Below is an extract, of the  draft of proposed changed. The main centrepiece of the new rules is the need to have four years work experience and a recognised qualification for everyone. There will no longer be pathways instead it will be replaced by two streams, A for people using Australian qualifications and experience and B for overseas qualifications. In both streams, the requirements are going to include a qualification (skill category 1) and work experience (skill category 2).

There are various options for skills recognition including things like trade tests, technical interviews, industry registration and on the job inspections which are now additional options for TRA beyond the formal requirements for each stream.

 7. Skill Stream B – International

7.1. Skill category 1 Training / Skills Recognition: Applicants must provide evidence of having completed at least one element from Skill Category 1 as follows:

7.1.1. formal vocational training; or
7.1.2. formal skills recognition.

7.2. In relation to clause 7.1.1, formal vocational training must:
7.2.1. consist of structured institution based tuition; and
7.2.2. result in the award of a formally recognised qualification applicable to the nominated occupation.

7.3. In relation to clause 7.1.2, formal skills recognition must:
7.3.1. result from completion of a workplace assessment; or
7.3.2. be confirmed by a recognised industrial or occupational licence.

7.4. In relation to 7.3.1, the workplace assessment must:
7.4.1. have been undertaken by an organisation accredited by an authorised governing body whose standards can be independently verified by TRA; and
7.4.2. result in the award of a formally recognised qualification applicable to the nominated occupation.

7.5. Skill Category 2 Employment: Applicants must also demonstrate no less than four (4) years employment.

7.6. For the purposes of clause 7.5, applicants are able to claim a maximum of one (1) year credit towards their employment if they provide evidence of completing formal vocational training.

7.7. For the purposes of clause 7.5, such employment must include a skill level transition.