Stevenson

Yeah. The trade recognition exam is just a cash cow. Then the VBA will also get more money out of you by making you do the rego exams. They did give me mostly rego and just a few thing provisional.

I am not on Pomsinoz that much these days, so if you ever want any info on the plumbing regs and exams the just PM me and i will try help where i can.

Hi mate. The interview isn't that bad. Take in as much evidence of previous experience as possible, as well as references. They will most likely only give you some registration and provisional registration. But thats enough to get you started, then you need to go to tafe for the rest.

As i said take as much proof of previous work experience, certificates, anything. They won't look at half of it, but it looks better and they give more.

Hello,

Hopefully completing my VETASSESS next week and was wondering am I to expect an further training to work as a plumber in Oz? I'm hearing you need a licence? I am gas safe here and I know it will prob' mean bugger all out there but would like to continue as a gas fitter. Can anyone give me a heads up on what to expect please? cheers!!

Hi mate, I don't know how far on you have got and what you have found out, but for me I called the PIC the day I arrived in Melbourne as you need to arrange a interview so they can give you the correct qualifications, bring everything you can to prove how much plumbing experience you have as they really don't care about Vetassess.

When I arrived I was given a provisional registration for most classes in plumbing (classes are water, gasfitting, drainage, roof/stormwater, sanitary and mechanical services), I was only given full registration in sanitary and mechanical services with my UK experience. I have heard of some people getting full registration (apart from roofing) when they arrived.

I then had to do a 2 night plumbing course to get up to scratch with aussie plumbing (longer courses are around, but cost a lot more money), I then sat gas, water and drainage tests to be come fully registered (apart from roofing).

From there I have now become licensed in gas fitting, I will let you know the PIC do not work fast so this has taken me 18 months.

The minimum you need is registration, as provisional reg is just like being an apprentice and this makes getting a job very hard.

The registration tests are practical and theory so vary between 1 to 2 days per exam (e.g. gas or water, drainage and so on).

The license test for gas was actually quite easy (with a bit of study) as its is all multiple choice and a lot of the regulations are the same as the UK.

Hope this helps, any questions the just PM me and I will try and help.