London Expo
Mar 16th 2008, 9:03 am
#226
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 537
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Dawn-D
I looked at the application for the Expo a few weeks ago thinking it was just for people on the SOL list but in the drop down bar of 'skills' I found Driver. 
I filled it in as my OH is a Digger Driver (Excavator) and also site foreman. I filled in his field of experience of operating various sizes of machinery and the running of sites and was really excited that last week when he got an invitation.
Although after a call to a recruitment agency last week in Perth who told me there were plenty of Australian Excavator Operators already and after reading your posts re the Expo, I'm not sure if we should just throw the towel in. 
I tried emailing some of the exhibitors and got an automated reply that they were unavailable as they were at the London Expo :curse: and I called the Local WA Government one on Friday and the guy there hadn't got time to talk to me but I was asked to email any questions prior to the Expo and I've not had a reply.
Does anyone that's been think it will be a waste of time for us or could we find something possitive?
I filled it in as my OH is a Digger Driver (Excavator) and also site foreman. I filled in his field of experience of operating various sizes of machinery and the running of sites and was really excited that last week when he got an invitation.
Although after a call to a recruitment agency last week in Perth who told me there were plenty of Australian Excavator Operators already and after reading your posts re the Expo, I'm not sure if we should just throw the towel in. I tried emailing some of the exhibitors and got an automated reply that they were unavailable as they were at the London Expo :curse: and I called the Local WA Government one on Friday and the guy there hadn't got time to talk to me but I was asked to email any questions prior to the Expo and I've not had a reply.
Does anyone that's been think it will be a waste of time for us or could we find something possitive?
Have you been to any other expos? If not the big ones that you pay for might be beneficial, there are lots of migration agents there who would give you a better idea, or even just ring a few for a free assessment if you haven't already done so.
So don't throw in the towel, just go and think of it as a little excursion!
Mar 16th 2008, 9:33 am
#227
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Flixy
I don't know your situation or how much research you have done already, but for us it was a waste of time, we started the process last Feb so I have done a LOT of research since then so my OH was well informed therefore he didn't learn anything. OH is a telephone engineer, we already knew that it is mainly contracting in Oz so were doubtful if there would be any employers there. There may well be an agency there who would know about your OH's job, so even if you only get one lead it would be worth it.
Have you been to any other expos? If not the big ones that you pay for might be beneficial, there are lots of migration agents there who would give you a better idea, or even just ring a few for a free assessment if you haven't already done so.
So don't throw in the towel, just go and think of it as a little excursion!
Have you been to any other expos? If not the big ones that you pay for might be beneficial, there are lots of migration agents there who would give you a better idea, or even just ring a few for a free assessment if you haven't already done so.
So don't throw in the towel, just go and think of it as a little excursion!
Hi Flixy, thanks for the reply.
We've been looking into this since December but I've spent hours reading through all the booklets on DIAC and spoke to a couple of agents so we know our only hope is to be sponsored on 457 then RSMS. Trouble is once you mention the 'sponsor' word, everone seems to run away.
So apart from having already sent out loads of CV's we are just trying to find a sponsor and was hoping something positive may come from the Expo. OH is still going at 2:45 slot, as a last hope I think!
Mar 16th 2008, 9:48 am
#228
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 537
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Dawn-D
Hi Flixy, thanks for the reply.
We've been looking into this since December but I've spent hours reading through all the booklets on DIAC and spoke to a couple of agents so we know our only hope is to be sponsored on 457 then RSMS. Trouble is once you mention the 'sponsor' word, everone seems to run away.
So apart from having already sent out loads of CV's we are just trying to find a sponsor and was hoping something positive may come from the Expo. OH is still going at 2:45 slot, as a last hope I think!
We've been looking into this since December but I've spent hours reading through all the booklets on DIAC and spoke to a couple of agents so we know our only hope is to be sponsored on 457 then RSMS. Trouble is once you mention the 'sponsor' word, everone seems to run away.
So apart from having already sent out loads of CV's we are just trying to find a sponsor and was hoping something positive may come from the Expo. OH is still going at 2:45 slot, as a last hope I think!
Do you live far from London? we are only a 30 minute train ride away so it wasn't too much hassle.
Mar 16th 2008, 9:54 am
#229
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Re: London Expo
Did anyone go to it? How was it? I got an invite but got in touch with a migration agent who said they could help me.... but then turns out they can't so missed the expo!!! arrggghhhhhhhhh
Hope I didn't miss out on something great
Hope I didn't miss out on something great
Mar 16th 2008, 9:58 am
#230
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 537
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by cheywood
Did anyone go to it? How was it? I got an invite but got in touch with a migration agent who said they could help me.... but then turns out they can't so missed the expo!!! arrggghhhhhhhhh
Hope I didn't miss out on something great
Hope I didn't miss out on something great
Mar 16th 2008, 10:12 am
#231
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Flixy
Good luck!!! My OH did speak to one company who seem to specialise in the 457, their website wasn't much help www.workforceaustralia.co.uk, but it might be worth your OH having a chat with them, he will get a map when he gets in there so should be able to find them ok, and they didn't have big queue yesterday!
Do you live far from London? we are only a 30 minute train ride away so it wasn't too much hassle.
Do you live far from London? we are only a 30 minute train ride away so it wasn't too much hassle.
Workforceaustralia (WA Local Gov) was one we were looking at. We went on their website and under skill shortages it said operational workers which covers OH so fingers crossed. Good here the queue wasn't too long for that one either.
We are only short train ride away too. We're in Hemel Hempstead, Herts! What about you?
Mar 16th 2008, 10:18 am
#232
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Ocean Reef WA
Posts: 79
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Shaun200
Oh what a dilema!
Hubby getting train down in the morning. Not sure it's worth it now. He's looking at engineering/construction.
We've done all research etc on net so not sure will learn anything we don't already know.
I'm kinda just hoping it'll spur him on
Confused of Worcester
Hubby getting train down in the morning. Not sure it's worth it now. He's looking at engineering/construction.
We've done all research etc on net so not sure will learn anything we don't already know.
I'm kinda just hoping it'll spur him on
Confused of Worcester
OH getting on the train today at 12 to get in for 2 pm.
It all sounds quite organised outside, but then chaos inside!
We want to go on a 175 skilled visa, be great to be sponsored by local govenment, but as he is a carpenter, just wondered if anyone who went yesterday could point us in the right direction??? ie which stands if we can only visit 2 or 3?
And was the WA seminar worth going to and did they point you in the direction of certain stands???
Mar 16th 2008, 10:24 am
#233
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 537
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Dawn-D
Hi Flixy,
Workforceaustralia (WA Local Gov) was one we were looking at. We went on their website and under skill shortages it said operational workers which covers OH so fingers crossed. Good here the queue wasn't too long for that one either.
We are only short train ride away too. We're in Hemel Hempstead, Herts! What about you?
Workforceaustralia (WA Local Gov) was one we were looking at. We went on their website and under skill shortages it said operational workers which covers OH so fingers crossed. Good here the queue wasn't too long for that one either.
We are only short train ride away too. We're in Hemel Hempstead, Herts! What about you?
Can you tell me where you found the skill shortages on the site? I can't find it
Mar 16th 2008, 10:40 am
#234
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by Flixy
We are in Sutton, Surrey so the other side of the m25 to you.
Can you tell me where you found the skill shortages on the site? I can't find it
Can you tell me where you found the skill shortages on the site? I can't find it
Sorry Flixy, it's me having a mad moment.
I was getting mixed up with the Western Australia Local Govt. stand and their website is: www.workplacesolutions.asn.au then under recruitment services you find skills shortages. Sorry, obviously different from workeforcesolutions but we'll try that one as well
Mar 16th 2008, 10:41 am
#235
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: n.ireland prev scotland
Posts: 67
Re: London Expo
I totally agree with the lack of organisation. I traveled across from belfast for it & to be honest there wasn't much to be gained from a so-called skill specific "secret" expo.How they thought they could fit so many people into such a small place. Queued for ages to speak to government stands only to be brushed off even though I know I have in demand skills.Got the old "just stick down your details & we'll get back to you" seemed like most of them didn't have a clue what they were doing (Got the skills,we got the jobs were especially guilty).
The Tasmania guys were really good to speak to & encouraged you to check out their website & give them all details etc. but I got the impression that they were swamped out by so many people queueing for the other stalls in front of them
The queensland seminar was also a waste of time.Nothing said that isn't easily found online & to be honest you find out a hell of a lot more info on this site than the aussie govt. lol.
One plus though was workforce solutions,they seemed to be the only ones actually taking the time to read c.v.'s & offering interviews on the spot for various trades.I have been in contact with them in the past couple of months & was shocked to learn from them that I have been lined up for a formal interview with Australian Aerospace in the next few weeks so I can only say that they have been pretty good to deal with so far.
dave
The Tasmania guys were really good to speak to & encouraged you to check out their website & give them all details etc. but I got the impression that they were swamped out by so many people queueing for the other stalls in front of them
The queensland seminar was also a waste of time.Nothing said that isn't easily found online & to be honest you find out a hell of a lot more info on this site than the aussie govt. lol.
One plus though was workforce solutions,they seemed to be the only ones actually taking the time to read c.v.'s & offering interviews on the spot for various trades.I have been in contact with them in the past couple of months & was shocked to learn from them that I have been lined up for a formal interview with Australian Aerospace in the next few weeks so I can only say that they have been pretty good to deal with so far.
dave
Mar 16th 2008, 10:46 am
#236
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8
Re: London Expo
Pheeewwww, am really relived I didn't pay the £100 train fare & 6 hour round journey after all!! What a shame, sorry for all you guys who've come away feeling a little miffed / deflated....
No one seems to want an IT Project Analyst anyway ..... <snifffff>
No one seems to want an IT Project Analyst anyway ..... <snifffff>
Mar 16th 2008, 10:52 am
#237
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Re: London Expo
Originally Posted by lossiepickle
One plus though was workforce solutions,they seemed to be the only ones actually taking the time to read c.v.'s & offering interviews on the spot for various trades.I have been in contact with them in the past couple of months & was shocked to learn from them that I have been lined up for a formal interview with Australian Aerospace in the next few weeks so I can only say that they have been pretty good to deal with so far.
dave
dave
guess we're all heading for workforce solutions today do you know if they had any digger jobs Dave?
Mar 16th 2008, 12:17 pm
#238
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 36
Re: London Expo
I went yesterday, got to queue jump as was in the queue at 10.10 for 10.15, having spent 15 mins looking for a loo for mum & I. She went off, and i went in. No space for QLD seminar, why only 100 places is beyond me. Also didn't queue for QLD as I didn't think they would be able to tell me anything I didn't already know. Didn't have enough time to be there for WA seminar as well, that would have been over of 2 hrs, & it filled up v quickly as well.
However, catholic schools sydney was useful, hopefully got the prob of my ambulance bill that my insurance will pay & can't get anyone to send them the bill to pay it! Also got some ideas of ways to make myself more marketable, and have to ask pompey uni for a more detailed transcript - will save time with not having assessment sent back hopefully.
But even better, WA teaching were very helpful, & honest. They were very keen on some secondary teachers, and are offering interviews in London in May. I;m a primary teacher though. Was told that there would be lots of jobs in 2010/11, which is a bit of a way off, but reassuring to know that there will be work. It is also not sounding like here, where there was supposed to be loads of people retiring, and they never have. These guys will retire, as they have incentive to do so, lifestyle, fab superannuation deal, etc.
I;m going to WA in 3 weeks time, and if I like it I have a contact now, for an interview & to see what they can do. So was very worthwhile for me.
Tasmania guys were also useful, but I am not sure that I really want to go there. They said they were keener on people who actually wanted TA, over other places. If I had a family with me, I think I would defo consider there. But going on my own makes it different.
It could have been so much better though.
However, catholic schools sydney was useful, hopefully got the prob of my ambulance bill that my insurance will pay & can't get anyone to send them the bill to pay it! Also got some ideas of ways to make myself more marketable, and have to ask pompey uni for a more detailed transcript - will save time with not having assessment sent back hopefully.
But even better, WA teaching were very helpful, & honest. They were very keen on some secondary teachers, and are offering interviews in London in May. I;m a primary teacher though. Was told that there would be lots of jobs in 2010/11, which is a bit of a way off, but reassuring to know that there will be work. It is also not sounding like here, where there was supposed to be loads of people retiring, and they never have. These guys will retire, as they have incentive to do so, lifestyle, fab superannuation deal, etc.
I;m going to WA in 3 weeks time, and if I like it I have a contact now, for an interview & to see what they can do. So was very worthwhile for me.
Tasmania guys were also useful, but I am not sure that I really want to go there. They said they were keener on people who actually wanted TA, over other places. If I had a family with me, I think I would defo consider there. But going on my own makes it different.
It could have been so much better though.
Mar 16th 2008, 2:24 pm
#239
CANBERRA !!!
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Calwell
Posts: 90
Re: London Expo
Hey !!!
The Canberra boys and gals were telling it as it is..........
Their reluctance as far as IT is concerned is due to the fact that most positions require you to have a security clearance - but to get a clearance you will need citizenship.........there are ways round it but they are few and far between.......
Canberra IS as good as they say..........IMHO
The Canberra boys and gals were telling it as it is..........
Their reluctance as far as IT is concerned is due to the fact that most positions require you to have a security clearance - but to get a clearance you will need citizenship.........there are ways round it but they are few and far between.......
Canberra IS as good as they say..........IMHO
Originally Posted by GuinnessCat
Hi (first BEpost)
I went along to too this today, not sure whether I feel it was a waste of time or not yet...
postive: - it convinced me that I will go through the 175 route (convinced me that I did want to make the move)
negatives: - I'm in IT, don't think that's popular at the mo.
OK - what really annoyed me was there seames to be alot of bull - would really like other peoples opions on this - examples :-
On living in canberra stall (thinking of moving to that kinda area) whislt no mention of ITjobs being in demand - when I asked about ITvacancies I got told there were over 1000 IT jobs coming up per week that they were desperate to get filled.
In ATC presentation - got told several 'facts' such as:
canberra has more sunshine hours than anywhere else in AU - more restraunts pet head - better salaries - better infraftructure, lover crime etc...
whenever people start claiming alot like this, I normally stop believing. would love to know other peoples feelings on this - were all the states giving presentations pushing themselves this much?
I went along to too this today, not sure whether I feel it was a waste of time or not yet...
postive: - it convinced me that I will go through the 175 route (convinced me that I did want to make the move)
negatives: - I'm in IT, don't think that's popular at the mo.
OK - what really annoyed me was there seames to be alot of bull - would really like other peoples opions on this - examples :-
On living in canberra stall (thinking of moving to that kinda area) whislt no mention of ITjobs being in demand - when I asked about ITvacancies I got told there were over 1000 IT jobs coming up per week that they were desperate to get filled.
In ATC presentation - got told several 'facts' such as:
canberra has more sunshine hours than anywhere else in AU - more restraunts pet head - better salaries - better infraftructure, lover crime etc...
whenever people start claiming alot like this, I normally stop believing. would love to know other peoples feelings on this - were all the states giving presentations pushing themselves this much?
Mar 16th 2008, 2:47 pm
#240
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Re: London Expo
My OH just called, he got in the Expo 15 mins earlier than his time slot but once in has said the queues to speak to any government stand are horrendous. 
Also no tickets left for any seminars!
Lets hope he can find something possitive somewhere in there!
Also no tickets left for any seminars!Lets hope he can find something possitive somewhere in there!
