artc
 

Hi im new to this site so be gentle. Can you still do the artc application outside of oz.

Re: artc
 

Hi there,
Welcome to the forum.
I applied in September after new guidelines were issued stating that you had to be currently residing in Australia in order to apply.
When I emailed them to query this, they stated to me that as long as I showed proof of Australian residency ie. a copy of the visa, then this would suffice.
I encountered no problems applying from the UK but I would recommend that you enter an Australian address on the application form as this ,presumably, would be sufficient proof that you reside in Australia.
Having said that I've read a post elsewhere of someone who was told that their application wasn't being processed because they were not residing in Australia but I've yet to find out whether they included a copy of their visa in the application. Sorry to muddy the waters but I would still go for it.
Regards Derren

Re: artc
 

nice one thanks. Not sure what to do about the address tho. Also having trouble with the easy pay site it looks a bit dodgy

Re: artc
 

well the artc application is sent so fingers crossed.

Re: artc
 

Best of luck.
I have to say, when I used the EasyPay site I was a bit dubious as well.
Regards Derren

Re: artc
 

Guys Gals

I sent mine two weeks ago

Question

When did anyone hear back that OZ received it, Ive also sent fron UK?

With a lot of paperwork id hate for it to be sort of lost :eek:

I was going to email them but last time I did they didnt get back to me for at least 3 weeks, busy people, I tried to phone them, sat up late one nite only to be cut off after Id said I was phoning from UK, she said hello hello then dead phone lol :banghead: Maybe just bad timing or line who knows!

I didnt put ozzy address only my current uk one, then put that I am going to western OZ, with approx arrival Janaury!
I sent confirmation of PR visa scanned plusall other docs about approval from DAIC of visa. Accompanying everything else required.

Re: artc
 

Hi, how did you send your application. I sent mine using post office international tracker and you have to sign for it at the other end.

Re: artc
 

Same two weeks ago, have you got word back yet? When did you send urs mate?

Re: artc
 

Only been a week so far. Seems they do things in there own sweet time.

Re: artc
 

Ill let you know if I hear anything same with you.

Mine was sent 15th Nov

Re: artc
 

My ARTC cert from the UK has been put on hold, you cant get cert from UK now by the looks of it, setback now until I arrive, looks like I will have to show the OSTR cert to energy safe instead to enrol for A license course, jes I hope the gap training isnt included still after the exam.

Here email sent this morn


Thank you for your application for an Australian recognised Trade Certificate.



The Australian Recognised Trade certificate is administered under the Tradespersons’ Right Regulations Act 1946. The Act stipulates that the Australian Recognised Trade Certificate can only be issued to an applicant who is currently residing in Australia. Our records show that you are not an Australian resident and that you do not have an Australian address.



When you become a resident of Australia, you should provide this office with verifiable details of your current Australian address. Once Trades Recognition Australia receives this information, we will be able to process your ARTC application.





Yours sincerely





BSU Officer

NM2701

6 December 2011


Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use, disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the DEEWR Switchboard on 13 33 97 (1DEEWR) during business hours (8am - 8pm AEST) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.

From this I would advise anyone to use an Ozzy address from friends but the only other thing which they could check up on is the passport has it been used for entry in australia, mine hasnt yet!

Bollocks :banghead:

This all must be coming from the backlog mentioned, it does state tho in part 4

What Australian state are you intending to live
in? (for overseas applicants only)

Why have that question if they wont process it until we arrive?

Re: artc
 

That's the same email that they sent me once I had been assessed as electrical fitter, I'm sure that it means that they can't issue the actual certificate until you enter Australia, the hard bit has been done, being assessed, it's only the physical piece of paper that they want to send !!! I think !!!

Re: artc
 

Not sure what you mean, Woody

Does that mean they will still give me an outcome approval letter for a ARTC Cert but wont issue it until I reside in OZ?

After that email I received mt TRA number which gave instructions to register into the portal to track, What :confused: So anyway I registered and now it says

Registered Date Requested Occupation Finalisation Date Status
Electrical Mechanic Awaiting Assessment

Your application is in the process of being assessed. TRA assesses the majority of applications for an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate (ARTC) within 30 working days. As soon as the assessment of your application is complete, you will be notified by mail of the outcome. Please do not contact TRA until you receive your outcome letter.

Does this look like what others have received and does this mean I dont actually have to live in OZ to get ARTC but will to actually receive it?

Sorry for these questions but these hurdles can trip you up causing mayhem!

Re: artc
 

Yes to the first bit, If TRA tell you by email that you are being assessed, once you receive the outcome they will tell you via email and you will be able to download the approval letter from the online tracking portal (if TRA ever decide to sort out their server, its been playing up now for over a month !) You will only be able to receive the certificate once in Oz, they will not post to an address overseas.....

Re: artc
 

oes this mean that TRA are not issuing anymore ARTC certs if not living in OZ overseas applications are getting rejected until residing in OZ. I got this email twice looking me to forward address.

Thank you for your enquiry to Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).



I am writing in relation to your application for an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate.



The Australian Recognised Trade Certificate is administered under the Tradespersons’ Rights Regulations Act 1946. The Act stipulates that the Australian Recognised Trade Certificate can only be issued to an applicant who is currently residing in Australia. If you are not currently living in Australia, Trades Recognition Australia cannot issue the ARTC.



When you become a resident of Australia, you will need to provide this office with verifiable details of your current Australian address. Once Trades Recognition Australia receives this information, we will be able to further process your ARTC application.



All replies to this email must be forwarded to [email protected] if you require the matter to be actioned.



Kind regards



Trades Recognition Australia
Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Phone 61 2 6121 7456 | Fax 61 2 6276 9812

www.deewr.gov.au/tra

Heading on this email was

Please Send

Thank you for your enquiry to Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).



I am writing in relation to your application for an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate.



The Australian Recognised Trade Certificate is administered under the Tradespersons’ Rights Regulations Act 1946. The Act stipulates that the Australian Recognised Trade Certificate can only be issued to an applicant who is currently residing in Australia. If you are not currently living in Australia, Trades Recognition Australia cannot issue the ARTC.



When you become a resident of Australia, you will need to provide this office with verifiable details of your current Australian address. Once Trades Recognition Australia receives this information, we will be able to further process your ARTC application.



Kind regards



TRADES RECOGNITION AUSTRALIA

Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

www.deewr.gov.au/tra

What do we make of this anyone in the last few weeks get anything like these, that has recently sent in for ARTC cert??

Confused do I send in my mates address to have ARTC further processed for outcome letter or is it getting processed and its another generated email, this ones dont look like it tho??

:confused::confused:

Re: artc
 

got an email today saying im being assessed and i registered on the online portal so it just means that they wont issue the cert until you get there.

Re: artc
 

I got same then those emails a few days later, wait and see if you get any like I did.

Re: artc
 

well guess what, I have provided insufficient evidence, ****ing unbelievable !!!! Really there would be no more evidence that I could have supplied and I would challenge anyone who can provide more evidence !!!! I have provided sworn declarations in a court of law in front of a JP and they mean **** all to these so called trades committees....BUT not all is lost..................they have offered me the trade test, more money, to prove that I have been an electrician for over 20 years...............I am more than willing to sit this trade test, anyone know what it involves and where I will sit the test ?
Regards
Gary

Re: artc
 

Being assessed or waiting assessment?

Re: artc
 

Sorry to hear that mate, unless I or anyone else seen what you sent in its anyones guess of wny your outcome. I have lodged alot pictures including of my work van with graphics showing same as letterheads, invoices, tax statements, references from clients, previous employers really well detailed right back until I started, 18 years ago. Sworn Decs like you, a lot of how I go about daily duties, with theyre key works they want etc... If I get same, Ill just use OSTR frig that malmarky, its a money game just how far we want to spend I suppose.

Good luck anyway, I cant answer what it invloves as I dont know many people that has had to go for it, if any, all my mates didnt have too.
They got they'res ages ago.

On my portal its saying awaiting assessment, think they are still looking residence rather than Uk, like they said need tobe residing in OZ.
Time will tell.

Re: artc
 

Just got off the phone from TRA, got through straight away ! I can sit the trade test in Oz, 1 day basic stuff. It is something that the LTC are known to do, more money but if I pass looks like i'll get the mechanic cert. I can feel less stressed now over christmas !!!


The only thing that I can think of is that there is only 3 or 4 of us on maintenance who have the 2391 inspection & testing, I'm not one of them ! all the jobs we do, get signed off by one of these lads, purely a cost thing is the reason why the rest of us weren't sent on the course. Thats the only reason I can think of why they want me to do this trade test, not to worry, i emailed my ex colleague again this morning and he said there really is a shortage of maintenance sparks and I will definitely get work no doubt about it !!

Re: artc
 

Alryt lads hows it going, I was working in auz from feb till aug 2011 and had to complete the Artc its a nightmare and takes so long, after gathering all my evidence and sending it off i set up the online tra tracking thing on the (deewr site) but the status never changed just said awaiting assessment, I had since left the company in aug and came home to ireland then waited and waited emailing my company and tra, I think it was october or november i got word it was accepted but but the whole time the tracking thing on there website said awaiting assessment. I was working with a fella that put his in the same time as me and didnt provide a copy of his AM2 certificate but every other one and got rejected but had 30 days to sort the problem out free of charge. This was just my experience with them not everyones is the same from what ive been told.

Cheers Stevie.

Re: artc
 

ok here goes, please forgive me if I've forgotten anything because I have supplied them with so much

- Electrical apprentice certificates from EITB
- confirmation of apprenticeship from board (ELA) that took over from EITB
- 27 Page reference from company where I did my apprenticeship explaining everything that I did during my apprenticeship and when I was employed as a full fledged electrician. This reference was mainly based on my apprenticeship modules from EITB and included every installation technique known !!
- 4 Page reference from my 2nd employer
-4 page reference from my 3rd and up until last week my current employer
- BTEC first certificate Engineering
- BTEC ONC Engineering
- BTEC HNC Engineering
- City & Guilds IEE 16th edition installation certificate
- City & Guilds IEE 17th edition installation update certificate
- Omron PLC basic & advance programming (carried out at Omron headquarters in London)
- Abrasive wheels certificate
- lifting & slinging certificate
- Power press regulations
- Qualified First Aider for over 10 years
- Several specific machine training courses i.e KBA printing presses, Bosch rexroth VSD's etc...
- 2 Page description of my day to day work as requested on the ARTC application form explaining all tools etc.....


I Applied initially for Electrical Mechanic & Electrical Fitter and was awarded with the fitter title only, not happy because of licensing restrictions and an ex colleague submitted near identical documents to same board a few years ago and got the dual trade mechanic & fitter...........

But I could submit further evidence for my Mechanic title which I did below....

- A 62 page statutory declaration explaining all the installation techniques that were in my first reference and the different types of installation work that I do and that the majority of my work 80% was that of installation (this was done in front of a JP in a magistrates court)
- included in this 62 page stat dec was another stat dec done by my ex-colleague who is now the engineering manager at a national newspaper printers in Perth explaining that the work I do is the equivalent of that of a electrical Mechanic in Western Australia.
-Photographs of 3 of my latest installation jobs with very detailed descriptions about the planning, what materials were used, cable sizes, trunking etc..... installation certificates and final inspection & testing certificate. Then connecting to supplies at dist board, mcb's, rcd's etc......
- several other photos of jobs that i have done with installation certificates included and signed by me.
- Another reference from my current employer explaining that he had read the official TRA description of an Electrcial Mechanic and has no doubt that it describes my daily duties
- just in case the board missed my C&G 16th & 17th edition installation certificates another copy


guess what they still said that I had provided insufficient evidence BUT would give me the option of doing a trade test once I arrive in Oz at a cost of $270..........I have no problem in doing this but can anyone tell me what other evidence is required ??????????????????????????

Best of luck for anyone wanting to be an electrician in Western Australia................oh by the way did I mention that I've been an electrican since I left school with no breaks in employment.......21
years ago !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: artc
 

Hello guys,
I've got my 176 pr visa which has to be generated by October, and to get this I had to go the vettasses route(OSTR). I'm just starting to enter this "nightmare" phase that you guys are now at. Do you have to apply to the TRA to get a license? I just thought you had to do a log book once you were over there, and then the energy safe course.
If not, do you get a fitters licence by producing OTSR to the TRA straight away? And then do you do the energy safe course. I've got an oz address that I can put down when applying from over here if need be.
Like you guys I've been in the game for 20+ years and I don't want a load of hassle just to get started. Can you start as a fitter and then apply for a mechanics license once you've got yourself established?

Re: artc
 

Forgot to add I'm going to WA

Re: artc
 

It is a bit daunting and can be a nitemare, firstly I am in the same position as you, going in June WA same PR visa have also OSTR but have applied for ARTC cert as this seems to be a quicker route to get A licensed after the two week exam approved from energy safe as far as Im aware, hasnt been proven yet with OSTR route hence why Ive applied ARTC also. So I will have two paths either ARTC or go with OSTR cert.

With TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) you apply for an ARTC (Australian Recognised Trades Certificate) which require alot of information follow the criteria they want the way they say with also any other backup information as much as possible and I THINK we should be fine, mines saying in online portal awaiting assessment. Woody has had a hard time with his application, just on the subject WOODY did you lodge City and Guilds exams 2361/2362 AM2, 2391 exams they are the ones they recognise? EITB? What is this I have 20 years behind me and its always been City and Guilds apprenticeship qualifications?

TRA ARTC is a trades recognised certificate nearly same as OSTR, difference is ARTC cert is gained through criteria within OZ, OSTR is gained from UK when immigration purpose. These are TWO very differenet certificates.

Both these certs can be used to look towards getting A license in OZ, by producing either cert to energy safe WA, then they will give you a letter to set an exam with the local CET to do a two week course and exam, in completing the exam and positive result you bring this back to energy safe that will give A license (this is the were it gets debateable)
Artc cert, energy safe approval for exam, exam pass, energy safe get A license.

Then the OSTR way, OSTR Cert, energy safe approval for exam, Exam pass, Energy safe get restricted license do log book up until 3-6 months complete then A License.

Energy safe seem to change theyre mind or people within it as its abit unclear, different states do differenet ways. WA used too be from what Ive researched, when you get the electrical exam two week course done with either OSTR or ARTC you get your A license, but now it seems you only get the A license quicker getting your ARTC Cert through TRA.
I think for the sake of 300 bucks I would get the ARTC cert aswell and apply that way when you get over for your exam, failiing that use the OSTR and take your chances.

I have spoke to TRA a few times and get mixed responses with the OSTR but with the ARTC seems to be the better route for A license as its an actual australia trades recognise certificate, instead of the OSTR cert that seems to be a required certificate for immigration purpose only but also can be used to obtain A license the longer way ( I think they perfer ARTC but OSTR will do as they cant really turn it down as its a Ozzy immigration thing, but youll go a longer route with it).
This is all based on WA only other states are differenet.

When I get all sorted and actually working I am going to write a full discussion WA route for electrical License to try and clear it up, but things change with new rules etc... so it might only be a small benefit use.

Its has been confusing, stressful, annoying, exciting and quite fun experience probably one that I hope never have to do again, but life isnt never simple or everyone would be doing it!

Goodluck mate and maybe pass you one day!
:thumbsup:

Re: artc
 

Cheers elect42,
Thats made the whole thing alot clear in my own mind, I just can't believe all the info that yourself and woodymcfc have sent!
I've worked here there and everywhere over the years, going from construction to commercial work, then to a bit of offshore, bit of tunnelling, back to construction and now on to a maintenance/breakdown squad on a large factory where i thought i would retire. (this was all when you chased the top money jumping from agency to agency in the back of the Sun!) To go into the detail like you guys have done would be a nightmare. I may have to just do the OSTR way, because the detail on that which was sent off is nothing like as much as yours. Surely once your over there they can tell?
If you just done the energy safe course, who assess's you for a license?

Re: artc
 

elect42,

Heard anything else about your application?

Re: artc
 

No mate still saying in portal waiting asessement, was sent and received start of December. I'm going to give them another week and email them to make sure everything's the way it should be, just incase I may have to do something else like provide a Aussie address!

Re: artc
 

Anybody heard anything about their waiting assessments. Mines been saying that for about a month.

Re: artc
 

Just got this form sent fron Energy Safety about the OSTR route. It could take a while...

Re: artc
 

Yes it could and be a real pain with work. Go on energy safe WA and look in licensing section for overseas application form using ARTC cert there isn't gap training involved quicker route for licensing I think!

Ricky did u put an Aussie address on your application? Or uk?

Re: artc
 

I didn't put an oz address wish I had now. Just thought I would be honest in case they check up but it seems everyone is doing it. I'm going over in April for validation trip so I'll ring Artc and give an address then.

Re: artc
 

Do you think if we emailed them with an Aussie address they would checkup?
Looking to see stamped visa if they actually stamp it apon arrival? Getting abit frustrating waiting not a reply of anything, I would like to have it before arriving as I would be able to gtet booked onto the license course asap, I dont want to be restricted.
What a bummer!!

Re: artc
 

Ok I'm here now and I can give you an update on how frustrating the licensing registration is !!!! As you may or may not know, TRA have requested that I do a 1 day Trade test which I am hoping to organise on Monday (got the email letter with contact details on today). I got offered a job within 4 days of getting here on a decent wage working shifts, which I want. So as to not lose this opportunity I though I'd call energysafe (licensing dept.) and see if I could get a head start with the course at cet, not happening !!!! Energysafe will NOT tell you any details of where the course will be, how much it will be, who to contact UNTIL you fill out their application form to apply for a license !!!! When you post the application, I was told by energysafe, it will take 4 weeks, thats four weeks, until you get a response, until then I cannot book onto a course !!
I called into Jandakot CET just to have a word because I was in the area, they were very helpful but said that they dont have any available places on the course until APRIL anyhow !!! Although there are other places where you can do the course.
so in my position I may not be able to start work for another 2-3 months because of TRA and Energysafe. I must admit though that the people at TRA are quite helpful, they dont make the final decision on whether you are an electrician or not its the Local committee and they are supposedly meant to be made up of local buisness people in the trade.......which trade, I really am starting to wonder !!!!!!
BUT the sun is shining, the kids love it and my golf clubs will be here in another few weeks !!!!

Re: artc
 

Woody great news got a job so quick and bad news that cant it on a course sooner, so you cant work with the firm?? until you get license? what about the restricted one that people talk about before you actually do the course which allows you to work while under taking the course?
Im wondering if the restricted license could be applied for from uk using a aussie address cut down the 4 week wait before I arrive.

I am as your awhere still waiting for tra to come back with outcome for ARTC cert before I can enrol on the course, we are heading over start of June this year.

Re: artc
 

The plot thickens !!! arranged the 1 day trade test, for the 6th March !!!! cant get it any sooner....really is taking the piss now.. realistically could be at least another 14-16 weeks before i can enrol on the wiring course, and I'm here in Perth !!!! TRA received my initial application on the 7th June 2011, are they for real !!!!

Re: artc
 

They really don't make it easy, it's their rules and hoops you have to jump through but given the amount of assessing that takes place and the financial hardship and wasted saving all the rigmarole eats up it is hard to stomach.

Hoping the mist clears and it all falls into place...

Re: artc
 

Woody you are working tho?
Is your electrician rate close to what you get while you wait for the courses?
I am heading to Perth also, hoping to have ARTC through and book the two week course all being well that they issue it, before I arrive, but nothing goes to plan as we know it!
I will be using an Aussie address for booking hope they except!

Re: artc
 

I have been offered 2 jobs since I have been here, the 1st one wants to know what's happening with the licensing, I had an interview with the director of the firm and he is well aware how pathetic the whole licensing registration is and why WA struggle to find good knowledgeable electricians.
The 2nd Job offer is coming back to me next week, they are a big international company who have taken on trades in the past on a supervised license until the unrestricted one was completed by the employee, hope this one comes off cause it really suits me with the shifts that are being offered.

When I called energysafe the girl I spoke with initially sounded like she didn't know her arse from her elbow. I knew more than what she is getting paid to know.
I only asked the next girl if there was any chance that I would be able to sit the trade test sooner elsewhere, my tone was polite because I dont believe you get anywhere shouting at people you want to do things for you ! The response was like I had just shit on her keyboard .... 'YOU HAVE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, I WONT TELL YOU ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE AN APPLICATION IN BLAH BLAH BLAH' I explained that I have just arrived in the country and that the process with TRA has been going on since June of last year and if possible I would like to arrange my license sooner rather than later because I have a family to support, NOTHING not a' sorry buts its not possible' or 'I sympathise with your position but there's nothing that can be done' sweet FA...........I think I'm going to nominate her for customer relations employee of the year in WA Energysafe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you get anywhere with TRA and energysafe then you may be one of the lucky ones. Employers are aware of the problems here regarding licensing and only yesterday the quote of 'the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing' was used by one employer on the phone to me.

Like I said, when you arrive you will have at least a 4 week wait until energysafe process your application, that's if you have your ARTC through. Until you get this application accepted you will NOT be able to book onto a course, then the course availability is anyone's guess, you may be lucky and time it when there is a course available that week then you may not and the next available course may be in 2 months.

Goon luck, your gonna need it !!!! And i'm an optimist !!!!!!!