Hi, I am a qualified chef, with just over 6 years work experience. I am 29, so I think I stand a good chance of getting a visa, even if I only pass as a cook I want to try and apply without using an agent. I was wondering if any one would be kind enough to show me what the TRA are looking for when it come to the application. At the moment I work as a Coffee Shop Supervisor, which I know isn't on the list, so probably doesn't count, so do I still need to get a reference from them??? Also the company I worked for previously no longer exists, but I am in contact with them for a reference, so do I need them to do a reference, or declaration? Any help would be great, I would also enjoy the chance to make friends, share experiences with you all. Thanks Jo

Hi Jo
I too am preparing for TRA assessment so I know where you are coming from. Its very confusing isnt it? I have been a cook/chef for over 20 years now and it sounds like i gotta go all the way back for references
Maybe we can share the highs and lows as we go along.

For chefs they're looking for 9yrs experience, but as a cook I'm not so sure and also how qualified are you?. I would recommend talking to an agent, try Alan Collet - www.gomatilda.com, he was ours and did a sterling job, remember it's expensive to screw the app up!

Ok for the TRA you've got to write the equivalent of a full working history, I included my first job as a kitchen hand when i was 13, if you can show any relevant learning experience even from a job like that it counts. You've got to list your responsibilities, specific skills gained in particular job, equipment you used, explain various training procedures and show also how you implemented and used the skills you attained. Include your full syllabus for every training course you've ever attended so they can see what you've learnt. As far as references go, I got what I could, got a letter from one company confirming my appointment 15 years ago even though they do not still have the staff records, did statutory declarations for employers no longer in business and got other references where I could. Oh, and remember this all has to certified by a qualified person as well, solicitor, JOP, copper etc

Hope this helps

Dave

My husband is a chef and we are also at the TRA stage of the application. Our Skills Assessor has divided his work experience (20 years) into catagories - trainee chef, etc. etc. Here's the problem - in the trainee years he had 3 jobs, the first reference is very basic as he was only out of school, the 2nd more detailed. We are stuck on the 3rd as it's pretty much he same as the 2nd. Did anyone else find this? we are writing these referneces ourselves then having the employer print it onto headed paper and sign. Any help will be very much appreciated.

thank you, Lynn

Hi Lynne
Yes i have found that much of my work experience is repetative - guess thats the joys of cooking LOL
I havent lodged my TRA yet though so cant tell you whether i got it right or wrong as of yet - though my agent seems happy with what ive got back.
Have you got an agent?
Mandy

hi mandy,

we are using australian visa specialists based in kildare,just outside dublin. we are now in contact with glenn newton who is the skills assessor in australia. its all very confusing, dont know which way to turn
Paul and I are going to sit down tonight and try to get more done or else we'll still be sitting here this time 3 years!!!!!! We plan on moving to the gold Coast, how about you?

Lynn

hi sam di d u get the answer . if u r eligible 4 commis chef as chef with tra . pls tell me
i m also a chef with 3 years diploma in hotel management but experience of 5 years 2yrs and six monts as commis and 2 yrs and six months as cdp. am i eligible , can any onne ans me ,,,, pls help

I should clarify Lynn's post. I am not the official skill assessor for migration. I am a registered migration agent who specialises in assisting other agents (in this regard I work closely with Australian Visa Specialists) and individual clients with their applications for skill assessment to the official assessing bodies - which for Chef is TRA. I have 20+ years experience in vocational training and assessment policy in Australia, and was the Director of TRA over the 1990s so I have a good handle on how it all works :-) The TRA Cook/Chef thing is quite complex, but in a nutshell for migration purposes Cook=Commis=hands-on cooking role, and Chef=Chef de Partie up to Executive Chef=hands-on cooking plus administrative/supervisory role (superior cuisine skills is not a factor) and one must meet TRA's requirements for classification as a Cook as a prerequisite to then being considered against its requirements for Chef.

HI JO IM A CITY GUILDS CHEF 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE I STILL HAD TO DO A DIARY FOR THE TRA, GET REFERENCES GOING BACK 10 YEARS,I WROTE THEM AND GOT THE VARIOUS PEOPLE TO SIGN THEM,MY FIRT APPLICATION WAS REJECTED NOT ENOUGH EDIVENCE,SO AS DETAILED AS YOU CAN,FROM WHEN YOU STARTED TO PRESENT DAY TASKS,VERY MUCH AS DAVE SAYS,PM ME IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE ,CAROLINE. P.S GOT VISA IN SEPTEMBER,AS A COOK!