Builders without qualifications

Lancashire Lass · 22-03-2008, 11:57 PM

My OH is a self employed builder, he mainly does roofing but has done all sorts over the years, bricklaying, plastering etc etc the sort of stuff you expect from a general builder. He has 10 years of accounts and can provide paper evidence of his customers, materials used, advertising etc. Trouble is.....he has never been through any apprenticeship and he has never been through any sort of qualifications for his trade. Has anyone else managed to get their skills passed without qualifications????

From what I understand....if he applies as a roofer he will go through the TRA and it will be assessed just from the paperwork he submits...so no tests, exams etc, but if he applies as a Brickie he will have the fuller assessment under VETASSESS.

Are there any other "multi-skilled" builders with no qualifications who can share their experience with us? Many thanks!!

I think we may have to hire a migrant agent just to help us through this first hurdle. If anyone can recommend a good one I'd be really greatful.

gail39 · 23-03-2008, 12:04 AM

hi lancashire lass
We were in the same boat as you when we applied,my hubbie a general builder,and we came in on his drainer skills....we are now here on the Gold coast,and enjoying it,my OH doing maintenance work.We used a agent from Perth in WA and he was great,and really helpful,if youd like to pm me you can...hope this helps a bit gail

hazel and dave · 24-03-2008, 06:08 PM

Hi,
My chap was the same - we just picked the trade he had most experience for and got the world and his wife to write supporting references and testemonials about how marvellous he was and how fabulous the quality of his work is. We used Go Matilda and the chap who guided us through the process (Shaun I think) was brilliant. He proof read about a squillion drafts and didn't moan once about my daft questions. Good Luck

hazel and dave · 24-03-2008, 06:09 PM

Oh, and it was successful (took only 5 days once lodged) and we are flying out in 9 months and 25 days... not that I'm wishing my life away or anything!

Lancashire Lass · 24-03-2008, 06:30 PM

Hazel, thank you so much. That is really encouraging. If we contacted Go Matilda would we just be given any agent or could we ask for Shaun?

Alan Collett · 25-03-2008, 12:58 AM

I'm afraid Shaun doesn't work for us any more, and hasn't since last July.

Stephen Dickson now handles our trade skills assessments - you are welcome to complete the details here Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia - Contact and Feedback and in the Comments section to ask that Stephen contacts you.

Alternatively you can reach Stephen on Melbourne number 00 61 3 9935 2929. A call after 10pm UK time is usually best (9am the following day here in Australia) - at least until the clocks change in a week or so when a call first thing in the morning UK time is best.

Best regards.

Lancashire Lass · 25-03-2008, 07:37 AM

Thanks for the info Alan.

Roofer · 29-03-2008, 07:47 PM

Hi
From what i have read and been told you can no longer go through the TRA process if you have not spent 900 hrs at collage and have an NVQ level 2 or eqiv ( no pathway D )
Unless you know somthing i don't !!!

Goodluck anyway

Steve

Lancashire Lass · 29-03-2008, 08:07 PM

Hi Roofer......yeah I think you are right. We hadn't realised that the rules changed on TRA in September last year. Have you already got an NVQ2 in Roofing then? Have you done that for the immigration process or did you already have it?? Where did you get the info about 900 hours at college from?

Mandy

Roofer · 29-03-2008, 09:01 PM

Hi
Yes ! I did my course when i was 18 , a two year block release and 6 years on the job training.
Have a look on GoMatilda and look on the news section it tells you the basic requirments.

Steve.