British Expats - what next?

Does your current job involve this ?

Quote:

Drainlayer
Kaikerikeri Waikari
Tasks & Duties
Drainlayers may do some or all of the following:

* examine the plans, drawings and land that the drains or waste water treatment systems are to be laid in
* consult with clients and other tradespeople about where the drains or waste water treatment systems are to be laid or repaired
* prepare quotes if self-employed
* obtain consent from the local council to undertake work on drains
* excavate and dig trenches along areas marked on the plans
* protect the trenches from collapse
* measure and cut the pipes
* install drains by laying pipes and putting in fittings
* work out gradients and falls using laser-levels
* seal all waterjoints on the pipes
* repair and clear blockages in drains
* backfill trenches after they have been tested by local council inspectors using recommended fill such as gravel
* install manholes
* install waste water treatment systems in rural areas
* erect road signs to warn drivers of work being done on the road
* give advice on drainage issues.

Specialisations
Drainlayers may specialise in residential or commercial work.

Drainlayers need to have:

* knowledge of different drainage methods and materials
* the ability to read drainage plans
* knowledge of the laws and by-laws relating to drainlayers and drainlaying
* practical skills for laying and repairing drains
* basic maths skills for making accurate measurements
* good communication skills, as they deal with a range of people including clients and the public
* planning and organisational skills
* knowledge of health and safety procedures, including first aid skills, as their work may be dangerous.

Drainlayers who are self-employed also need business skills.
"The drains have to be laid to certain specifications, and although we have plans to work from it's up to the drainlayer to make sure that they comply with the regulations. This means using the right materials for the different types of drain."
Personal Qualities
Drainlayers need to be accurate in their drainlaying methods and hard-working as most of the work is physical. They should not be squeamish as they may come into contact with raw sewage and effluent.
Physical Requirements
Drainlayers need to be fit and healthy, and have a strong back and arms as a lot of digging, bending and heavy lifting is involved.

If so, then drainlayer is on the immediate shortage list.

Do you hold qualifications/certificates or had training .

Can we start with that and once we know exactly what skills you have we can move on from there.

Are you coming with your family? $15 an hour is a very very poor rate to be paid IMO. Especially if you are already skilled at the work.
Where is this job?

Depending on whether your job is seen as skilled or not , depends on how you and the employer go about obtaining the necessary work visa.

If the work is not on the 'lists', then your employer has to prove that there is no NZ resident that could do or take that job. They do that by showing NZIS proof of advertising and what trainees they have etc. There is also a form for them to fill in.

At the level of pay you are being offered, I would think that NZIS will be wondering why this job isn't being offered to a vocational trainee from school or a drainlaying apprentice.

If it turns out that your job is seen as skilled then your employer doesn't have to prove a thing to NZIS and can emply you. You just need a full time permanent contract to put with your work visa application.
If it is skilled, I would seriously question why the rate of pay is ssooo low. I would be looking for at least $20 p/h to start with.

If you touch anything to do with drains or plumbing in New Zealand, you must have a licence to do that. It will be a Limited licence and the application for that will have to be countersigned by your NZ employer. The place to obtain this licence is the PGDB - plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers board. It would be illegal for you to work without a PGDB licence.

Come back with more details . ;)