Unlock New Career Opportunities in Australia with IECSEP – Apply Now!

The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) is a new initiative under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA). This program aims to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals and innovators between Australia and the UK, enhancing bilateral ties and supporting professional development in both countries.

Program Objectives

1. Strengthen Connections: Build and enhance existing professional connections between Australia and the UK.
2. Streamlined Mobility: Provide a structured pathway for UK professionals to gain work experience in Australia.
3. Boost Innovation: Support the exchange of innovative ideas and practices across industries.

Streams of the IECSEP

1. Early Careers Skills Stream

• Duration: Up to 12 months.
• Purpose: Allows early career professionals to undertake short-term placements, secondments, or intra-corporate transfers in Australia.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old at the time of application.
  • Qualifications: Must hold tertiary qualifications.
  • Work Experience: At least 3 months of work experience in their current role.
  • Prospective Employment: Employment in Australia must be relevant to the applicant’s current field of work and in an occupation defined at ANZSCO Skill Levels 1, 2, or 3.

2. Innovation Stream

• Duration: Up to 3 years.
• Purpose: Provides highly skilled and experienced innovators with opportunities to work in Australia, focusing on long-term contributions to innovation.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Innovation Contribution: Must have a demonstrated track record in developing or implementing new or improved products, processes, or organizational methods.
  • Skill Level: Employment in Australia must be in an occupation at ANZSCO Skill Level 1.
  • Experience: Significant experience and expertise in their field.

Innovation Definition: For the purpose of this stream, innovation includes any development or implementation of new or improved methods, products, or processes that drive efficiency and productivity across various sectors.

Application Process

Application Forms:

• Early Careers Stream Application Form
• Innovation Stream Application Form

Deadlines:

• Both streams are open for applications until 31 December 2024, 11:59 pm GMT. Note that application rounds may close earlier than the advertised deadlines, with a 7-day notice period provided by DFAT if changes occur.

Required Documents:

• Employment Confirmation: Applicants must provide proof of confirmed employment in Australia, such as a letter of employment offer or an employment contract. This document must meet specific requirements detailed in the IECSEP Guidebook.
• Financial Proof: Demonstrate adequate financial means to support themselves in Australia ($5,000 plus travel fare to the next destination).

Visa Application:

• Successful applicants will need to apply for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa under the Government Agreement stream. DFAT will provide a Letter of Support, which must be presented to the Department of Home Affairs during the visa application process.

Benefits for Employers and Businesses

Australian Employers:

• Access to Talent: Engage with innovative and early-career professionals from the UK.
• Development Opportunities: Leverage short-term and long-term placements to enhance workforce skills and bring fresh perspectives.
• Sector-Wide Innovation: Benefit from innovative practices and expertise across various industries.

UK Employers:

• Staff Development: Facilitate international career development for key staff members.
• Upskilling: Provide staff with global experience that can enhance their professional capabilities and contributions to their home organization.

How to Get Involved

For Australian Organizations:

• Collaborate with UK Partners: Explore opportunities for staffing through the IECSEP with UK businesses or potential applicants.
• Reach Out: Engage with qualified UK professionals and consider how they can contribute to your organization's goals.

For UK Organizations:

• Explore Opportunities: Identify Australian partners and discuss potential staff placements or development programs under the IECSEP.
• Support Staff Development: Utilize the program to offer valuable international experience to employees.

Additional Resources

• IECSEP Guidebook: Provides comprehensive information on the program, including the application process and assessment criteria.
• Template Letter of Employment Offer: Available for Australian employers to use in confirming employment offers for applicants.