MCIOB
 

I cannot seem to find this information anywhere but does vetassess recognise chartered status? MCIOB?

Re: MCIOB
 

May be worth contacting Vetassess direct - https://www.vetassess.com.au/home/contact-us

Re: MCIOB
 

Sadly they were useless!

Re: MCIOB
 

Sorry - sometimes they can be helpful.

I'm not sure what occupation code you are applying under (or hoping to apply under), but the Vetassess guides are usually pretty good on requirements.

Is Vetassess your only option? Also, trade or other occupation?

Re: MCIOB
 

I am a site manager here in the UK. I have an employer who can sponsor me, but currently it’s difficult.

I’ve been told I can’t go under the construction project manager because I don’t have 5 years experience to be sponsored for this role (I am just under 5 years - so close) but according to vetassess I need a degree? There was no mention from this from immigration.

The second option was a project/program administrator route which I have been told I would have no problem getting, but there’s apparently no pathway to PR. But does this mean I have to become admin… or can I still do a build role?

I have worked so hard and this has been my dream for so long & I just feel so disheartened.

I am questioning going to uni to see if I can do a top up degree to get a bachelors to aid, I have HNC & NVQ L6 already and will have my MCIOB done soon.

They don’t make it easy!

I hope things change a little in the summer

Re: MCIOB
 

HNC equates to a diploma over here - not sure on the NVQ.

Did you do a trade as well?

I looked at the info sheet and all I could see is 1 year post qualification. I know with trades there's often a 'x number of years experience can substitute qualification' but I couldn't find any reference to something similar with this occupation.

On another note, if you can pass the assessment for any occupation, once in Australia you do not have to work in that role.

Re: MCIOB
 

Yeah it’s a little frustrating. I’m 27 this year and especially being female it’s awkward because approaching 30 & need to think about my future prospects whether I want a family etc!

I don’t have a trade background unfortunately, just went down the experience route, sent a CV in and rest was history!

I have sent a huge email off to our immigration team so fingers crossed!

Ah that clarifies things, I wasn’t sure if I had to specifically work in that role, or is it just visa purposes? I did wonder how they monitor that? I’m sure there’s loads of people on all sorts of visas that don’t do their dedicated role!

Re: MCIOB
 

Is it possible to get membership of an Australian body - or is there an Australian branch of CIOB that can maybe help you get recognised here?

Re: MCIOB
 

From what I’m being told no, they want a bachelors. The AIB recognises the CIOB but it’s not enough.

Feel like giving up at this point. Doing a 5 year degree (part time as I have to work) when I actually have qualifications is depressing!

Re: MCIOB
 

I'd imagine that there's a pathway for you to get here with your current qualifications. You should really talk to an agent if there is uncertainty with your status - others can recommend one to you or do a search on here

Construction - all construction - is going mental here ATM and will be for a few more years yet so you would have no problem finding work

Good luck!

Re: MCIOB
 

I know!

I’m hoping something materialises from work and they can sort something out, but just waiting to find out and as each day passes I’m getting even more stressed out. I have worked hard to get my qualifications, but if I’d of known I would of done it differently. It’s a shame they want qualifications over experience now.

As a seperate note I’m speaking with the down under centre to explore my options over here.

This is what I hear, my last option is to do a working holiday visa for a year and go from there, but there has got to be a way.

Has anyone had any experience with the project admin route? I keep reading about being invited? It’s so complicated!

Re: MCIOB
 

Can't help you with roles, sorry but my mate went from WHV to work permit to permanent resident to citizen, so it can be done

Re: MCIOB
 

WHV is my last hope tbh. Just seems stupid to do that if I can move with my company, but fingers crossed!

Re: MCIOB
 

Back in 2002 i got my ACIOB Cert and grade results positively accredited from Vetassess for migration purposes. I later went on to gain MCIOB but that was not relevant for migration as i was successful with ACIOB. I am (and still am) a QS but did not have MRICS at the time (which i do now) meaning i could not apply for the QS classification via the AIQS, the body ensorsed by the Australian government to assess the qualification for migration. What i reckon gave me the postive result was selecting the suitable skills category as i knew the AIQS would not endorse ACIOB. I applied under "Construction professional not elsewhere classified." It was nerve racking waiting for the outcome as i was unsure if i had applied under the correct category. I reckoned by provding the Cert and grade results, it is important as Vetassess were looking for educational results/face to face learning as well as the sitting of exams and not just the certificate, which can possibly be given based on experience. I recall they contacted me and asked for an employer letter too which was'nt a problem.

ACIOB was a technical qualification and worth 40 points at the time; MCIOB is British Bachelors degree equivalent and maybe 60 points. Not sure in 2022. I know this as i got my MCIOB cert assessed via UK NARIC. This body has since been rebranded and can provide Reports and Certs for immigration and migration purposes. It was a long time ago, but hope this helps.

Re: MCIOB
 

Thanks for that. I was told that it doesn’t count for anything, but that was from an employer and not from vetassess themselves. There doesn’t seem to be any information anywhere regarding this, apart from the information you have provided. I was told basically the only way would be employee sponsorship, which I have finally secured & heading out in October.

It has been a journey for sure - but I wish it was recognised. I have heard professional bodies aren’t as respected in Australia… whether that’s true or not I don’t know!

Re: MCIOB
 

I see. I have since moved from Australia to Saudi Arabia and had the problem of no degree. Similar to Austraila (possibly) is that the hybrid of Vetassess here will not endorse any professional memberships; they are only interested in educational passes and the exam results. Maybe Vetasess are still the same as they were for me in 2002, that is, only interested if you have exam results. Contrary to what your Australian employer says, employers in the Middle East have high regard to MCIOB/MRICS but not the government body that will issue the visa. The way around this in my case was for my employer to issue a No Objection Certiicate as he wanted MCIOB/MRICS candidate + an educational framework that i have with the proven MCIOB results. This satisfied both government and employer. (It was CIOB DMX pathway for exams which is now abolished).
MCIOB has gone very big Middle East in recent years but never got that status in Australia. I did get MAIB (Australian Instiute of Building) Cert due to reciprocal agreement and AIPM when there; never gave me much of an advantage though, only a string of initials. The significance of MCIOB i reckon will depend on each employer's point of view. Suggest you always renew subscription as i let mine lapse and had to go through a long process for readmission. Good luck with the move.

Re: MCIOB
 

I have noticed on job adverts in the Middle East they do specify chartership which is good to see. Overall I am glad I have done it, I just wish the governing bodies such as vetassess would understand not everyone goes through the educational route, and that on the job training is still equally valid.I still have all the equivalents of a degree here in the UK & have many qualifications & for this move it has been a nightmare. If I could go back to being 18 and done a degree? Potentially, but life changes and you change so it’s hard to know at such a young age what you want to do.

I agree with keeping up the membership as I am not doing that admission again. Whether I do AIB, not sure I want to do anymore studying after that!

Thanks for your kind words :)

Re: MCIOB
 

Hey Stevezc11,
im pretty much in the same MCIOB position only difference I’m a project manager
I’ve read the whole thread and wondering if you ever got any further?
regards
Tim

Re: MCIOB
 

Hi Tim,
Strangely I was reading this thread about an hour ago.... spooky.
So an update, I am actually here in Australia working as a Project Engineer (Package Manager/PM UK Equivalent).
I am currently on a working holiday visa (417 as I am 28), and the company promised to sponsor me assuming I pass probation under a 482 - Construction Project Manager. I have had an absolute nightmare with this company as the way it is set up from the UK is very different (be prepared as I wasn't) and they are being difficult regarding sponsorship. I yesterday had a call with an immigration agent who said I would be able to apply for the skilled visa 189/190 on the basis I can get the MCIOB accredited as the equivalent of an Australian Bachelors Degree. There is no information ANYWHERE apart from the UK that states the CIOB is equivalent to a degree which is irrelevant sadly. I am in the process of trying to see if I can get the MCIOB qualification assessed by the institution of education in NSW, but this can take up to 3 months. I also have an NVQ Level 6 which again is bachelors equivalent and also have 5 years + experience (6 months being in Australia). I have tried reaching out to the CIOB here in NSW, but awaiting on the call back. It will massively depend on your education background/experience. Even with this info Vetassess are likely to decline it as its not the standard qualification, so the agent said it would be a high risk application, but I do know people who have been successful. I unfortunately didn't do degree route, and unfortunately this doesn't work in my favour. If you can get a sponsor for a 482 then you are laughing - but the issue is finding a sponsor (I struck luck in the UK). However - the issue is being tied to that employer and in my experience it doesn't always go to plan. If you have any questions I am happy to discuss further as this has been the bane of my life for the past year!!

Re: MCIOB
 

Hi Steve, well done in securing employment for now and good luck with everything going forward.
It's a minefield trying to get your head around everything. I'm lucky that I can hang off my wife's coat tails and apply for PR as she is a Nurse.

What confuses me and puts us off is not knowing if I can get a similar job role to the one I have here in the UK. She'll need to work part time as we have children so I need to be the main earner.

I am a time served electrical technician with NVQ level 3, HNC, 18th edition and a long list of safety tickets but not a qualified spark. To do the job in Australia that I consider myself to be an expert and professionally experienced in, you need to be an electrician. It's a hard one to take as I done it for 10 years and would walk into a job and hit the ground running.
I'm in a project engineering role now which I obtained through my experience. The majority of these types of role in Australia require a Bachelor's degree. It's all quite disheartening as I feel like I'm in no man's land regarding my employment prospects.

Re: MCIOB
 

Thanks Mo.
Just had some disheartening information, apparently sponsors (employers) are now wanting candidates with a degree (which isn't required by immigration), which I think is ridiculous. Apparently, work experience counts for nothing these days. Sorry that you are struggling, but you should have traction as you do not have visa issues. Have you tried reaching out to a recruiter? I myself am really not fond of them, but I am desperate. The problem is there is so much work, but they are being fussy now and if the jobs are in such high demand then why is it so difficult!

Re: MCIOB
 

Do they only want you to have a degree as it will make their sponsorship process smoother?

It's very frustrating especially when you see the latest campaign to move to Western Australia. It comes across as they are desperate for skilled workers and would jump through hoops to get you over but it's 100% the opposite. Coupled with the rental crisis, it seems mental.

​​​​
That sucks about the need for a degree. It's going the other direction in the UK, especially Scotland. Everyone and their grandmother has a degree now ( we don't pay tuition fees here), it's not as prestigious to go to Uni as it used to be. Most job adverts here advertise for experience. At least half the people in projects roles are time served tradespeople with a HNC and trade papers.
I have spoken to a couple of recruiters, however, they want me to have my visa. I understand why employers would want their candidates to have a visa at the ready but my wife and I are reluctant to part ways with thousands of pounds before I know for certain that there are companies out there that will employ me.

It's a double blow for me as it looks like I can't go back on the tools ( which I would be wiling to do) due to not being an electrician.

Re: MCIOB
 

You are right to be cautious before parting with a considerable amount of money. Immigration, like International education is a big business making some a lot of money. Meanwhile here in WA we have a severe housing crisis . We have the highest homeless rate in Australia according to figures which is an abomination. So many houses around where I live are not on the 'open' rental market.

Re: MCIOB
 

Well, no because the 482 sponsor requirements don’t actually require a degree, experience can be substituted (which I have). However I think employers actually have a lack of understanding around sponsorship and it’s actually not expensive. It’s more expensive in recruiter fees than it is to sponsor someone. If you have a family it’s a different story, but for someone single such as myself it’s not much. Plus you factor that into the individual salary anyway. I just think there’s a lack of education on it. But I’ve spoken to multiple agents and said 482 is absoloutley no issue, you fit the bill. Even a 190/189 I have 75 points, but that’s based on getting my MCIOB accredited, which I think I will still try and do.

I am based in Sydney and the rental market is insane. I don’t think they have thought through these migration campaigns, because they are just unrealistic. I get that they need to be strict in some aspects, but they make it impossible especially when majority of the construction industry has vocational qualifications and the “degree” thing is fairly new unless you’re a civil engineer.

I myself am not from a trade background, but I have worked my way up the ranks as it should be.

A piece of advice I would say is just save save save, it’s not cheap. I came out with 15k and it went just like that and it feels that it has all been for nothing.

I have been looking into credit transfers so it may be a case you can do the same? I know a lot of sparkies/plumbers have to sit tests here as the qualifications aren’t the same.

Re: MCIOB
 

HiSteve

I just wanted to see how you got on since this April and your last post?
I’ve visited Australia this Christmas and over in Perth but wish to make the move over for Christmas 2024!
I’m also a female aged 33, and they have now extended to 35, and able to work upto 3 years?

I’ve got my MCIOB and I’d say 5years as you cannot take the MCIOB without experience!
I graduated this Spring but wanted to start the ball rolling and soon as I have my MCIOB, apply for a visa.
Hope all is going so well for you, thanks -
Jemima

Re: MCIOB
 

I've been reading through these messages and wondered how you got on with this?

My husband has over 15 years construction management experience and has an NVQ 7 in Construction Management and MCIOB. We're just starting the visa process and I'm fact finding before we start the skills assessment. This is a major blow as I wasn't aware that his qualification wasn't recognised! CIOB clearly states that it is!!!

The major problem we have is that we're really limited on time - my husband is 43 now, so we really need to get on with it and we ideally wanted to go straight for PR. We have 4 kids, so uprooting them, to possibly having to move back again, just isn't an option for us.

I'd be really grateful of any insight you could give me, as I'm really starting to panic!

TIA!