Hi all,

I've just finished my NQT after teaching for five terms - long story why it took that long (nothing to do with my ability, just red tape, paperwork and changing jobs). Anyway, I've always wanted to go to Australia, but don't know which state to apply to. So I've considered applying for the Working Holiday Visa so that I can travel around and experience a few different areas. Then I would have a clear idea of where I would like to live/work and can apply for the appropriate state and visa.

Has anyone taken this route? I don't mind having a year out of teaching - as I know the WHV restricts how long you can work for an employer, so teaching may not be an option that year. I'm primary (KS2) trained, but I've worked in a primary special school, and now I'm teaching SEN children in a secondary mainstream, as well as some Maths (my actual specialism, due to my degree).

Is it feasible to do the WHV first, then apply for a skilled visa? Or would it be preferable that I go for the full skilled visa and skip the WHV? Basically, I'm young and have no ties whatsoever - and I want to follow my dream! I'm just concerned that throwing myself in at the deep end might be too much for me to handle, and the WHV is the less daunting option.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

xdreamerx

Wisest is she who knows that she does not know

If you can get the points for a 175 apply for that. Then you can come out and live/work etc.

For a 175 you need 12 months recent relevant work experience. If you came to Australia on a WHV you would be unlikely (maybe not want to work) for the full 12 months in Teaching so you would then not be eligible for a 175 or similar.

Yes can do WHV Teaching, I know someone who was on here last year and she's currently out in WA doing supply, not getting a great amount of work a few days a week if she's lucky, but money isn't really an issue for her and she doesn't really want to be working more than 2 or 3 days a week anyways. So yes is possible.
WHV very easy to obtain, is possible to look at getting an employer to sponsor you one you're out there. Which visa you go for is your choice, but WHV is very quick, skilled visa may well take a year!

Hiya,
Im in exactly the same position as you are/were! What did you decide to do in the end? Desperate for advice! Ive already got the WHV and leaving for oz in July but want my recent work experience to be relevant for the 175 visa!
Joey09

If you qualify for a perm visa, I'd go for that as the current migrant process is very volatile - see the threads on immigration.

Is your degree maths and PGCE secondary or primary? Secondary teacher is on the CSL (critical skills list) but primary is not and you'd need to check state lists to see if they sponsor primary (ACT?)

Cooler

You can apply for the 175 now, while you have the experience, and then go to Oz on your WHV. your experience is judged when you apply, not when they assess your application.