes. It is commonly used for those who cannot pass their skills assessment for general skilled migration purposes for those wanting to apply in Australia permanently.
JRP allows applicants to demonstrate their skills and job readiness in an Australian workplace, before they apply for migration to Australia.
Eligibility for the Job Ready Program
- Have studied a trade qualification in Australia
- Have studied for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List
- TRA is the skills assessor for the profession
- Have completed at least 360 hours of work or vocational placement in Australia relevant to your occupation
- Be eligible to apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- Obtain an IELTS score of at least 6 in all aspects of the exam
General Skilled Migration Visas
These visas include – Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Skilled Regional (Subclass 491)
Graduate Visa
Immigration Points Test
Ian’s Story (Case Study)
Ian always knew that he wanted to live in Australia. He is a keen surfer, and the climate and waves on The Gold Coast suit him perfectly. Unfortunately, he had already used his working holiday visa and did not have the skills or experience to get an employer-sponsored or skilled independent visa.
At his initial consultation, Pathway to Aus went through some study options that may have been suitable for him. He had always been interested in boat building, and we managed to enrol him in the Cert III of Marine Craft Construction. This certified course is a 2-year package offered at TAFE QLD on the Gold Coast. Boat Building is on the Immigration Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. Ian then spent 2 years undertaking this course, which combines in-class study and a vocational placement with a boat building company.
Because boat building is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, upon graduating, we were able to apply for an 18-month temporary graduate visa for Ian. We then ensured Ian passed a provisional skills assessment and entered into the Job Ready Program run by Trades Recognition Australia. As part of the Job Ready Program, Ian undertook a minimum of 1725 hours of full-time work as a boat builder. Consequently, Ian can obtain a full skills assessment in just 12 months, as opposed to the usual 3 years. We have now used the full skills assessment to apply for general skilled migration under the skilled independent stream (subclass 189). After we lodged Ian’s Expression of Interest (EOI), we received a nomination to apply for the visa in only 2 days!
“I want to thank Pathway to Aus for setting me on the right pathway. I had no idea how to stay in Australia, but they found a course that I love, and I am now in a job that I have always wanted to work in.”
Frequently Asked Questions
In case you don’t find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.
Can I do a trade apprenticeship in Australia?
International students can’t do apprenticeships in Australia. Instead, they can study a vocational course to become qualified in a trade. The course combines workshop and vocational learning. Check this page for more info.
Can I work while studying a trade?
On a student visa you’ll be permitted to work 40 hours per fortnight during class times. During any holiday periods there’s no restrictions on how many hours you can work. If your partner is a dependent on your visa, they’ll be able to work 40 hours per fortnight at all times
Do I need to pay for the course in full?
All of the courses are available on payment plans, so you’ll pay for your tuition every month, term or semester.
How much is the course deposit?
The deposit payment varies from education providers. Generally speaking, students can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 – $7000 AUD for their deposit.
Where can I study a trade?
International students can study trades in every state in Australia. There are courses available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Bundaberg and many more locations
How long does it take to complete a trade qualification?
Trade qualifications generally take 24 months to complete in Australia.
What is vocational placement?
Vocational Placement is a requirement for most trade courses, and students generally undertake 360 hours throughout the duration of their course. A student is placed in a real-life work site and receives practical training and experience on site. This video we made explains vocational placement in more detail
Are trade workers in high demand in Australia?
Yes, there are many trades that are in high demand in Australia. There are a number of trades on Australia Medium and Long Term Skills Shortage List (MLTSSL)
Can studying a trade in Australia lead to permanent residency?
Studying the right trade or vocational course can significantly increase your chances of obtaining an Australian work visa
How much does it cost to study a trade in Australia?
Prices vary depending on the course, however the average price per year is between $7,000 – $14,000.
How many days a week will I be studying a trade course in Australia?
Timetables vary depending on the trade and education provider, however most courses are 15-20 hours per week, over 2-3 days.
Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country?
These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries specifically European or North American countries accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always you check specifically with your home country.
What visa do I need to study a trade in Australia?
The most common visa for international students studying trades in Australia is the Subclass 500 – Student Visa
Can I include my partner and children on my student visa?
Yes, it is possible to add your partner to your student visa as a dependent, providing you meet the de facto requirement. More info on that here. Children can also be included as dependents
How many holidays will I have while studying a trade course in Australia?
The holidays vary depending on the education provider. Generally speaking, students can expect to have roughly 10 – 15 weeks of holiday per year.
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
Give us a call
Argentina: (11) 7368 - 8134
Fiji: (679) 922 3842
Philippines: 63 968 363 5296
United Kingdom: 02039 483 865
Send an email
Gold Coast Office
2242 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
UK Office
5 Merchant Square
London, W2 1AY, United Kingdom
(By Appointment Only)