Your degree is one of the most valuable assets for you. It has the potential to take you places far and beyond your imagination. There can be some exceptions, but education is one of the crucial investments people make in their lives. Developed economies like Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK, recognised this long back and the hardship one puts in acquiring a degree. So, they formed a pact, which can be beneficial not only for them but also for these degree holders.
Recognising Global Mobility Mutually with the Washington Accord
When we talk of a degree, one of the first things that comes to mind is engineering, which is one of the most revered professions to date. Six original signatory countries Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the US, in 1989 entered a bilateral agreement called the Washington Accord with the view to providing recognition and accreditation to undergraduate-level engineering qualifications.
The international agreement among signatory countries, known as the Washington Accord, signifies mutual recognition of accredited engineering qualifications. What this means is that if you pursue an engineering degree from a signatory country of the Washington Accord, that degree will be considered equivalent to an engineering degree from the other signatory country. This removes the need for re-qualification processes which are often lengthy and expensive.
For aspiring immigrants, the Washington Accord provides a smoother transition into the engineering workforce among the signatory countries. Engineering graduates have already invested a lot of time and money in acquiring an engineering degree, and there is nothing more rewarding than that degree being recognised in other countries. Learn more on how to pursue a globally accepted degree by talking to immigration consultants in Gurgaon.
MATES Helpful in Launching Careers
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) offers a distinct advantage to young professionals, catering to early-career individuals who are aged 18 – 30 from specific countries. While, the Washington Accord, is beneficial to engineering professionals only, MATES, on the other hand, can be utilised by mining, agriTech and fintech professionals as well.
MATES can be described as a golden opportunity for engineering graduates in India to work in Australia. It provides the opportunity to significantly enhance the resume of professionals by way of Australian work experience. Through MATES you can become a competitive candidate to apply for permanent residency in Australia, or for securing employment in any part of the world.
Indian nationals who meet specific criteria, and are 30 years or younger, can apply for MATES. This programme is for one-time use only, meaning the applicant should not have participated in MATES earlier. Plus, the applicant should have graduated from an eligible educational institution within the previous two years of applying. To be considered, you need to have a bachelor’s or higher degree in renewable energy, ICT, engineering Agritech, or Fintech.
Also Read: Australia’s MATES Promises High Hopes for Indian Professionals
Significance for Aspiring Immigrants
All those who choose to study in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, or the US can benefit considerably from Washington Accord and MATES. Engineering graduates have a distinct edge as they utilise their degrees to work in the world’s top economies. In short, there are limitless opportunities available for such graduates. In this time and age when we talk of global professionals and international mobility, both these initiatives actualise these concepts.
Difference in Washington Accord and MATES
Washington Accord only considers engineering graduates, whereas MATES considers professionals from multiple fields. Starting from an original six members, currently, 21 signatories make up the Washington Accord, but MATES is a pact between India and Australia only.
Washington Accord only recognises the engineering degree among the signatory countries, but you will have to apply for permission to work in a country. However, You are saved from the cumbersome process of validating your engineering credentials. Moreover, like MATES, it is not a programme to which you can apply seeking permission to live and work. MATES is a scheme through which you can get the opportunity to work in Australia for up to two years.
Good Professionals in Need Everywhere
The two schemes detailed above make it clear that if you are well-educated and competent, you will be embraced to work anywhere in the world. It also highlights that the world’s top economies value the contribution of competent professionals. Along with having the technical knowledge, you also need to be aware of different paths through which your talent and qualifications can be utilised best.
In the end, we can say both initiatives are working towards a common goal of helping immigrants succeed by providing them with resources, support, or opportunities. These two initiatives differ but complement each other in achieving this shared objective.
