The TWES is a work permit arrangement whereby it enables individuals to gain skills and experience through work-based learning, which builds on their previous education and training and which they intend to use on their return overseas. TWES permits allow a person to do the following where a genuine needs exists

(a) work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification; or

(b) a period of work experience.

Like the Business and Commercial work permit arrangements, this is an established UK employer led scheme, i.e. individuals cannot obtain their own TWES permits. Unlike business and commercial work permits, TWES does not lead to settlement in the UK.

TWES Criteria
Decisions on TWES permit applications are made against the following general criteria plus additional criteria specific to the training for a professional or specialist qualification or work experience category:

-  whether there is a UK-based employer


-  whether the person is going to be an employee of the UK-based employer


- whether the pay and conditions of employment are equal to those normally given to a     resident worker doing similar Training or Work Experience


-  whether the employment complies with UK legislation and any requirements for registration or     licensing necessary for the employment for which the permit is being sought


-  whether the post is additional to the employer's normal staffing requirements


-  whether the person has had a TWES permit previously


-  whether the person is going to be working or training for a minimum of 30 hours per week


-  whether the entry level to qualify for the training or work experience is at National/Scottish     Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) level 3 or equivalent; and


-  whether the person has the suitable skills, qualifications and/or experience

The individual should possess the following in order to benefit from the level of work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification under TWES:

-  an academic or vocational qualification at least at N/SVQ level 3 or equivalent;

-  an adequate command of the English language

The individual should possess the following in order to benefit from the level of work-experience under TWES:

-  an academic or vocational qualification at least at N/SVQ level 3 or equivalent; or

-  12 months previous relevant experience at N/SVQ level 3; or

-  be a student studying at a college overseas for a qualification relevant to the proposed work    experience who has reached a level of study at or above N/SVQ level 3.

-  an adequate command of the English language

General

It is very important to note that a TWES permit is only granted to those who are additional to normal staffing requirements. The duration of a TWES depends on the length of the training required to obtain the professional qualification sought (up to a maximum of 5 years), and for those applying for a period of work experience, Work Permits UK expect the maximum to be 12 months (24 months can be granted if there are very good reasons). Overall, Work Permits (UK) expect the employer to complete the training or period of work experience as quickly as they can.

TWES permits are approved on the clear understanding that the person intends to leave the UK at the end of the agreed period to use their new skills and experience. They will not normally be allowed to transfer to work permit employment in the UK.

An individual who has held a TWES permit will not normally be eligible for another permit until they have completed a period of time outside the UK. i.e.

-  If the person was on a TWES permit for up to 12 months, they will not normally be eligible to    return for a further permit until they have spent 12 months outside the UK;

-  If they were on a TWES permit for over 12 months, they will not normally be eligible to return    for a further permit until they have spent 24 months outside the UK