The Australian Government has introduced significant changes to assist employers in the housing construction sector in recruiting skilled overseas workers more efficiently.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has updated eligibility requirements for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), allowing eligible applicants to use the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program for their skills assessments.
What has changed?
From 31 July 2024, applicants working in eligible housing construction occupations now have the option of having their skills assessed through the MSA program instead of OSAP. This change is part of the government’s broader initiative to address labour shortages in the construction industry and accelerate workforce growth.
Benefits
- Faster assessments: approximately 85% of MSA applications in housing construction occupations are finalised within 25 days.
- Lower costs: the MSA program is more cost-effective than OSAP, reducing expenses for potential workers.
- Streamlined process: the simplified process means employers can fill critical roles sooner.
Understanding the programs
Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
- Designed for applicants with Australian or comparable overseas qualifications, the MSA program verifies whether an individual’s qualifications and employment history align with Australian standards.
- This program is ideal for those who have qualifications that are directly comparable to Australian standards without the need for practical testing.
- Applicants must provide evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience, streamlining the process for skilled workers in high-demand sectors like housing construction.
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
- Mandatory for applicants from specified countries in certain trades, OSAP involves a more detailed assessment, including practical skills testing.
- This program ensures that applicants possess the necessary hands-on skills to perform their trade in Australia, particularly for countries where qualifications are not automatically recognised.
- The process includes both a documentary assessment and a practical skills test, ensuring competence to Australian standards.
The growing demand for housing construction in Australia
Australia is facing a growing demand for housing construction, driven by population growth, increased infrastructure investment, and a renewed focus on affordable housing. To support this, the Australian Government has launched an ambitious five-year plan from mid-2024, featuring a $230 billion public infrastructure pipeline, the construction of 1.2 million new homes, and major investments in the energy sector.
As the government works to address the housing shortage, the demand for skilled workers in construction has surged. Industry projections estimate workforce demand for construction-related roles will peak at 450,000 by mid-2025, with a shortfall of 197,000 workers by August 2024.
This heightened demand highlights the importance of streamlined skills assessment processes to expedite the recruitment of skilled overseas workers.
The recent updates to the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program provide employers with a faster and more cost-effective pathway to verify the skills of overseas workers, helping to meet the critical workforce needs in the housing construction sector.
Next steps
Employers seeking to sponsor skilled overseas workers can guide eligible candidates toward the MSA program, and Absolute Immigration can assist in assessing eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process. A full list of eligible occupations and details on both programs can be found on the Trades Recognition Australia website.
If you have any questions or need assistance with skills assessments or visa processes, our expert team is here to help. Contact Absolute Immigration today at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to ensure a smooth and compliant recruitment process.
