Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange Pilot Program: Boosting Cooperation and Expertise

Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange Pilot Program: Boosting Cooperation and Expertise

The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IA-CEPA) offers a unique opportunity for businesses in both countries to participate in the Skills Development Exchange Pilot Program (SDE). This program facilitates workplace placements, allowing skilled individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen ties between Australia and Indonesia.

Benefits for Participants

The Pilot program presents a unique opportunity for participants to:

• Develop workplace skills: Participants gain valuable on-the-job experience in their chosen field, enhancing their professional skillset.
• Gain cultural competency: Working and living abroad fosters cultural understanding, equipping participants to navigate an interconnected world.
• Strengthen professional networks: Building relationships with colleagues in another country can open doors to future collaborations and career advancement.

Eligibility and Program Details

The Pilot program is open to a growing number of participants, with the quota increasing from 100 placements per country in the first year to 500 per country by 2028. To be eligible, applicants must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Employed full-time by the sending organisation
• Possess the required skill level for the chosen placement
• Meet relevant licensing and language proficiency requirements

Workplace placements can last up to twelve months and encompass a variety of sectors, including:

• Agribusiness and food processing
• Creative economy
• Financial and insurance services
• Green economy
• Information media and telecommunications
• Mining, engineering, and related technical services
• Tourism and travel

Application Process

The application process differs slightly depending on the participant’s nationality.

• Indonesian Applicants: Submit an online application to DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) for a letter of support. Upon receiving the letter, apply for a Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) Government Agreement stream.
• Australian Applicants: Contact the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. DFAT can provide a letter of acknowledgment to support applications for workplace placements in Indonesia.

Important Considerations

• Sending and host organizations should have an established relationship or collaborate specifically for the pilot program.
• Workplace placements must align with an appropriate skill level based on the participant’s qualifications and the targeted occupation.
• There is no requirement for Australian businesses to sponsor applicants on this pilot program, and labour market testing and TSMIT are not applied.
• Successful SDE Pilot applicants enter Australia on a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa Government Agreement stream. Applications for the program are open now.

Conclusion

The Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange Pilot Program offers a valuable opportunity for businesses and individuals to cultivate expertise, build bridges across borders, and contribute to the economic prosperity of both nations.

To discuss details and the latest information on the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange Pilot Program, please get in touch with our expert team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation.