Update - For the few that are interested.
May 23rd 2008, 1:26 pm
#16
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Perth ( via Adelaide )
Posts: 776
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Paul, I admire you and Nic so much 
...never say die
I just want to wish you and your family all the luck in the world and hope that your arms can be sorted. xxx.
...never say die I just want to wish you and your family all the luck in the world and hope that your arms can be sorted. xxx.
May 23rd 2008, 1:27 pm
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Good luck Paul,
Hope all goes well, and dont worry about your son being at Hungry Jacks, some great people have had humble beginnings.
Hope all goes well, and dont worry about your son being at Hungry Jacks, some great people have had humble beginnings.
May 23rd 2008, 3:57 pm
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 875
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Good luck with your decision, I can understand your thought process.
However, is there another branch of the armed forces that has a lower likelihood of deployment - ie. Navy or Air Force. What are the chances that you would get deployed to Afghanistan or so other place none of us want to be.
Would the police force be an option? I know it is not a trade, however it would be secure employment.
However, is there another branch of the armed forces that has a lower likelihood of deployment - ie. Navy or Air Force. What are the chances that you would get deployed to Afghanistan or so other place none of us want to be.
Would the police force be an option? I know it is not a trade, however it would be secure employment.
May 23rd 2008, 4:09 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 182
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
That's the risk you take with the army!
May 23rd 2008, 4:16 pm
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 182
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Good luck Paul. You will be in good company in the army - there are lot's of Brits transferring from British Defence to the Australian Defence Force
May 23rd 2008, 4:24 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 86
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Sounds like a plan- what are the entry requirements for the army? i.e age, visa status, etc something I could be interested in myself actually
May 23rd 2008, 4:49 pm
#23
Handsome Internet Guy
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: WA
Posts: 6,116
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Good Luck Dudes
May 23rd 2008, 4:50 pm
#24
egghead4+becky
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: was newport now sunny Bundy
Posts: 797
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
best of luck paul, with whatever you decide
it seems like you have had your fair share of crap, not its gonna be someone else's turn
anyway, good luck
bec
it seems like you have had your fair share of crap, not its gonna be someone else's turn
anyway, good luck
bec
May 23rd 2008, 9:10 pm
#25
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Hey paul , get your son back to do grade 12 , far more chance of any job with grade 12 , even in the trades, son did electrical apprentice, was hundreds of applicants
, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
May 23rd 2008, 9:51 pm
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Little Mountain, Sunshine coast
Posts: 1,327
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Hey paul , get your son back to do grade 12 , far more chance of any job with grade 12 , even in the trades, son did electrical apprentice, was hundreds of applicants, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
May 23rd 2008, 11:05 pm
#27
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 948
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Well, where do I start.
Nic is still in a cast after breaking her ankle. She's casual so it's been 3 weeks since any money came in from her ... feeling the pinch for once! ...
... and another 3 weeks to go! ... 
I'm still looking for alternative work, but not having much joy to be honest. I have a few leads, but leads that will prob be more suited to my dog!
Now a PR at last I'm gonna get my arms sorted out. I broke them both in 2003 and they've not grafted (welded together) and altho they've given me jip for years, with a PR case to be decided I've been too scared to have them sorted out here, but as I say now is the time! I'm off to have them x-rayed on Monday and know the news will be bad, they'll NEED to be grafted so it'll be time off work. Time I no doubt won't be able to afford! ... but GOTTA be done if my 'next mission' is gonna be overcomed! ...
Next mission?
Well, I'm currently goin nowhere here being unskilled so it's looking like joining the army is my / our best bet. I can do the equivalent of a 4 year apprenticeship in 2 years in the army. We'll get all kinds of benefits inc free healthcare & dentistry, and will gain citizenship after 3 months of joining, which isn't to be sniffed at!
My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!
Locations?
Well I have to do 8 weeks on my own in NSW. They tell you NOT to move your family there as you're basically not allowed away from camp. After that, we all move to Victoria for 12 months, followed by 12 - 18 months back in NSW. Once qualified I can opt to be posted back in QLD, either Brissie or Townsville!
My daughter has made her life here on the Goldie and has already said she doesn't want to come. She's gonna obtain her real estate licence soon and is basically sorted. Got a long time boyfriend and only a matter of time before she leaves home anyway!
The boy has left school and working part time for Hungry Jacks, basically goin nowhere so he'll follow suite and do an apprenticeship in the army by the looks of things.
I've got friends and family telling me this seems sooooo extreme, but at the end of the day we're just struggling and there isn't many options for us. The TV will tell you that QLD is crying out for trades, and how they're offering incentives to get mature apprentices and all the rest, but when you actually start looking for a decent (Sparkie or Plumber) apprenticeship, well, they're just NOT out there! I've spent a good 2 weeks phoning, emailing, and all the rest all kinds of apprenticeship centre's, electrical contractors, and everyone who advertises on SEEK and basically no one is interested! ... so what can I do!!
It's annoying as Nic will become permanent once she returns to work, and is sorted! ... but me! ... still clutching at straws and only last week I was sudgesting I go back to blighty again and drive a cab for 2 - 3 months. Nic REALLY doesn't want this, and if the truth be known I don't either! ... but I'm just soooo fed up with scrimping and scraping to get by ... I didn't come here for this!!!
Sooooo, my current mission is to get my arms sorted out so I can do 15 press ups. This is part of the fitness test to get into the army, the rest I know I can pass. Currently I cannot do one as my right arm is basically 50% strong, and down to the bone damage, but hopefully once they're both sorted, and a bit of physio etc I'll be right!
Anyway, that's the current state of play.
Please wish me luck!
Nic is still in a cast after breaking her ankle. She's casual so it's been 3 weeks since any money came in from her ... feeling the pinch for once! ...
... and another 3 weeks to go! ... I'm still looking for alternative work, but not having much joy to be honest. I have a few leads, but leads that will prob be more suited to my dog!
Now a PR at last I'm gonna get my arms sorted out. I broke them both in 2003 and they've not grafted (welded together) and altho they've given me jip for years, with a PR case to be decided I've been too scared to have them sorted out here, but as I say now is the time! I'm off to have them x-rayed on Monday and know the news will be bad, they'll NEED to be grafted so it'll be time off work. Time I no doubt won't be able to afford! ... but GOTTA be done if my 'next mission' is gonna be overcomed! ...
Next mission?
Well, I'm currently goin nowhere here being unskilled so it's looking like joining the army is my / our best bet. I can do the equivalent of a 4 year apprenticeship in 2 years in the army. We'll get all kinds of benefits inc free healthcare & dentistry, and will gain citizenship after 3 months of joining, which isn't to be sniffed at!
My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!
Locations?
Well I have to do 8 weeks on my own in NSW. They tell you NOT to move your family there as you're basically not allowed away from camp. After that, we all move to Victoria for 12 months, followed by 12 - 18 months back in NSW. Once qualified I can opt to be posted back in QLD, either Brissie or Townsville!
My daughter has made her life here on the Goldie and has already said she doesn't want to come. She's gonna obtain her real estate licence soon and is basically sorted. Got a long time boyfriend and only a matter of time before she leaves home anyway!
The boy has left school and working part time for Hungry Jacks, basically goin nowhere so he'll follow suite and do an apprenticeship in the army by the looks of things.
I've got friends and family telling me this seems sooooo extreme, but at the end of the day we're just struggling and there isn't many options for us. The TV will tell you that QLD is crying out for trades, and how they're offering incentives to get mature apprentices and all the rest, but when you actually start looking for a decent (Sparkie or Plumber) apprenticeship, well, they're just NOT out there! I've spent a good 2 weeks phoning, emailing, and all the rest all kinds of apprenticeship centre's, electrical contractors, and everyone who advertises on SEEK and basically no one is interested! ... so what can I do!!
It's annoying as Nic will become permanent once she returns to work, and is sorted! ... but me! ... still clutching at straws and only last week I was sudgesting I go back to blighty again and drive a cab for 2 - 3 months. Nic REALLY doesn't want this, and if the truth be known I don't either! ... but I'm just soooo fed up with scrimping and scraping to get by ... I didn't come here for this!!!
Sooooo, my current mission is to get my arms sorted out so I can do 15 press ups. This is part of the fitness test to get into the army, the rest I know I can pass. Currently I cannot do one as my right arm is basically 50% strong, and down to the bone damage, but hopefully once they're both sorted, and a bit of physio etc I'll be right!
Anyway, that's the current state of play.
Please wish me luck!
all the best lesley x
May 24th 2008, 2:28 am
#28
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Well, where do I start.
Nic is still in a cast after breaking her ankle. She's casual so it's been 3 weeks since any money came in from her ... feeling the pinch for once! ... ... and another 3 weeks to go! ...
I'm still looking for alternative work, but not having much joy to be honest. I have a few leads, but leads that will prob be more suited to my dog!
Now a PR at last I'm gonna get my arms sorted out. I broke them both in 2003 and they've not grafted (welded together) and altho they've given me jip for years, with a PR case to be decided I've been too scared to have them sorted out here, but as I say now is the time! I'm off to have them x-rayed on Monday and know the news will be bad, they'll NEED to be grafted so it'll be time off work. Time I no doubt won't be able to afford! ... but GOTTA be done if my 'next mission' is gonna be overcomed! ...
Next mission?
Well, I'm currently goin nowhere here being unskilled so it's looking like joining the army is my / our best bet. I can do the equivalent of a 4 year apprenticeship in 2 years in the army. We'll get all kinds of benefits inc free healthcare & dentistry, and will gain citizenship after 3 months of joining, which isn't to be sniffed at!
My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!
Locations?
Well I have to do 8 weeks on my own in NSW. They tell you NOT to move your family there as you're basically not allowed away from camp. After that, we all move to Victoria for 12 months, followed by 12 - 18 months back in NSW. Once qualified I can opt to be posted back in QLD, either Brissie or Townsville!
My daughter has made her life here on the Goldie and has already said she doesn't want to come. She's gonna obtain her real estate licence soon and is basically sorted. Got a long time boyfriend and only a matter of time before she leaves home anyway!
The boy has left school and working part time for Hungry Jacks, basically goin nowhere so he'll follow suite and do an apprenticeship in the army by the looks of things.
I've got friends and family telling me this seems sooooo extreme, but at the end of the day we're just struggling and there isn't many options for us. The TV will tell you that QLD is crying out for trades, and how they're offering incentives to get mature apprentices and all the rest, but when you actually start looking for a decent (Sparkie or Plumber) apprenticeship, well, they're just NOT out there! I've spent a good 2 weeks phoning, emailing, and all the rest all kinds of apprenticeship centre's, electrical contractors, and everyone who advertises on SEEK and basically no one is interested! ... so what can I do!!
It's annoying as Nic will become permanent once she returns to work, and is sorted! ... but me! ... still clutching at straws and only last week I was sudgesting I go back to blighty again and drive a cab for 2 - 3 months. Nic REALLY doesn't want this, and if the truth be known I don't either! ... but I'm just soooo fed up with scrimping and scraping to get by ... I didn't come here for this!!!
Sooooo, my current mission is to get my arms sorted out so I can do 15 press ups. This is part of the fitness test to get into the army, the rest I know I can pass. Currently I cannot do one as my right arm is basically 50% strong, and down to the bone damage, but hopefully once they're both sorted, and a bit of physio etc I'll be right!
Anyway, that's the current state of play.
Please wish me luck!
Nic is still in a cast after breaking her ankle. She's casual so it's been 3 weeks since any money came in from her ... feeling the pinch for once! ...
... and another 3 weeks to go! ... I'm still looking for alternative work, but not having much joy to be honest. I have a few leads, but leads that will prob be more suited to my dog!
Now a PR at last I'm gonna get my arms sorted out. I broke them both in 2003 and they've not grafted (welded together) and altho they've given me jip for years, with a PR case to be decided I've been too scared to have them sorted out here, but as I say now is the time! I'm off to have them x-rayed on Monday and know the news will be bad, they'll NEED to be grafted so it'll be time off work. Time I no doubt won't be able to afford! ... but GOTTA be done if my 'next mission' is gonna be overcomed! ...
Next mission?
Well, I'm currently goin nowhere here being unskilled so it's looking like joining the army is my / our best bet. I can do the equivalent of a 4 year apprenticeship in 2 years in the army. We'll get all kinds of benefits inc free healthcare & dentistry, and will gain citizenship after 3 months of joining, which isn't to be sniffed at!
My tie in will be 6 years, but once qualified (Electrician) I'll be on £55k which again, isn't to be sniffed at!
Locations?
Well I have to do 8 weeks on my own in NSW. They tell you NOT to move your family there as you're basically not allowed away from camp. After that, we all move to Victoria for 12 months, followed by 12 - 18 months back in NSW. Once qualified I can opt to be posted back in QLD, either Brissie or Townsville!
My daughter has made her life here on the Goldie and has already said she doesn't want to come. She's gonna obtain her real estate licence soon and is basically sorted. Got a long time boyfriend and only a matter of time before she leaves home anyway!
The boy has left school and working part time for Hungry Jacks, basically goin nowhere so he'll follow suite and do an apprenticeship in the army by the looks of things.
I've got friends and family telling me this seems sooooo extreme, but at the end of the day we're just struggling and there isn't many options for us. The TV will tell you that QLD is crying out for trades, and how they're offering incentives to get mature apprentices and all the rest, but when you actually start looking for a decent (Sparkie or Plumber) apprenticeship, well, they're just NOT out there! I've spent a good 2 weeks phoning, emailing, and all the rest all kinds of apprenticeship centre's, electrical contractors, and everyone who advertises on SEEK and basically no one is interested! ... so what can I do!!
It's annoying as Nic will become permanent once she returns to work, and is sorted! ... but me! ... still clutching at straws and only last week I was sudgesting I go back to blighty again and drive a cab for 2 - 3 months. Nic REALLY doesn't want this, and if the truth be known I don't either! ... but I'm just soooo fed up with scrimping and scraping to get by ... I didn't come here for this!!!
Sooooo, my current mission is to get my arms sorted out so I can do 15 press ups. This is part of the fitness test to get into the army, the rest I know I can pass. Currently I cannot do one as my right arm is basically 50% strong, and down to the bone damage, but hopefully once they're both sorted, and a bit of physio etc I'll be right!
Anyway, that's the current state of play.
Please wish me luck!
Trust me on this, war ain't fun.
May 24th 2008, 2:30 am
#29
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Hey paul , get your son back to do grade 12 , far more chance of any job with grade 12 , even in the trades, son did electrical apprentice, was hundreds of applicants, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.ie Avionics instead of sparky.
May 24th 2008, 3:05 am
#30
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,768
Re: Update - For the few that are interested.
Thanks for the wishes of luck ...
I know I know, but it's always there isn't it! With Nic off work for last 3 weeks and another 3 to go we're back in a financial mess so the trip may still be needed ...
I'm looking for all kinds of work again, but as I say nothing much goin on for me really ...
Yes will be around this weekend.
I'm told by a friend at work who's brother has done 30 years with the army here, that they don't send you anywhere if you're over 30! I obv have to check this out 100% but if a chance then it ends there I reckon, don't fancy any of that I'm afraid!!
Yeah Nic is ok with it all and might even enlist herself ... The lady at the army helpdesk said with her skills being in Admin there's a good chance she could find work with em too.
As to the arms, god only knows. I'll need bone taken from the back of my ass apparently ... ... to be used for grafting on me arms. I can't help but feel it won't be a quick recovery, so again another reason I'll prob have to go back to blighty to earn monies to get us thru!
Isn't it just!
I'm still not in the right frame of mind at the mo to be honest, but I have to wonder is it all REALLY worth it! I REALLY don't wanna be one of the whatever percent is it that fail here and go back, but can only bang my head on the wall for so long!
Yeah I'm searching for that 'lucky break' but searching isn't finding!! ...
Well as I say I'm told over 30's won't get sent anywhere, but it is only what I'm told. It's gotta come from some kind of authority or it's with a pinch of salt as we speak.
I don't think the police would take me, but couldn't do that job to be honest.
age 17 - 50 something, need to be a PR or citizen, and have grade 10 or equivilent. Fit and healty too! ...
I keep telling him this, but at the same time can't force him. Both the kids have left school without a qualification, yet both were doing VERY well in the UK and scheduled to get good grades!!
The Aussie school system is crap if you ask me, but another story. They'll do ok tho, they're not silly believe it or not.
Yeah no war for me. If a chance then as I say that's another plan that falls on it's face! ...
I'm looking for all kinds of work again, but as I say nothing much goin on for me really ...
Yes will be around this weekend.
Paul, I know how fed up you are with work, so as you say it's a way of sorting out the apprenticeship in super quick time, is Nic ok about the move? As you say sometimes you've just got to go for it
Also hope the arm business gets sorted, but it sounds a bit
how long with it take to recuperate form the op?
Also hope the arm business gets sorted, but it sounds a bit
how long with it take to recuperate form the op? The lady at the army helpdesk said with her skills being in Admin there's a good chance she could find work with em too.As to the arms, god only knows. I'll need bone taken from the back of my ass apparently ...
... to be used for grafting on me arms. I can't help but feel it won't be a quick recovery, so again another reason I'll prob have to go back to blighty to earn monies to get us thru!I'm still not in the right frame of mind at the mo to be honest, but I have to wonder is it all REALLY worth it! I REALLY don't wanna be one of the whatever percent is it that fail here and go back, but can only bang my head on the wall for so long!
Yeah I'm searching for that 'lucky break' but searching isn't finding!! ...
However, is there another branch of the armed forces that has a lower likelihood of deployment - ie. Navy or Air Force. What are the chances that you would get deployed to Afghanistan or so other place none of us want to be.
Would the police force be an option? I know it is not a trade, however it would be secure employment.
Would the police force be an option? I know it is not a trade, however it would be secure employment.
I don't think the police would take me, but couldn't do that job to be honest.
Hey paul , get your son back to do grade 12 , far more chance of any job with grade 12 , even in the trades, son did electrical apprentice, was hundreds of applicants, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.
, all the kids who got accepted had grade 12. 3 years in hes nearly finished ( will graduate early ) and is looking at 80k with all the overtime they do.The Aussie school system is crap if you ask me, but another story. They'll do ok tho, they're not silly believe it or not.