Engineer or Manager???

suesaville · 04-03-2008, 02:32 PM

Hey all,

This is my first post but so far have found all your messages very helpful.

I am looking at moving to Brisbane next year and am only just starting out with the TRA process, however, I have hit a bit of a dilemma.

I am a qualified Civil Engineer but since graduating in 2005, I have been working as a site engineer or project manager. If I apply as an Engineer, it is worth 60points but I do not think I have sufficient experience but if I apply as a Construction Manager, I only get 50points.

Does anybody know if project management would be considered as relevant work experience for a Civil Engineer? I just don't want to fall at the first hurdle.

Thanks

Sue x

Hannah · 04-03-2008, 03:26 PM

Hi Sue,
My husband is a Civil Engineer. What qualifications do you have? Do you have a degree or HNC? I doubt you need to go down the TRA process. Engineers Australia normally assess Civil Engineers?

All the best
Hannah

heieup · 04-03-2008, 07:34 PM

engineers australia will assess your degree qualification along with a basic CV only for your skills assessment, they're pretty quick and don't seem too fussy if your work experience is slightly different from your degree title (weren't with my OH's anyway)

For your recent work experience element of the visa app you only need to have experience in 'a' skilled occupation so it can be different from your degree cert as well. Only if you need the extra points for "specific skills experience" might it be a bit tricky. But on a 60 pointer you probably don't need these extra few points.

ptlabs · 05-03-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suesaville

Does anybody know if project management would be considered as relevant work experience for a Civil Engineer? I just don't want to fall at the first hurdle.

Sue,

It'll depend on your husband's exact work experience and qualifications. You will also have to consider your overall points total and craft a strategy based on that.

You may wish to consult a registered agent for more advice specific to your own situation, or have a look at the DIAC website at http://immi.gov.au/ and read the Skilled Migration Booklet.

Regards
Peter

suesaville · 05-03-2008, 09:27 AM

Thanks for your replies, I was starting to panic that although I had 60point qualifications, I only had experience in a 50point occupation.

I have BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree and in June this year I will have three years experience in Site Engineering and Project Management.

I have read a little more now about Engineers Australia and am going to send off the stuff for my assessment over the next week or so.

Hannah, has your OH had any issues with finding a job etc. Have you been using any specific agencies? I would ideally like to find a job before I get there, possibly with a view to getting sponsorship - just in case!

Oh, I'm so excited!!!!

Thanks again!

adey · 06-03-2008, 04:20 AM

My OH Adey is training to be an Engineer, he is a Senior Draughtsman by trade and we have been sponsored by GHD who are also in Brisbane. He is currently working for them as a Project Manager/Graduate Engineer and its a huge change of job for him but he seems to be enjoying the challenge (well most days). They sponsor a lot of people from abroad so if you want to come into Oz via a quick route you could try applying to them for a position and they will sponsor you on a 457 and once here you can then apply for permanent residency. All depends on your time scales and if you want the security of a permanent visa rather than a temporary visa. All his work colleagues have come in via the 457 and then applied for permanency within 6 months of being here.

Good luck with your application

Sarah

Edinburger · 06-03-2008, 04:30 AM

I assume your site experience is directly related to civils though? In which case put down civil engineer.

The engineering market in Oz is really good just now. We've got new folk starting every day at the moment and there are tonnes of engineering jobs advertised. Best of all is that you seem to get paid at least the same here as you do in the UK and in some cases get considerably more.

Drop me a PM if you want some specific info on the company I work for.