Colelondon

I am really glad I found this thread, I find myself in something of the same boat. I do not have a degree only some qualifications that are equivalent to a HND. I do have some certifications and recognised qualifications in Project Management (Prince 2) and ITIL v3. I have 20 years experience in IT 12 of which are in investment banking (Support Roles, Senior Support Roles and Project Management). I am hoping to come to Australia (Melbourne) permanently in 15 months or so. I have had a successful career in the UK and wondered how much would experience count in obtaining a job and I want to update my certifications, what technical certifications would be of benefit in terms of skills assesment and also what is in demand? In terms of other training I could gain further qualifications in Project and process management. What would be recognised and of value ? I am self employed at the moment and the cost of training and time away from my contract means that I don't have a vast amount of funding for additional training, but as this is investing in my future I want to ensure that I am not wasting my time on a qualification that serves no practical purpose. Any websites for agencies and other resources would be appreciated. Finding an employer to sponsor me would be great... I would like to establish a permanent role and career in Australia.

This is my first post on here, I have been reading for a few weeks so would value any opinions of others. My partner and I have been in a relationship for just over 2 years. We have planned our UK Civil Partnership for August of this year. My Partner is Australian with both UK and Australian Passports. I am a British Citizen with a UK passport. Ideally I want to go to Australia (Melbourne) with him when his contract in the UK finishes in June / July 2013. I need to apply for the relevant visa. Having read the requirements for the visa we need to prove that we have been in a de-facto relationship for 12 months at the time of application, with supporting documents. Here's the rub, we are committed to each other totally but do not live together as property in the UK takes some time to sell and we live some 60 miles apart. We don't at present have joint bank accounts, or bills that have both our names on them. Utility companies generally only send to one addressee anyway. We have some photographs of places we have been, but at present that's about it. Is there anyway around this ? Would the fact that we have a civil partnership for nearly a year before we would like to go to Austrailia count ? Wills etc have been made in preparation for the civil partnership so inheritance etc is dealt with (surely this would count in some way to prove a committed de-facto relationship). If we have to wait for the 1 year period with documentary proof, living together - bills and bank accounts etc, before we apply it would appear that we would not be able to go to Australia until the end of 2013 at the earliest. This represents problems in terms of work for my partner in the UK and we are going to be closer to his parents who are now elderly and infirm. Would anyone recommend using a migration agent, rather than trying to go through this process somewhat blind ? Any advice that can be given would be greatfully recieved... Thanks for reading.