TRA – Trades Recognition Australia (Skills Assessment for Trade Occupations)

Trade Skills Assessment for Skilled Migration to Australia

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the official assessing authority for a wide range of trade occupations under Australia’s Skilled Migration Program.
A positive TRA skills assessment is essential for applicants seeking trade-related visas such as 189, 190, 491, 482, 494, and in some cases, 485 Graduate Work.

TRA assesses whether your skills, qualifications, and employment experience meet Australian industry standards.

ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides guidance to help trade applicants understand the TRA pathway that applies to them and prepare their documentation in line with TRA requirements.

Who Needs a TRA Skills Assessment?

TRA assesses many licensed and non-licensed trade occupations, including:

Electricians

Automotive Electricians / Motor Mechanics

Welders

Fitters

Metal Fabricators

Plumbers

Carpenters

Chef / Cook

Cabinetmakers

Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians

Painters

Bricklayers

Tilers

Bakers / Pastrycooks

Hairdressers

TRA Assessment Pathways

TRA offers different pathways depending on your location, qualifications, and employment background.

1. Job Ready Program (JRP) – For International Students in Australia

Designed for applicants who completed an Australian trade qualification and want skilled migration.
The JRP includes four stages:

Step 1: Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
Confirms qualification and employment evidence.
Step 2: Job Ready Employment (JRE)
Minimum 12 months of paid, relevant employment in Australia.
Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)
TRA-approved assessor evaluates your skills on the job.
Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)
Results used for skilled migration visas.

2. Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) – For Offshore Applicants

For applicants located outside Australia or not eligible for JRP.
TRA checks:

Trade qualification
Industry experience
Evidence of performing trade tasks
Employment period

3. MSA + Technical Interview (OSAP)

Certain occupations require a technical interview and/or practical assessment conducted by TRA-approved RTOs.
Common for licensed trades (Electrician, Plumber, etc).

Applicants need:

Minimum years of full-time experience
Strong practical trade evidence
Ability to demonstrate skills during assessment

4. Trades Recognition Service (TRS)

Some pathways involve recognition of prior learning combined with workplace verification.

Documents Required for TRA Skills Assessment

Identity Documents

Passport
Photo
Name change documents (if applicable)

Qualification Evidence

Depending on the pathway:

Trade certificates
Academic transcripts
Training logs
Apprenticeship completion certificates

Employment Evidence

TRA requires strong, verifiable proof of employment:

Reference letters from employers
Detailed job descriptions
Payslips
Bank statements showing salary deposits
Tax documents
Work contracts
Invoices (for self-employed applicants)
Statements of work performed
Supervisor contact details

Practical Skills Evidence (If Applicable)

For trades requiring technical assessment:

Photos of work
Work samples
Equipment lists
Project descriptions

TRA Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Correct TRA Pathway

This depends on:

Whether you studied in Australia
Whether you are offshore or onshore
Whether your trade requires licensing
Your level of experience

Correct pathway selection is crucial for a successful application.

Step 2: Prepare Qualification & Employment Evidence

TRA expects detailed, verifiable proof of both qualification and work experience.
We explain how to prepare and present each required document correctly.

Step 3: Submit TRA Application

Applicants complete the TRA portal requirements and submit all documents according to pathway rules.

Step 4: Technical Interview or Practical Assessment (If Required)

Licensed trades often require:

Demonstrating skills in front of an assessor
Answering technical questions
Showing knowledge of tools, equipment, and trade standards

Step 5: Receive Skills Assessment Outcome

TRA will issue a formal outcome confirming:

Whether your skills meet Australian trade standards
Whether your experience is accepted
Eligibility to proceed with your skilled visa

Common Reasons TRA Applications Are Refused

❌ Insufficient employment evidence

❌ Reference letters lacking detailed duties

❌ Salary evidence missing or inconsistent

❌ Incorrect pathway selection

❌ Inability to demonstrate skills during technical interview

❌ Incorrect or missing qualification documents

❌ Insufficient work experience duration

How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports TRA Applicants

✔ Pathway Guidance

Explaining the correct TRA pathway (JRP, MSA, OSAP) according to your background.

✔ Support in Preparing Employment Reference Letters

Providing guidance on how to structure a compliant trade reference letter with detailed duties.

✔ Evidence Preparation Guidance

Explaining the documents TRA expects and how to prepare them correctly.

✔ Technical Assessment Preparation

Explaining the process, what to expect, and the typical areas assessed.

✔ Application Lodgement Support

Providing guidance on completing the TRA portal requirements and submitting a compliant application.

✔ Support for RFI

Explaining how to respond if TRA needs more documentation.

✔ Visa Pathway Advice After Assessment

Guiding you on trade-related skilled visas, including 189, 190, 491, 482 and employer-sponsored pathways.

Start Your TRA Skills Assessment with Confidence

A TRA skills assessment is the foundation for trade workers wishing to migrate to Australia.
ABEE’S Consultancy provides structured guidance to help you prepare and submit a strong application that meets TRA requirements.

📞 Contact ABEE’S Consultancy Today

Begin your journey toward pursuing your trade career in Australia.