really scared!

[leedschick]

me and my family have just sent our visa application off. i am a plumber of 6 years other than work experience the only qualifacation i have is as an unvented hot water installer, i keep hearing so many different things about plumbing in oz i really have know idea what to do when we get there. can i just arrive and start looking for work? or do i have to get a licence? if so where from? and other than good reference and unvented qualifacation how do i prove i am what i say i am? i am really getting worried and would really appreciate any help thanks

[Ron & Chel]

Hi there clark family
Im a plumber in poole exp only have been doing it for last 14 years we r just waiting now for our visas but i can tell you that you can work for someone straight away but to work for yourself you need a licence so its off to collage and your unvented wont mean dicky s##t out there you have to start gain there plumbing is comp diff then here no soft solder they silver sold or braze hope that helps cheers Ron

[Dano]

Dear Clarkes, I'm on the coast and a qual'd uk plumber. I used to do alot of commercial/domestic solar thermal work as well as the usual new build, and yes its very different out here. You need to get a provisional lic from the qld plumbing board to work AT ALL as a plumber. If your caught plumbing without a lic you'll get a $600+ fine and anyway no one will give you a job without a prov at least. You then complete a similar work file to your lev 2. Then once thats completed you sit exams to go for an open lic. Not that far down the line myself yet so still feeling my way. I'm trying to get back into solar but even this is proving difficult. The bottom line is that its different, so when we (UK plumbers) arrive over here we're not up to speed so go to the back of the cue when jobs are going. Be prepared to get paid alot less and go in as a trainee again almost. Sorry if this sounds abit harsh but its the way it is. This is my experience only. I know others have posted similar on this site that i've read but you must make your own discisions. You can visit the qld plumbing board and download all the forms you need to get a prov lic before you get here so do that to get ahead. Good luck.

Dano

[The Baggo's]

OH not a plumber but we have found you need a lot more insurances, blue card etc etc!! in UK all OHs scaffold, material etc was supplied here you have to buy and supply your own so that was a bit expensive!