How are volunteers selected?

Austraining International’s Volunteers Unit has a staged selection process, which is based on merit and works within the parameters of the Australian Equal Opportunities Act. At any stage of the selection process, Austraining reserves the right to withdraw a volunteer assignment.

Compliance Check
Written applications are received and checked for compliance. If certain documents have been omitted, applicants are given the opportunity to resubmit within 48 hours.

Applicant Shortlist
Written applications are assessed by two members of the Selection Team to create a shortlist. After this time, unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email and will be given to opportunity to receive feedback.

Interview and Reference Checks
Shortlisted applicants are notified that they have progressed to the next stage of the selection process, which involves an assessment with a consultant from Response Psychological and also involves reference checks being conducted by the Selection Team. After these steps have been completed, applicants will be notified via email if they have been unsuccessful and will be given the opportunity to receive feedback.

Recommended Candidates
Successful applicants then become the Recommended Candidate for a role. The Host Organisations (HOs) and Australian Partner Organisations (APOs) are then given the opportunity to formally accept the applicant, and the applicant is also required to formally agree to undertake the role. HOs and APOs are encouraged to interview Recommended Candidates before indicating their acceptance. If the HO does not wish to accept the Recommended Candidate, the Selection Panel may put a second ranked candidate forward for consideration.

Multiple Recommended Candidates
In some cases, the Selection Panel may put multiple highly-ranked candidates forward for the Host Organisation’s consideration before they are asked to accept one candidate – this typically adds several weeks to the duration of the selection process and only occurs in cases of multiple first-ranked applicants.

Pre-Departure Phase
If acceptance occurs from all parties, the Recommended Candidate must then successfully complete a Pre-Departure Briefing, Criminal History Check, Medical Clearance, and must successfully obtain their visa before they are able to mobilise as an Australian Volunteer.