Starting fresh in a new country shouldn't mean starting your career from scratch. Unfortunately, for many new Australians, that is the reality of migrating. Research suggests that around a third of skilled migrants seek additional qualifications to bolster their resume, with almost half ending up in employment other than what was on their visa forms.

The only way to avoid falling into this statistic is to pursue the RPL Assessment to get the certification and qualifications you need to get you back into the work you were trained to do.

The Hidden Costs of RPL Assessment

The key to a successful skills assessment is putting together a portfolio of experience that demonstrates how proficient you are in the job you worked before you moved to Australia. It sounds simple enough, but unfortunately, there are a lot of obstacles in the way for new Australians.

If your documents aren't in English, a translation service will be necessary to provide the same documentation in English. This generally must be done by the school or employer before being sent, rather than enlisting a translator in Australia to complete the process. Either way, there are additional costs for those translation services, whether they're done in your country of origin or Australia. You may have adequate English language skills, but the translation must be handled by a certified professional.

There are other hidden costs associated with the process, such as having documentation sourced and sent from organisations abroad. Many people are forced to jump through hurdles to get the right documentation. The process may also require a lawyer, adding to the growing costs.

Self-employment poses another challenge. If you were self-employed before moving to Australia, it can be difficult to provide adequate evidence of the work you did previously. An RPL consultant can advise you on how to proceed. The key to success is selecting a qualification that aligns with your provable skills, even if it isn't exactly what you had in mind. 

Pursuing the RPL Assessment Process

The RPL Assessment process itself is an affordable one. It's those hidden costs that can make it an even more difficult process for New Australians, and most people aren’t prepared for them when they begin the process.

The best course of action is to choose a skilled, reputable Australian Registered Trade Organisation who will provide advice and guidance on crucial evidence to save you delays and additional costs. By working with an experienced organisation, a consultant can guide you in choosing the right balance of evidence and how best to present it to ensure your application is successful.