Originally Posted by Alan Collett

We are in discussions presently with TAFEs in Australia about workplace assessments being carried out in Australia for certain occupations. In turn this should facilitate an AQF Certificate III qualification (recognised by employers in Australia => increased employment prospects) and a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia under Skill Pathway E.

We anticipate that the process would involve individuals with trades skills carrying out an initial assessment of their existing competencies while outside Australia. Assuming all (or substantially all) of these competency requirements can be met individuals would then travel to Australia when a practical assessment would be carried out.

Recognising that Australian qualifications are often not the same as UK qualifications any gaps in competencies that are not major would also be dealt with at that time, perhaps requiring an additional 2 or 3 days of tuition prior to the granting of the AQF III.

Costs of this exercise are not yet finalised, but are likely to be significantly less than those being quoted by workplace assessors visiting the UK.

I would be pleased to hear from individuals with one of the following occupations, who would like to receive more information as we progress discussions with the TAFEs:

- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Hairdressers
- Chefs
- Welders

I can be reached by email via alan - at - gomatilda - dot - com

Best regards.

Originally Posted by Alan Collett

I am usually of the view that if you can take the initiative with the migration process you should do so, unless there is a financial reason to the contrary. We have been waiting for TRA to introduce a replacement for Skill Pathway D for more than 6 months already - if a replacement comes in soon that would be great, but I am not holding my breath waiting.

In addition, the outcome of the Australian workplace assessment process would be an AQF Certificate III qualification. If nothing else this would give your husband a qualification that would be recognised by Australian employers.

As to timeframes: it is too early to comment on this until we have progressed our discussions. Indeed, even then it wouldn't be possible to be specific because I cannot predict what competency areas might be lacking in your husband's case - the more gaps that exist the longer he might have to spend at the TAFE completing relevant components.

Unless you want a long holiday (of several months) I do not foresee an option of you all travelling to Australia while the subsequent TRA and visa applications are in progress. Once the proposed workplace assessment has been attended and AQF III issued you would be looking at the same timeline as others who have lodged an application for an offshore skilled visa (subclass 175, etc).

Best regards.

Originally Posted by Janna and Nick

Hi Alan,

I read on the London Expo thread that the DIAC confirmed that the TRA would make a decision on the Pathway D issue this July. And that was from the horses mouth from the DIAC at the London Expo.

Originally Posted by Amarinder

Dear Janna and Nick

This is a good news which we people are waiting for a long time. It will be highly appreciated if you could tell us that on which web site you have read that DIAC Confirmed that TRA would make a decision on the pathway d issue this july.

Thanks

Amarinder

Originally Posted by nicrock

My boyfriend is a Welder with 10 years experience, but no formal qualifications. We are currently awaiting feedback from the TRA regarding pathway D.

He has been offered a welding job in Samford Valley, but we are waiting to see if the employer will sponsor us for 12 months until our visa is completed.

I'd be interested to know if you think your option would benefit us and maybe speed up the process of getting to Brisbane?

Thanks

Originally Posted by AngelaHill

Hi to anyone who can help,

I'm a hairdresser me and my husband have just started our visa. I have a sponsor in western Aus in Exmouth. But getting mixed up now about the changes for the skills points. My qualifications are below. Do i now not have the right ones.

Regards,

Angela.



ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE - B (b) 1992
ENGLISH GCSE - B (b) 1992
ART & DESIGN GCSE - C (c) 1992
GEOGRAPHY GCSE - C (c) 1992
MATHEMATICS GCSE - D (d) 1992
FRENCH GCSE - E (e) 1992
BUSINESS STUDIES GCSE - D (d) 1992
THE SCIENCES : DOUBLE AWARD GCSE - E (e) 1992


SOUTH EAST DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE

DESIGN (media foundation) GRADE - B (b) 1993
ART AND DESIGN (photography) GRADE - C (c) 1993


CITY & GUILDS

NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION HAIRDRESSING - LEVEL 2 1996
DIPLOMA - SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL - 1995
DIPLOMA - PERM - 1996
DIPLOMA - COLOUR 1996

Originally Posted by nicrock

My boyfriend is a Welder with 10 years experience, but no formal qualifications. We are currently awaiting feedback from the TRA regarding pathway D.

He has been offered a welding job in Samford Valley, but we are waiting to see if the employer will sponsor us for 12 months until our visa is completed.

I'd be interested to know if you think your option would benefit us and maybe speed up the process of getting to Brisbane?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Joosy

If we can get employer sponsorship does that mean we don't have to worry about TRA and pathway D/proving skills etc? (I'm talking specifically about plastering in QLD, and we're 32)

Originally Posted by Alan Collett

Can I recommend that you establish with your sponsor precisely what visa they are facilitating? The answer to this will dictate whether you need a skills assessment classification.

A subclass 457 (long term temporary) employer sponsored visa does not require a skills assessment classification. Ditto a permanent residency visa under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

A permanent residency visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme applied for from outside Australia generally does require such an assessment.

If you and/or your intended employer are unsure what is required it might be the time to speak to a competent advisor!

In case of need: http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm#ouroffices

Best regards.