Hi charliebhoy
I flew out to perth Just over 2 years ago, I had exactly the same problem as you! i got my tradespersons licence unfortunately i didnt have my uk gas qualification at the time and didnt feel confident enough to take the aussie one (as a lot of the plumbing jobs also specified gas licence) but i had years of uk plumbing experience so applied to LOADS of plumbing companies but all came back with the same thing...."how many years WA experience have you got?" my reply "none"....theirs..."cant help you mate!"
Unfortunately i didnt have a partner, so couldnt afford to stay unless i took some crappy labourer or factory job, which for some is an honest living but im a qualified plumber and couldnt/didnt want to go backwards in my career as im not getting any younger. I applied for jobs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but they all came back with the same answer. I do understand that times are hard and the aussies are just employing their own which is right in my opinion, But instead of telling us we are in so much demand maybe they could tell us the truth!
I have been back in the UK for a year now, have just passed my gas exams and have been working since i came back but really want to return before my residency expires in 2014, but only if the plumbing job market improves drastically in our favour! Judging by your post it doesnt look like this is gonna happen anytime soon.....do you think or is it being suggested that this will change soon??
any info/input be greatly appreciated, hope your still enjoying the place tho and not getting to hot and covered in flies like i was in perth! :biggrin:
cheers
chris