Job Ready Program (JRP): A complete guide

The Job Ready Program (JRP) allows graduates to gain hands-on experience in their field while also helping them become eligible for permanent skilled visas. The program is structured into 4 comprehensive steps and equips recent graduates for their careers in Australia. 

The JRP not only enhances employability but also serves as a pathway to permanent residency, making it an essential program for any graduate eager to take their next steps in Australia’s job market. 

Key information in this article on Australia’s Job Ready Program (JRP): 

• General eligibility criteria  

• Stages of the Job Ready Program (JRP)  

General eligibility critera:

To be eligible for the Job Ready Program (JRP), follow the below checklist:  

• Your occupation assessment path must be listed on the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) website  

• You must have been the primary visa holder of a Student Visa 

• You must have at least 12 months of full work rights (or equivalent part time) available to them to be able to complete the program. Full work rights mean you are able to work 38 hours in a week.  

• You must be working in your nominated occupation 

• You must be working with your registered employer  

Stages of Australia’s job Ready Program (JRP):

Step 1: Provisional skills assessment (PSA) –

This is used to check the genuineness of your educational qualifications and is the first step to meet the requirements of the 485 Visa (Graduate Work stream).  

Eligibility criteria:  

• You must be a primary student visa holder in Australia  

• You must have a qualification relevant to an occupation assessed by TRA, and awarded by a CRICOS RTO as a result of your studies.

Step 2: Job Ready Employment (JRE)

This is the initial assessment of your current work. If your previous 3 months of work is considered at an eligible skill level, these hours will to be counted towards the overall hours required. To meet the overall hour requirements hours can be counted from more than one employer. 

Eligibility criteria:  

• You must have received a successful PSA outcome 

• You must have less than 4 months remaining on your student visa 

• You must hold or have lodged a 485 visa or other visas that have full work rights and are valid for a minimum of 12 months 

• You must complete 1725 hours of relevant skilled work with a Registered Employer.
  
  Note: You can apply for the next step after working for your employer for 6 months, once you have reached 863 hours of work. 

Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)

The next step is the Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA) and involves an assessor visiting your primary workplace. This enables TRA to confirm that the work is being undertaken at a skill level and adheres to the assessment requirements.

Eligibility criteria:  

• TRA must approve your employment arrangement before the assessment  

• You must have adequate pay evidence for at least 863 hours over a minimum of 6 months from the date your JRE starts  

• You must have an acceptable Skills Progress Reports (SPR), Employment Verification Report (EVR).  

• You should also have any other relevant documents that confirm you are performing your designated tasks and developing key skills related to your nominated occupation.  

Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

Eligibility criteria:  

• TRA must approved your employment  

• You must have a successful JRWA outcome  

• You must provide TRA with adequate and acceptable pay evidence for minimum 1725 hours over a minimum of 12 months from your JRE start date

Note: The Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will email you within 45 days of your JRFA application with an outcome letter confirming if all steps have been completed. This letter is not your qualification or a formal certificate of your skills/experience.  

• Understand Australia’s Job Ready Program 

• Navigate the application process with ease 

• Explore visa options that may suit your trade qualification