Hey mate. Sorry for the late reply.
Basically I applied for and got the Graduation Visa when I finished the Carpentry Course.
I also did the Work Ready Program with Trades Recognition Australia, which, upon completion, you are trade recognised and it is waaaay easier to get a job in your trade with this qualification. It also adds massive weight in applying for PR.
The only thing is, it costs money.
There are stages to undertake through the process.
The main one is filling out monthly journals of tasks you've completed. Then every quarter you need to print off your journals summary, copies of evidence of being paid in the Occupation you've nominated (bank statements) all of which needs to be signed by your Supervisor.
The main cost is the Workplace Assessment which is $2000. This is when an Assessor visits your workplace and sees what you do, has a chat to you and your supervisor. He then sends the report to the TRA and this then unlocks the next stage, which is the Completion of the required amount of hours in the 12 months the TRA Program goes for - off the top of my head, I think you need to have worked a minimum of 1548 hours in the 12 months.
Once you've satisfied this, you then pay the $200 or so to get your certificate.
Then, you use this to apply for PR.
I didn't end up going this route, as the company I worked for (a decking company) couldn't find me enough work to satisfy the requirements of the TRA Program.
I know this is heaps of info to take in, and understand, but I hope it brings some clarity to you and answers some questions/queries you may have.
Bestest of luck mate.
Dom
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