A newbie here, looking for a little advice about gas and plumbing

[MrsArthurs]

Hi all, I'm a newbie here and apologies in advance because this has probably already been asked atleast 100 times before

We, like so many are thinking about making the move to Oz but there's so many if's, buts and maybes and some of the threads on Google don't help in making it any easier to understand. I came across this site and thought it's the best one I've seem and seems a lot more friendly than so many others.

I am a gas safe registered domestic engineer here in the UK both natural and LPG. Have my level 2 plumbing all C&G qualifications as well as my oil ticket (I'm not sure if this is much use in OZ) My hubby is a level 2 qualified plumber again C&G. 

We can get a state sponsored visa which is fab but we understand that we may need to do some bridging qualifications out there to get a licence to work. 

My first question is does anyone know what we may need to train for in addition to our qualifications to bridge any gaps and if it's something we can do here before we come so we are fully ready to go when we get there? We have two little ones so I'm keen to try and secure a job before we move (although we are ready to go) and I have a few trips over there planned to try and speak to employers. I'm just worried it's not always easy to come back if we can't get jobs and have lost everything (I'm a mum, I worry ) 

Second question is, are there lots of ladies in the trade world there? It wasn't the easiest for me starting out here being quite a small women to secure a position and I ended up volunteering just to get a work placement to train etc. I'm hoping that businesses in Oz are much more open minded and accepting. 

Have a happy new year everyone x

[Skani]

There's some useful information on this thread from early in December:

 

[Marisawright]

Welcome to the forums.  Unfortunately, you can't do the training in the UK and will have to do a TAFE course when you arrive.  You may also have to work as a trades assistant for a while (a bit like an apprenticeship), which obviously means lower wages.    

Because of that, there is no way you'll be able to get jobs before you arrive.

I think you are right to worry because worrying makes you cautious, and you're more likely to do your research thoroughly before making your decision.   Migrating is an expensive exercise. You can easily spend 30k on moving and getting set up - and then it's the same again if you have to go home.   Twenty years ago, that was worthwhile because wages were high and house prices low, so you could expect to earn back that money and then some.  People left a crummy terrace in England and ended up in a detached house on a quarter-acre block by the sea in Oz.  

That's much harder to achieve now.  If you want to migrate, then do it because you think life in Australia will suit you better than life in the UK, not because you'll be financially better off.  As for the kids - it can be a better lifestyle when they're young, but it depends where you live.    However once they get to further education, they'll have a lot less choice in Australia - and once they're in the workforce, their career opportunities will be much more limited (because it's a much smaller market).  

Check out realestate.com.au for house prices.  In the major cities, ordinary folk often live in suburbs an hour or two from the nearest beach, and it's become common for young people to live with their parents until they're thirty, because they can't afford the deposit on a home.  There are still affordable cities but it's often because they are less desirable or because work is hard to find, so you need to research thoroughly.   And if you choose a small town, I do think you'd meet prejudice as a woman in a trade. 

I know I've painted a negative picture but I'm doing that deliberately.  If you can take all that on board and you're still keen to come, then you'll do well when you arrive, because you'll be ready for what gets thrown at you.   Good luck.

 

[wrussell]

This might help.

 

CV Plumber.pdf