Fair enough - and as I already said, I know nothing about how the tradies operate by and large.

But what is the explanation for people just not bothering to turn up or call back, as per buzzy bee & viviennef's experiences? I don't believe for one second that the tradies were telling the truth when they told her "oh sorry, I decided not to come today" (or words to that effect). These aren't just isolated incidents either - this kind of thing has happened to me & practically everyone I know.

If tradies aren't deliberately creating backlogs for themselves, then what is the explanation for the widespread "tradies not bothering to turn up" syndrome?!!

I havent got a clue, I find some aussies really unreliable anyway as they want to be on the piss by 12 o clock.
The only thing I can think of is if they have got a bigger job or one paying more money.
This would be the best reason, but in these times of shortage they must be fools to loose the business of a client as that could possibly be there last job for a while?

hope this helps!

Please phone ring today with some jobs!

Fingers crossed!

Got my fingers crossed for you mate, from your other post it sounds like you are professional and you deserve some good work to come your way. Best of luck.

My god, I didn't expect to get much response of this but its good to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way. I agree that you can only do so much research and I know that once you get the visa grant its really easy to get caught up in the excitement and you just want to get your but over here.

I can only speak for the Perth area but today I went to TAFE to drop off some info for my Gas Ticket and the head of plumbing reckons it will be dead now for at least 6 months but thinks it will pick up towards xmas '09. His thoughts on visa restrictions is 'so they should' because he is sick of the substandard quality of pipe soldering of the new migrants (they use a different method which takes some getting used too!) and he wants to see more emphasis on Aussie apprentices coming through and a shift away migrant labour, so what does that tell you of THEIR thoughts on the matter!

As for gas fitting staying on the MODL list, its pointless because the plumbing and gas go hand in hand as you can't be JUST a gas fitter and go out and change water heaters without the plumbing ticket because energy safety will have your bulls! The TAFE will tell you otherwise but its not them that will paying the fine.

I am only passing on my own experience and I'm not telling anyone what to do at such an exciting time for the individual but would just advise a bit of care. There are plenty of tradies chasing the same jobs.

If you're of medical profession then there are loads of jobs, same goes for teachers, TA's and Electricians. Just make sure you bring all your info with you. Also theres loads of jobs for Hairdressers in the paper in WA. Maybe I should consider becoming a head farmer !! lol

Anyway, good luck

good accurate post,hang in there you might get lucky

Cheers Catch, trying to stay positive but when you get a kick in the nuts it can be a bit hard (or sore) to bounce but I do! I have already started looking at other stuff to tide me over much the same as people I know here and expect the same as others.

Just wanted to let people know how it really is and not to believe the media too much in the UK. In hindsight I would have probably took extended leave from UK job and just validated my visa and done a reccy for a couple of months but hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it. Just making the best of it and getting on.

But hey the sun is shining and having a beer by the sea gives you a chance to forget it for a bit. WA does mean wait a while after all!!

Recessions do come and go and things do get better eventually, just gotta get through the bit in between.