i've decided to start the process of getting my qualifications recognised and eventually get a visa for Australia. i was going to use an agency but most want about £2000 on top of test fees and the cost of the visa.

does anyone have any tips on where to start and how to go about it? i've got a

really sorry if this has been covered 101 times

As an electrician you qualify as you have an occupation on the SOL (skilled occupation list). You need to check that you can meet the points total. There is a points test here - http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/189.aspx - as well as info on the visa. Or have a read of this - http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/1119.pdf

If you can meet the points requirement (work experience whilst training does not count for points); then you need to see if you can pass a skills assessment. You'll need qualifications similar to a Cert III here, apprenticeship, that sort of thing - and detailed references to prove your work experience. There are 3 companies that can do a skills assessment for UK sparkies - Vetassess, Victoria University and Future skills. You also need to complete Tradeset - http://www.tradeset.com.au/ . Whoever you chose you'll need to submit your paperwork for assessment first and if successful then complete the practical.

That should get you started

Thanks for the reply.

I've done the points test and scored 80. I think I'm going to go the vetassess route as that seems to be the one most people use, they also have a test centre in the north of England I think.

As for the evidence am I right in think that I should get together -
•trade qualifications
•additional courses (working at heights/asbestos awareness)
•cv
•work reference (from supervisor)

Is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks

I'm a little unsure how you would score 80. Points for English are only awarded after you sit IELTS. Max age points is 30. Max overseas work experience is 15 (and only 20 if you have worked in Australia before) Trade diplomas are 10 points, and degrees 15. Perhaps you can break it down.

List of required documents for a Vetassess application are here - http://www.vetassess.com.au/migrate_..._documents.cfm

Maybe I've worked it wrong, I'm 32, I got told because English is my first language I'd get 20 for that, 11 years not including training been a sparky and then my trade qualifications and also possibly been state sponsored?

Thanks for the info on the documents as well

I'd sit IELTS if I was you. If you manage to get you skills assessment, lodge the EOI, get state sponsorship, an invitation and apply before you hit 33 you'll manage it on that - it just hits 60 points. Once you turn 33 you lose 5 points on age and you wouldn't have enough.

If you look at the booklet, you'll see that you do meet minimum English requirements as you are british but if you take IELTS you would get 10 points if you can score 7.0 in each exam (there are 4 - reading, listening, writing and speaking), and 20 points if you score all 8.0's or higher (max score is 9.0)

Umm well I'm 33 in August so I don't think that's going to happen lol

Guess what the 2 visa agency's said is what if wanted to hear so they could get my cash off me. I'll have to re-look at it all when I get home and see if it's even possible

IELTS costs around £130 ish - it's gone up since I did it (I'm a little older - I needed those points )

Do you think I'll get marked down for having a proper Yorkshire accent lol

Absolutely! Unless the assessor is a sheep in which case you'll be in with a chance!