KevLeah

Hi Laura We are loving it here and are very happy with our choice of Newcastle. Ok, sooo....We were originally trying to get into Perth, WA but after two years of exams, assessments, waiting, moving goalposts and more waiting, we were informed WA had once again reduced their intake and processing times!! Our super agent then suggested we try a different state. After much research we settled on NSW and in particular, Newcastle. At the end of January 2016 we lodged EOI for NSW and TWO WEEKS later received our invitation to apply for state sponsorship, which we did. THREE WEEKS later we received our invitation to apply for the visa. We completed our medicals, police checks and dreaded Form 80 then submitted. Then on MAY 20th we received our visas!! We gave ourselves a couple of months to get ready then arrived September 1st. Its probably different for everyone but once we changed state, everything went smooth and fast! We chose Newcastle area as we didn't want to be big city types and it looked awesome. Newcastle is undergoing major regeneration in several areas so plenty of work for trades. I've finally managed to get full time work after three weeks, its very laid back here! Stay strong, save up and research.

Yes, has helped us settle in nicely. We were living in Kettering, Northants before we left

I don't mind graft mate, was working 7/7 back home for petty much last year! Got White Card as soon as we got here. I sold off all my tools before coming out, easier to carry money than wait for shipping! I've already bought a bunch of basic starter gear for the casual work. These past two weeks are the longest I've spent without work in a long time and I'm itching to get out! Anything good for a very inquisitive two year old?? We have some english friends here already and going boating next week!

Hey swallow, thanks! We love it here, bit rainy today but didn't stop us exploring Blackbutt Reserve! I have been chasing up leads and even wrangled a good interview for a potential great job just by rocking up to the place. Haven't heard of Trojan till now so will give them a look. Im thinking i really need a position that has a little training involved as my previous experience was very specific to the business. Its very laid back here and thats taking some getting used too!

HI Myself, my partner and our 2yr old daughter arrived in Newcastle on September 1st on 190 visa and after spending first two weeks sorting accomodation, cars, furniture etc. and having a lovely time looking around our new home, its time to get back to work! I spent the last six years in the UK working as a Carpenter building bespoke, modular garden offices/granny annexes and have a level III Carpentry qualification. I have applied for several positions and have contacted similar local businesses enquiring about potential employment but as yet have only managed to get a few replies and couple days casual work. Most of the carpentry jobs seem to be, on paper at least, out of my skill/experience range. So i'm putting the feelers out there on the chance someone out there would give me a start.... Would consider training/assistant roles to get foot in door. Have detailed resume and references, white card, clean licence and basic tools for now. Any advice for a hard working brit would be much appreciated. Thanks Kevin