SSW Wood Industry: Tests, Duties and Employer Checks in the 5 November Update
SSW Wood Industry: Tests, Duties and Employer Checks in the 5 November Update
The SSW Wood Industry guidance was revised on 5 November 2026. What happens to a pass in the old test? Can a role consist only of packing or shipping? We review the revised text and comparison document to identify practical hiring checks.
Official sources reviewedInformation checked: 7 November 2026. 5 November is the guidance revision date.
日本語版
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Renamed test and protection for previous passes
The revised guidance names the Wood Industry SSW (i) Evaluation Test. A transitional provision treats a pass in the former Wood Industry SSW (i) Measurement Test as a pass in the new test. A name change alone does not mean every previous successful candidate must retake it.
Language evidence and technical intern training
The listed Japanese tests are JFT-Basic at A2.2-equivalent or above, or JLPT N4 or above. The guidance addresses continuing exemptions after 1 April 2027 for the time being where Technical Intern Training (ii) was satisfactorily completed and the acquired skills relate to the intended duties. Where the skills are unrelated, skill evidence and Japanese-language evidence must be considered separately. Verify the listed occupation/task and completion evidence.
Check the main work, not just whether it involves wood
The main work involves wood processing in sawmilling, plywood, laminated timber and similar operations. Receiving materials, binding, packing, shipping, transport, loading and cleaning may be incidental related duties. A worker cannot be assigned exclusively to related duties.
Check the establishment and industry classification
The listed Japanese industry codes are 121, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1227 and 1228. Furniture and fixtures manufacturing and other excluded classifications are outside this SSW field. Confirm actual manufacturing/processing at the establishment; selection or packaging alone is insufficient. Reorganisation of the guidance is not evidence that all listed industries are newly eligible.
Employer, council and support requirements remain important
The guidance uses the Wood Industry SSW and Employment for Skill Development Council name and requires membership before immigration applications and necessary cooperation. Verify membership evidence and, where all support is outsourced, the support provider’s cooperation requirements. Labour-dispatch arrangements are not permitted in this field. SSW (ii) acceptance is also unavailable under the current guidance.
Distinguish the revision date from future provisions
5 November is the guidance revision date. References to transitional exemptions after 1 April 2027 and career-development programmes must be read in context. Check the person’s test/training history, establishment, contract and support plan. The source set consists of the 16-page guidance, 26-page comparison document and one-page undertaking.
Sources and scope
Immigration Services Agency guidance
Reviewed the 16-page guidance, 26-page comparison document and one-page undertaking. The guidance revision and future transitional dates are distinguished.
Check the evidence and actual circumstances before applying or hiring
General information only. Individual hiring and immigration outcomes depend on the circumstances.
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