I've been in Oz on the Sunshine Coast for 4 months and would like some help/advice on changing my career. Before we left the UK I attended a Plastering course and would like to pursue this as a new career, but I'm finding it very hard to get started.
I've contacted a few companies that advertise for apprentices but they only want school leavers. Can anyone give me some advice on where I can get started? Thanks

All construction jobs in Oz require a licence. To get a licence requires having served an apprenticeship or equivalent. That's the killer.

That's not quite true you can work for an employer who is licenced, you work for him under his licence. To be self employed you would need a licence if you work for more than $1000.00 per job. Individual jobs under the 1k do not require a licence in Qld other states may differ.
If I was in the position of the OP I would be touting myself around the local plastering companies, as a labourer firstly, just to get a foot in the door, then you can show them what your capable of and work your way up.

Im a carpenter, I didnt need a license. I dont think plasterers need one either. Plumbers and sparkies need licenses for obvious reasons. One thing you will need to do is your "red card", thats the common name for the occupational health and safety certificate. If you want to call yourself a "builder" then yes you have to be registered and have applied for approval.

Andy

Thanks for the info guys, I've a "Blue card" for Health and Safety in the construction industry - which should cover me OK, just need to start touting the local Plastering Companies - wish me luck.

Excellent Avatar.

if it was me I'd put an ad in the local paper and try to get some private work, it will keep your hand in plus the practice will do you good.
I'm a chippie myself and also do a bit of plastering (as its a very good earner, requiring hardly any tools) basically started plastering my own place and quite enjoyed the work, much less stressful than carpentry.

Yes but still years of torture from a very frustrating team.

Have you had any luck with getting work with the plastering job. I was interested in this thread because I am applying at the moment to come to oz as a fitter but have also done some plastering and thought I might give it a go if I got in. How do you find the sunshine coast is there much work there for trades?

hi,
i am having a similar problem over in tassie,i did 2 yrs at night college doing site carpentry & joinery but as you say most want yougsters for apprentiships i have placed an ad in tomorrows paper as well as contacting local companies,
hch.