Hi Twinmummy
For sure do the IELTS, I'm currently going through my Vetassess as a carpenter and needed to do it for the extra points. I managed to get all 8's to gain the 20 points.
It not easy and i def suggest doing this part first as its the cheapest and without it your going nowhere.
Make sure he does some revision first, they send your free online materials and with 3 days revision i passed and I'm no scholar!
Good Luck