Steveo1571

Good morning, I am looking at getting my UK Welding and Fabrication Certs converted to Aussie as I am constantly been turned down for jobs because I don't have an Aus trade cert.... Came here on a 457 (now PR), so never needed it... Question is... Which route to go.... Vetassess or use a company like Get Qualified Australia.... Have spoken to both, Vetassess are cheaper but GQF do not require interviews or practical assessment, where as Vetassess do and that costs more.... My other concern is that will the GQF qualification actually be worth anything with employers.... If anyone has faced this issue and can provide me any advice , it would be appreciated... Thanks Steve..

Hi all, I guess my question must have been asked a million times before, but here goes...... I am considering getting my UK welding and fabrication Certs (NVQ 2 & city and guilds)converted/transferred/recognised, to Aus ones....I have been looking at various sites and now am totally confused....I have my PR and it's more for making my resume look better than anything else, as most employers want an Aus trade cert..... Does anyone have any experience of this, or advice to offer to help me out.... Thanks Steve.

You are right to be cautious, get emailing various companies and see how that goes.... It is a massive move, we have 4 kids and it shook them about a bit, but after a few months they were settled...now after 2.5 years you'd think the eldest 2 were born here, we need a translator .......

If you can get here and get a job, then expand your skills, that would probably be a better option...

Hi , Get practising in all positions, flux core mig is a big thing here too..... Funnily enough I am going for a job at Gorgon/barrow island, applied for a mechanical t.a job as the money is similar to a boilermaker, I need to get the opportunity to work in the field to get the practice so I can improve my own skills.... I have a mate who is a Welder there and the standard is very high, everything is X-rayed....even my mate has a bit of trouble and he is excellent... Get to your local college and see what codes you can do ASAP... If there's anything else give me a shout.. Steve.

Hi Gary, I was sponsored by my then employer, found the job when I was in the uk,I was lucky...... they did my visa etc...took about 6 weeks to get the visa.... The problem you have is that you are not here, finding a job from there will be a pain....if you can get over, then it will be far easier....I reckon if you already had your codes from the uk that would put you in good stead....Mining is quiet at the minute, oil and gas on the other hand is crazy, that's where I plan to go next, or shut down work.....what type of work have you been doing? PM me if you want.... thanks Steve.

Hi Gary, I migrated here 2.5 years ago....I have my NVQ 2, City and Guilds level 2 weld & fab...and City and Guilds level 2 TIG.... I came over on a 457 sponsored visa, then after 2 years we got our 187 permanent residency... Best thing I think you can do is talk to a an agent, I know that things have changed and the process has been tightened....perhaps look at a working holiday visa??.... Having uk codes would be helpful and all qualifications can be recognised and transferred to Australian, but it is expensive and something I am yet to do...the mining industry has slowed down at the minute, but it is a boom/bust industry and will probably pick up soon... if you have any more questions, please ask... Thanks Steve.

Hi... I moved here from Birmingham, with my wife and 4 children (kids under 13), just over 2 years ago and live in Dalyellup..... It is a great place.....As Philpom said its quieter than Perth, but still has all we need, we have settled here and definatey no looking back.... Crime is a fraction of what we were used to in the UK, doesn't matter where you go you will always get it.....I used to be a cop in the UK and the criminals here are far fewer, oh and seriously more stupid than the British ones.... A trip to perth is a couple of hours away....Driving there is crazy, I wouldn't let most of them loose with a shopping trolley! let alone a car! If you have anymore questions, ask away! Thanks Steve.

Hi Scotty, check the the list first of all, then speak to a reputable agent....as long as you can prove you have been together for a decent length of time then it should be all good for you. thanks steve

Hi ya, This is a difficult situation, but you have to think of your families future, as cruel as it may sound you can't live your life around your mom, she won't be around one day and if you don't follow your dream then you will only regret it later on. My parents were devastated when we left and over 2 years on they still get upset on Skype when they can't hug/kiss their grandchildren (13,10,6+3)...but they knew it was my dream to move and they didn't try to stop us....was very difficult leaving them and had to say our good bye's a day earlier than planned as they were both upset. I had the guilt trip from my grandparents, nan telling me she would be dead before we would be able to come back for a visit....which she was right, died a year ago...grandad still about and he is now happy for us.... My in-law's were very much the same as my parents, my Fil never believed we would do it and practically said he'd be waiting for us to come back with our tails between our legs....but then once we got them out here for a month they were both blown away by the place and even Fil was impressed and 'ate humble pie'........ my parents are yet to come out! but they will love it too.... As much as she is your mother, perhaps you should tell her to stop being so selfish and think about her grand children and the future they will have out here and tell her it upsets you to leave but angers you that she won't see it from you and your families point of view.... Obviously it's easy for me to put my opinion across as I am not you, but from being in that kind of situation all I can say is you need to be a little selfish for your families sake....as much as the move is for you and your other half, really it's more about the children and their futures. Keep that goal in mind and go for it ... Thanks Steve.

Hi all.... we we applied for our 187 in early October....rsms from a 457... Did you online application ourselves.... Case officer allocated 3 weeks ago....medicals done on Monday 9th, 5 hours in medibank perth with4 kids is not advised, go to Bibra lake instead..... Visa granted today 13/12/13....relief, overwhelmed....ecstatic to say the least..... Its tis a struggle, massive expense....but boy it's worth it.....we all have a bright future now.... Cheers Steve.

Hi, Best thing is to email the C.O and highlight it....as for leaving your job, i wouldn't think it would go against you as it's redundancy, no the sack or anything... Thanks Steve.

Hi Terry, just read your post from the 'unanswered' thread.... How are you getting on with your visa? I am on a 457, living in Bunbury WA, and currently in the process for my 187... How long did it take for case officer allocation and medicals?? thanks Steve.

Hi, We faced the same problem for one of our sons....we got the forms sent out by my mother in-law, completed them and photos etc....then posted it back to her, she then forwarded to the passport office....once she got the new passport back, she then sent it back to us....took a few weeks, but saved us money...... plus as I understand it if you do it here they get sent to the British embassy in New Zealand and it takes ages as well as being expensive... I hope this helps Thanks Steve.

Hi.... When I shipped my tools I was advised to wash them off using Jeyes fluid or something similar and to let them air dry....to try and keep the 'clean smell'....I don't think rust is a major concern....but still get as much off as possible....I also made sure that I crammed my tool boxes full....packed better than an ikea flat pack!!!.... hope this helps Steve.

Hi ya folks... Thought I would share another step in our adventure in this fantastic country......I have just applied for our 187 PR visa...$8800 lighter.... me, wife and 4 kids....currently on a 457, been here just over 2 years... Now hoping that as we have shelled out a huge amount that immigration may believe that we want to be here permanently....perhaps they might get a move on with our application....ever the optimist...:biggrin: If anyone else out there is in the same position, please share...an idea of actual time lines from other would be great... cheers Steve

Hi Julie I live in Dalyellup, Bunbury and it is fantastic, plenty for everyone to do, beaches, parks, sports clubs etc....We moved from Birmingham 2 years ago and this place is a million times better, all we need is here....slower pace of life than Perth and that suits us, we have 4 children all under 13 years and we have slotted right into life here.... Any questions just ask... Thanks Steve...

From memory....a verbal warning is just that, so therefore no criminal record has been opened... The only recordd that may possibly exsist is the derention record at the police station and then thats only to record what action has or has not been taken....tell you friend there is no need to worry...I was arrested years before I was an officer, thrown in a cell etc...released without charge and none of my checks ever showed the incident.... Oh and I was innocent, case of mistaken identity....only I could get nicked because of wearing a bright green Pod t shirt...) Cheers Steve

Hi, Speaking as an ex-police officer...this means she has no live criminal record.. Cheers Steve

Hi.... We went through ISA...who are in Perth, this was through my employer...they were good, no drama's.... I know people who have used GO Matilda and George Lombard and are all very happy with them.... Whatever you do, Do no do anywhere near Thinking Australia....I did originally and got no where, other than false promises and spent £1500 and saw nothing for it.... Good luck Steve

Hi all, I am applying for my 187 in a few weeks and have heard that sometimes there is a bond payment (aos) required before the visa will be granted, to cover any centrelink claims/ benefits..... can anyone confirm this or shed some light on it for me....we have 4 children and I do not earn mega bucks, but enough to give us a nice lifestyle....just want to be prepared as I do not fancy having a surprise fee thrown at me prior to getting pr... Thanks Steve.

Good afternoon all Quick question.... I am on a 457 and can apply for a 176 pr visa in 6 weeks.... Can I begin my application now and submit it once my 2 year period is up....or can I only start the application once the 2 year period has passed??? Thanks Steve.

Hi all, I am trying to decide whether to get my UK qualifications converted/ recognised.... I currently work as a boilermaker / welder for a mining contractor...I am on a 457 visa, but will be applying for a 187 very soon...As I have been here 2years I have no need to complete TRA.... My dilemma is, would I be better to spend money on courses here to give me more advanced qualifications or do I get my UK ones transferred, then do more advanced courses??? Any help or advice would be great.. Cheers Steve..

Hi Akasully2, The agents fee is about 5 grand (through work) on top of the visa, includes meds and police clearance....but I think doing it myself is the answer.. cheers Steve..