dangiles

Hi Richard It was quite a relaxed chat for about an hour. I was asked about my experience, type of builds I have completed, etc. There was a question on building arches, bonding and setting out. I was also asked about laying paving slabs and cobbles. I just described a job I had done recently with granit setts. The assessor was easy to talk to. There was a little delay with Skype sometimes so had to ask to repeat couple of questions. I was a little nervous prior to the assessment but there really isn't anything to worry about. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Thank you every one for your opinions, be it positive or negative about migrating to Australia. I think we probably are a little crazy for wanting to. We both have good jobs, a lovely house (with a mortgage we can afford), nice car, holidays, etc, etc. lots of family and friends around us. But there is still the feeling we would be happier in Australia. We will never know unless we try. My wife works for a company that has an office in Melbourne, there may be an opportunity for a transfer next year as they will be launching a project that she heads up in the UK. It would give us a lot more security, not to mention the possible relocation package.

We have not made the decision to move just to give our son a better life. My wife and I traveled along the east coast in 2008 and have wanted to live there ever since. But things have changed since our son came along. We thought we really wanted it still so started the visa process, IELTS, VETASSESS, and now submitting EOI. We are really questioning if it is the right thing to do now. Especially before we pay the £3000 od for the visa then change our mind. Our son is the most important thing for us now and his happiness has to come first. I don't know, maybe everyone goes through this

I would love to hear views from parents that have taken children to oz. I have always thought bringing my son up in Australia would give him a better life, climate, outdoor, healthier lifestyle, etc. Do you find this to be true? And what about the sacrifice of taking them away from family? We made the decision to move about a year ago when my son was 1. Obviously we thought about it but we didn't quite realise the bond he would have with them. He loves playing with his cousins, aunt and uncles, nanny, etc. It would be a real shame if he started to forget who they are. I know we can keep in touch with people over Skype, etc but it will never be the same. We have just submitted our EOI. I think this is why we are starting to question whether we are doing the right thing, being a step closer to getting the visa. Any views and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan

Hi. I have my technical interview next Monday, 16th Feb. Would be great if anyone has any advice or tips for it? I'm a bricklayer so would love to hear from any other brickes that have done it. Thanks Dan

Hi Allie. Really sorry to hear about your negative result. My paperwork is with Vetassess at the moment. Sounds a bit silly now, but I thought if we are paying visa agents to submit the evidence for us it would be of a standard to get a pass. I'm a little worried now. Hopefully it is something simple you need to get the pass.

Hi My agents have submitted the paper part of my skills recognition to Vetasses. Does anyone know roughly how long it will take to get a result? It is for bricklayer if it helps. Thanks Dan

Thanks for your opinions. I have decided to do the IELTS. Although I don't necessarily need the points or the pass right now I may need them further along the line, as pointed out. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine with the speaking, reading and listening, it's just the writing I might struggle with as I've hardly put pen to paper since leaving college. I've been looking at the study books, there are a few to choose from. Anyone have any recommendations? I'll study hard for a few months and do the test in January. Thanks again all of you for your comments Dan

Hi As this is my first post I'll just take a minute to introduce myself. I'm Dan, a 31 year old bricklayer from Essex. I am married to Holly, 28, and we have a handsome little boy of 7 months called Miller. We have been talking about moving to oz for years now, since travelling the east coast in 2006. We have decided on heading to Perth as we have family there and it seems to be the place to be for brickies(obviously the weather and beautiful beaches aswell). We are going to start the process in the new year, starting with vetassess. We will be applying for a 190 visa. I have a total of 60 points. Now here the question finally comes: Should I do the IELTS test to gain more points? Would it make it easier or faster for our application to go through? Or is 60 points fine and I'm worrying about nothing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks Dan