andy thomas

I have been over here for 18 months now. For the last 6 months I have been working for a building company who are moving more towards building apartment/unit blocks using new concrete/foam and steel framing techniques. Having qualified in the UK I have found it easier than your average aussie chippie to adjust to these methods as they are more like the methods used in the UK.

As a result of this I have been approached by the owner of the company and asked if I knew of any other UK qualified carpenters either living in, or planning to move to the bayside area of Melbourne. Obviously this is not a formal job offer/advertisement at this stage but with the amount of work that this company has in front of them I thought it would do no harm just to test the waters and see just how many chippies out there would be looking for work oppotunities in the near future.

By the way, to clear up any misunderstanding over licenses, you dont need one in Victoria to work as a chippie while subcontracting to the builder. The builder carries the license.

Andy

andy thomas

bump for those chippies in the UK

mashy

Hi Andy,

We are currently waiting for our visa`s but hope to be out there next summer. We`re not sure where we are going yet, it all depends on where the work is. How long was it before you got work once you had arrived? I have been a site agent/foreman for the past 6 years but am willing to go back on the tools. Is there much job opportunities for site agents?

Cheers

Mashy

andy thomas

Hi Mashy

I didnt start work for 8 months but that was by choice. Having said that as soon as I started touting for work I always got something the same day. I've been with 4 different builders now and the current one is most likely going to be long term. Not sure how many site agent jobs are out there but plenty of opportunities on the tools

Andy

mashy

Cheers Andy,

Is the cost of living very expensive in Victoria? I was looking at Adelaide but have yet to make a firm decision. What is it like for families? I have two girls aged 9 and 7. I have been told countless times that Adelaide is perfect for bringing up a family. The thought of not having to work for 8 months sounds like heaven, although I`m not too sure what the wife would say about having me under her feet Did you go out on a 136 skilled independent?

dhw210770

Hi Andy,

My husband is a UK chippie. We will be in Melbourne from 17th January and hubby will definitely be looking for work from then on. We are currently staying on the Gold Coast with my mum for Xmas and New Year. Would you mind if my husband called you tomorrow to talk about things as we have been given conflicting information on whether he needs a licence to work etc?

Regards,

Debs

andy thomas

Compared to the UK, and considering the big picture, it's cheaper to live here, buts that's just my opinion. I live on the Mornington Peninsula, it can only be described as the countryside by the sea, or paradise. I came via the STNI scheme and was sponsored by the Vic Gov.

Andy

andy thomas

Hi Debs, tell your hubby to ring anytime. If you want to be a builder in your own right you need to be licenced (registered building practioner). If you just want to work as an employee or self employed subcontracting then no licence required. The builder carries the licence.

Andy

kev

Hi Andy

I have been in the upvc windows/doors/conservatories game for the last 20years (manufacturing & installing)

is there much call for this type of work?

Cheers
kev

SalSa

Hi Andy,

Say hello to Paul & Trudy for us!
Tell them it won't be long.....

Thanks and sorry to interupt your thread

Sally & Chris

andy thomas

Hi Kev

You dont see upvc over here however all new houses now have to conform to the 5 star energy ratings and I have seen the emergence of upvc. There's no reason why it shouldn't catch on and this may be a good time to come over just as it becomes popular. If it takes off here like it did in the UK then it could be quite prosperous.

Andy

andy thomas

No worries, will do. How long til you get here

kev

Hi Andy

Thanks for info

Kev

SalSa

Hi Andy

Thanks!
Reckon by the summer......but sooner we hope! Having meds on 12th Jan.
It was great seeing Paul again, give them our love and tell Trudy to take it easy!

Sally