First of all I have trawled through a lot of the threads and the stickies and can't see a response suitable to my situation, so I'm hopeful that a few of you guys with more knowledge may be able to help me.
I have recently moved to Perth and been here for just over 3 weeks. I now have a sales job which, whilst not counting my chickens before they hatch, should enable me to earn quite good money for up to 6 months. I am on a working holiday visa and as I am 31 and about to turn 32 I will not be able to do regional work to get my extension (too old).
I want to make a life out here and stay for as long as possible, many reasons but weather, lifestyle, wages, friendliness of the locals, wildlife etc etc. What would be the best ways to try and get either an extension to my visa,or more likely a change to my visa class or sponsorship to stay out here.
I have no trade, and my recent jobs have been as a senior administrator for an Aerospace company and a private investment bank as well as 6+ years of sales experience. Administrators out here
amongst the Australian population are numerous so this is obviously not an avenue that I can pursue. I did complete two years of my degree but not the final year and have a certificate stating that I have 120 credits out of 180, which I presume will be as good as useless. I have an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Use and Support of IT.
What I'm asking really is what is the best way to go ahead. Try and find an area with shortages, do the training and get the tickets so that I can work in that field and hope to get sponsored? Or is there another way that I can extend or change my visa type? I am asking now because I still have 11 months to work towards something and I want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction for that time, or if I'm spending money on retraining that I am not wasting time and money in the wrong areas. Any help or advice you can offer would be appreciated.