Briggs0102

Thanks dmjg, I'll have a look into SES.

Hi All Just thought I'd try here as I'm not having much luck else where, I'm currently living in Melbourne, moved here on my own a few months ago. I'm living in a decent place with a roommate, got a good job and doing ok. I don't really know how to go about spending my weekends / free time however. I'm looking to enjoy my hobbies more, can anyone recommend any groups / events for any of the following - I've looked a lot on meetup but finding it hard to find my interests: Football / Soccer - I'm already playing 3-4 days a a week here, however I'd love to get involved in something else. Table tennis / pool tables - I'm pretty rubbish at these sports, but love to play - everything I've searched online is either serious groups or tables to play with friends - I'd like to join a group of easy going people who just want to shoot some pool and have a laugh. Nightlife / Gigs - I'm not much of a nightclub man but I really enjoy pubs & bars especially with music, has anyone got any recommendations, especially places where I won't look like a bit of a weirdo going on my own. Cooking / Nutrition - One of my newer hobbies, I really want to learn more but not sure where to look / go? Anything new! - I love learning new things, any recommendations? Thanks all in advanced. Briggs

Thanks Jessica, I don't think it's unfair for me to say I'm good at my job (I mean that in a confident, not an arrogant way!). IT is a funny World, as it's very hard to grasp if somebody really knows what they are doing in an IT interview, plus it's very easy to 'lie' your way through an IT interview. Meaning a company can go through a number of people in short term spending quite a lot of bucks. Some IT pros also are very good at IT, but don't have great people skills, where as my people skills in general are pretty good (At least for an IT pro! lol) Yes I am over here on a working holiday, so I can still work here legally for another 5 months, which fingers crossed would be enough time for the permanent visa to process (providing it get's accepted!)

He's willing to wait yes, the kind is 'Kind of' of the job list. The job I'm actually doing I'd say very fairly meets the requirements, however the Job title 'IT Team Leader' isn't a job title. I guess it can become a bit complicated.

I've been working in IT for about 7-8 years now, doing a range of System Admin / Support / Networking / so on. My CCNA/CCNA:Security & experience certainly helped me get the interview. I was hired the day of the interview and started the next day! I'm working as a 'IT Team Leader' so inbetween Manager & Helpdesk, supporting servers, network infrastructure, backups as well as day to day support. Normal SA work. The only thing I don't do is SQL as I know very little, and I don't do any programming.

Just for anyone looking for work in Melbourne. I did manage to get a job on a 3 month contract so it's not impossible. It took me 6-8 weeks to get something however. I've been doing it for four weeks and it looks like it's time to get back on the phone to the agencies, as the next 2 months will fly by!

Hi All I've spoken with my company who I'm working for on a 3 month contract, they have made the position perm & would like me to stay full time, however as it's a council job they do not offer sponsorship. What can I do in order to allow myself to work full time? Can I apply for the 189/190 in order to allow myself to work full time in this role? by the way I'm an IT professional Thank you Briggsy

So it looks like my Cisco certifications count for nothing - A little disappointing considering every Microsoft cert counts (according to ACS). It looks as if my Advanced diploma will get me through though.... just need to lodge for the ACS now. It appears if that is successful, then it will give me 10 points towards my visa. I'm about 50/50 if it will be successful, so it's a risky 500 bucks!

This is excellent, thank you everyone. I phoned up ACS but they didn't seem to know much about certifications and told me that couldn't give me any advice regarding the visa points system. I'm not sure this is 100% correct though, I was possible through to the wrong department. I haven't done my skills assessment just yet, as I'm preparing for the English exam first. I understand that the ACS is a requirement for the 189 but not that 190, is that correct? Just to confirm, yes I am working in the IT (ICT/ IT&T) field. Thanks again everyone.

Good to know, thank you!

Hi Guys, just wondering for a quick bit of advice. Has anybody taken the PTE-A practice exams online? if so can they say how the online skills marking system compares to real life, I scored: Listening 78 Reading 64 Speaking 75 Writing 68 I need to get 20 points for my visa, is the marking online accurate? Not dispute my score, just want to know where I stand

I'm thinking of lodging the 189/190 visa application but I have no idea if my certifications give me any points for the visa. So far I have: 30 points for me age 10 points for my work experience As it stands I would need another 20 which I can gain from the English exam. Does anyone know if I can gain any points from the following certifications: Cisco CCENT Cisco CCNA Cisco CCNA:Security BTEC IT Diploma in Networking (College level Diploma, level in between High School & University) If I can make up another 10 points some where, it makes the English exam a bit easier! Thanks a lot in advance!

What visa are you looking at? I'd say the programming/software is a bit better then the helpdesk/networking that I'm looking into, but I'd say that's the case in most places. Seems to be a fair few applications support roles too. Take a quick look at gumtree / seek to get an idea.

Just a bit from me, I was advise to make sure you have a good few months rent before you come over so you don't have to wait. I'd also say that recruiters are not as good over here as the UK, maybe it's just because the working culture over here is just a bit more relaxed. You will probably find yourself night after night applying on these website: seek, adzuna & careerone. The most important thing is just be patient and don't worry. I'm on a working holiday visa so it's even more difficult for me. If you have a permanent visa things should be a little easier. You're likely looking at a lower starting salary as well, as people seem to like Australian work experience, don't be surprised if you're looking as low as $28 (about £14) an hour for your first role of 6 months - 1 year. After that you will be in a stronger position. Don't take all this as gospel, just my 2 cents. Cheers, Briggs!

I'm thinking of lodging the 189 visa application but I have no idea if my certifications give me any points for the visa. So far I have: 30 points for me age 10 points for my work experience As it stands I would need another 20 which I can gain from the English exam. Does anyone know if I can gain any points from the following certifications: Cisco CCENT Cisco CCNA Cisco CCNA:Security BTEC IT Diploma in Networking (College level Diploma, level in between High School & University) If I can make up another 10 points some where, it makes the English exam a bit easier!