If you’re applying for a skills assessment through ACTS Visa Skills, especially via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Offshore Skills Assessment pathways, it’s essential to provide strong photo evidence and work samples.
Why? Because this evidence proves that you’ve actually done the hands-on work in your trade—not just studied it or held a job title. These visual and practical records help assessors confirm that your skills match Australian trade standards.
In this guide, we’ll explain why it matters, what to include, and how to present your evidence professionally.
✅ Why Video & Photo Evidence and Work Samples Matter
TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like ACTS Visa Skills need to verify your real-world trade experience. This is especially important if you:
- Don’t have a formal trade qualification
- Have been self-employed
- Are applying from overseas
- Are relying on RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
Video & Photo evidence and work samples help to:
- Demonstrate your skills and competence
- Show you’ve used the right tools, materials, and techniques
- Confirm that you’ve done the work yourself, in real settings
- Support your employer references and resume
🖼️ What Kind of Video & Photo Evidence Should You Include?
When submitting videos or photos, the goal is to prove your involvement in tasks related to your trade. These should clearly show:
1. You Working on the Job
- Photos of you physically doing trade tasks (e.g., welding, fitting components, wiring, framing)
- Wearing PPE (hard hat, gloves, boots, etc.)
- At job sites, workshops, or with specific machinery or tools
2. Finished Work
- Close-up and wide shots of completed jobs (e.g., installed systems, repaired engines, fabricated parts, finished frameworks)
- Make sure it’s clear that you completed the work shown
3. Tools and Equipment
- Videos & Photos of your toolbox, trade-specific tools, or specialist equipment
- You using trade-appropriate tools (e.g., torque wrench, MIG welder, pipe bender)
4. Work Environment
- Your workshop, van setup, or on-site location
- Safety procedures like signage or equipment setups
Tip: Include a short description under each video or photo:
- What task is being done
- What tools or materials are used
- What trade skill it demonstrates (e.g., aligning hydraulic cylinders, reading blueprints)
🧾 What Are Work Samples?
Work samples are documents or records that show the actual work you’ve performed. They add another layer of evidence to support your application.
Examples of Acceptable Work Samples:
- Job cards or work orders signed off by a supervisor
- Service reports or maintenance logs
- Before-and-after photos of jobs
- Material lists or equipment checklists
- Project plans or blueprints you followed or contributed to
- Safety documents (SWMS, JSAs, risk assessments)
- Invoices or quotes if self-employed
These samples should match the tasks required under your trade’s Australian qualification units of competency.
📁 How to Organise Your Evidence
To make your application easier to assess:
✅ Create a Simple Portfolio
- Group videos or photos by type of work (e.g., welding, mechanical repairs, installations)
- Use captions or short notes for each image
- Label job cards and reports clearly with dates and your name
✅ File Format
- Save as a PDF or folder of labelled images
- Include a table of contents for easy navigation if you have many items
✅ Keep it Professional
- Clear, well-lit, high-resolution photos
- Avoid photos with distractions or people who are not involved
- If working on-site, show safety compliance (e.g., PPE, signage)
🛠️ Trade-Specific Examples
Diesel Mechanic
- Photo: You repairing an engine or gearbox
- Sample: Job card detailing a diagnostic and repair process
Welder / Metal Fabricator
- Photo: You welding or fabricating a frame
- Sample: Blueprint and photos of a completed custom metal structure
💡 Final Tips for Success
- Show variety – Cover different tasks in your trade
- Be visible – Make sure you’re in the photos (preferably wearing PPE)
- Date your evidence – This proves recent and relevant experience
- Be honest – Don’t use staged or borrowed work
Providing strong photo evidence and work samples is one of the best ways to support your skills assessment through ACTS Visa Skills—especially if you’re applying without formal qualifications. This proof helps show that you’re not just qualified on paper, but also a capable and experienced tradesperson in the real world. When done right, a well-prepared evidence portfolio can fast-track your assessment and bring you one step closer to living and working in Australia.
