Training and Work Experience Scheme

Persons may come to the United Kingdom under the immigration rules for either 'approved training' with a sponsor or 'approved work experience' with a sponsor. Applications should only be submitted where the person is additional to normal staffing requirements and must be done by or on behalf of an employer/sponsor based in the United Kingdom. Please be aware that recruitment agencies are not able to make these types of applications on your behalf.

The purpose of the scheme is to enable individuals to gain experience and skills through work-based learning which compliments their previous education and training, and which they intend to use on their return to their home country. It is NOT intended that those admitted for approved training or work experience will eventually settle in the UK. TWES permit holders will not normally be allowed to transfer to business and commercial work permit employment.

This does NOT apply if the service provided by companies/agencies is solely to supply staff, for example third parties such as recruitment agencies, umbrella companies and so on.

If a TWES Permit had been issued for 12 months it would be usual for that person to have at least a further 12 month outside of the UK before applying for a further Work Permit, again if a permit has been issued for longer than 12 months they would not usually be eligible to return for a further 24 months.

We draw to attention that the work permit scheme is to be replaced from 29th November 2008 with the roll out of points based system. Tier2 - Skilled worker certificate of sponsorship.