The Smith Clan

On 19/12/2018 at 22:26, Marisawright said:

I think your best approach would be to write/email/phone possible employers first.  Government departments are limited in what they're allowed to do (just like in the UK).  If a department has approval to hire from overseas, then they're likely to consider an application from you while  you're still in the UK.  If they don't have approval to hire from overseas, then turning up on their doorstep won't help. 

Thanks for your reply, I am going to make a start at the same time continue with our application via agent.  Its taking so long, still awaiting outcome for my social work qualifications from AASW (submitted in Feb 18)

On 19/12/2018 at 17:10, VERYSTORMY said:

From what i have seen, when a state is considering sponsoring, they are happy to do it remotely. However, they normally only sponsor on a temp visa. 

Thanks for your reply. 

On 24/12/2018 at 13:56, Richard Gregan said:

Yes, it can take 32 weeks in some cases!

They now assess via seasonal assessment rounds, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter rounds.

 

Regards,

Richard

Thanks for your reply, It is such a long time.  

On 22/12/2018 at 03:36, kmrg said:

That seems unusual, mine took 12 weeks. Have you tried to call and check up on why there is a delay? 

I've emailed them and awaiting reply.  Are you still going through visa process?  Be good to connect with other social workers.

Thanks, not heard of that before.  its almost a year since my AASW application was submitted, seems such a long process.

I am thinking of travelling to Oz in 2019 looking for a sponsored state position in social work, will i be wasting my time?  

Applied to AASW for my social work degree in February this year and still nothing.  Agency say they do they in set months but this is taking far longer than expected.  Anyone else wait this long?

Thank you all I will keep you posted in my outcome

2 hours ago, Yelverton said:

We spent our last holiday relocating campervans - we did one from Adelaide to Sydney and the another from Brisbane to Sydney. It costs $5 per day and they also give you a fuel allowance which covered approx half our fuel costs. The only downside is you have a limited time to relocate the van but it suited us fine. We stayed at rest areas or in cheap campsites and had really good quality Maui campervans which slept 6 (there were only 4 of us) and had a fantastic holiday. You can sign up for a daily email alert to let you know where the vans need to be relocated

https://www.drivenow.com.au/onewayrentals.jspc#/relocations/AU

Thank you since we are flexible on where we travel this could work well i have registered and will see what comes up.  What a very savvy way of traveling.  

13 hours ago, Jojoe said:

I've  never done a road trip personally but have family that have . Kmart do some cheap camp cookers and small canisters ,-and lots of other cheap accessories  which you could get on arrival, we've had family done a trip in a Rv and wished they'd they'd hired a car and tent instead as the Rv caused so many restrictions for parking and added to the cost on site . . They did road trip from Sydney to Cairns July time . We go camping all year round with tent and basic facilities in the Gold Coast and NZW  , if your tent is snake proof and sun proof then bring it if not look on anaconda orBCF websites as you can get some great deals out of season  if not Kmart do tents also . The set up for basic camping can be done quite cheaply over here . We are on Gold Coast so if you need a hand with a loan of camping facilities or a tent when your arrive  just  pm me 

Thank you soo much.  We last came mid aug to sept and weather was only starting to get hot at very end of our trip.  Our children are off school across aug so this is the best time for us and cheaper on flights we last got flights for 450 each after weeks of searching and deleting our cookies after searches.  I always believe anything is possible if you want to do it.  We have even wild camped with the kids and kids are very adaptable and just get on with it and knowing them would love this opportunity, they absolutely loved OZ.  Thanks for the advice on snake and sun proof and to Marisawright as this is useful to know what we need to get.  

On 31/08/2018 at 23:41, Marisawright said:

Of course people go camping in Australia all the time.  Personally, I don't think it's as comfortable as camping in Europe.  For one thing, the creepy-crawlies and snakes are more numerous (and more dangerous) here, so you need to be certain you've got a tent with a good seal!   Then of course there's the heat, depending what time of year you go - but you could have a fabulous camping holiday in winter in Queensland, for instance. 

In summer, the problem is that you often can't pitch your tent in the shade.  The first time we went camping here, we wondered why everyone was laughing as we pitched our tent. Eventually, a kind person walked over to us and advised us to move, because the eucalyptus trees drop their branches without warning (and I mean BIG branches, not little twigs), so it's dangerous to camp under them.

Having said all that, I think you're mad. If you get your visa, you'll have the rest of your lives to camp all over Australia.  Once you're settled in Australia, you'll be able to use your own camping gear and car - you might even buy your own campervan.    Why spend a fortune to do it now?  

In your shoes, I'd be using my holidays to visit other places in the UK and Europe which will be much more expensive to revisit once you're in Australia.   And I'd be doing it on a tight budget because I know how much it costs to migrate and I'd be trying to build up my pot of savings.  Have you done a budget for your move?

Lol my hubby thinks i am mad too, but once we get visas we need to activate them.  I have gone very savvy with trips and we have been away loads but mostly in the campervan To France and across UK and this for me is the most savvy way to go.  We are going through costs and have a rough idea, we wont be moving immediately as we have a few things to tie up and want to be financially free before we come out.    

On 31/08/2018 at 19:40, The Pom Queen said:

Hi @The Smith Clan your largest expense will be fuel and car hire unless you buy. 

‘In regards to camping you would have to travel to areas according to the climate for that time of year. For example, you wouldn’t want to be in Cairns or Darwin from November until May, but Melbourne/Adelaide would be fine then. However, in a tent you would probably really struggle with the heat. You could look at doing the one way camper van rentals. Some start at $1 a day for hire and provide free fuel. Each day the locations change and the offers but it’s worth keeping an eye on. https://imoova.com/imoova/relocations one thing to remember is they do take a huge deposit off you.

You also find the campervan hire companies sell off their ex rentals. You can find plenty of free campsites around. 

Thanks,

My husband said the heat would be too much in a tent but the only time we were in motorhome was to travel and sleep.  I will have a look at that site but i guess its luck to what they have if we went.  We paid close to £3000 for motor home hire over 3 weeks i cant imagine will be same for car but hubby thinks will be high.  He is slowly coming around and mentioned hiring a trailer tent (if this is possible)  I'm determined lol

We had the most amazing 3 weeks travelling the East coast in 2016 hiring a campervan.  We did some amazing excursions and visited some amazing places.  My heart is in Oz and currently going through the visa process.  However, could not afford another trip of a lifetime like that.

We are a camping family and have a camper in UK and recently went to France.  Is it even possible (feeling excited) that we could get flights bring a tent hire a car and do another road trip.  Has anyone else tried this?  This would be an amazing opportunity to visit on a budget.  

I am thinking we could purchase a camping cooker and other items we need on arrival.  

Dreaming of being back at Byron bay and visiting Fraser Island.

Any advice or anything i've not considered?

Thank you in advance 

Maria

2 hours ago, JetBlast said:

You might find these PTE resources useful

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxSAhiEs5XzvX3lNSnRxc3NWcU0?usp=sharing

 

Also use this structure for the essay. It might help you. The essays are always about giving opinions. You can give 2 different sides or just 1 in the main body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_-u0fHQetQ

Many thanks

2 hours ago, Lavers said:

Hi Maria

I've got my ielts in 2 weeks having failed my speaking by 0.5 Mark getting 8s and above in my other subjects.

I looked at doing the PTE test but it seems more trickier to me so going to have another pop at ielts.

Before you book have a look at some sample questions for PTE and see what you think.

 

Good luck 

Thanks, yes i have started looking on their site

Best wishes

1 hour ago, Ashleightaylor said:

My partner done PTE last month, booked again for September. Missed out on Superior English by 1 poxy point!
He said that the ear plugs they provide help to block some of the background noise out
We didn’t buy any books, but from what my partner says, the scored practice tests were very helpful.
Good luck to you The Smith Clan!

Best wishes also for the test.

I prefer the test on a computer as it feels less of a formal exam if that makes sense.

1 hour ago, JetBlast said:

What part of the PTE did you struggle with?

I failed on the reading got 6.5 on IELTS.  Not done the PTE before.  My overall score was 8 on IELTS.

Hi,

Looking to book the PTE test for SEPT/OCT time and need some books to study.

Also have you previously done IELTS and went on to do PTE, I know the main difference (computer based) but are the questions similar, any help appreciated, just failed my IELTS.

Thanks in advance.

Currently awaiting my AASW application and hope to apply for EOI before November, if I can get a pass.

Maria

I am looking for advice on maximising my chances to  secure work in Australia.  

I have experience in older adults and LD's.  

I was wondering if I needed to consider other areas like child services to up my chances, I see many CP jobs but not many adults.

Thanks in advance

Maria

I spoke with agent today re social work and most are not getting looked at, at 60 points so you are in a good place with 75.  I should just scrap 65 without state sponsorship.

Thanks both, I spoke to my agent today and they confirmed I will be ok for skills assessment but will need for points.  At least that speeds my submission of skill assessment application. 

I am studying for IELTS and came across this 

The AASW may grant an exemption from the requirements where the applicant provides evidence that they: • Completed all secondary education, that was taught and assessed in English, in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America, AND; • Successfully completed (with a pass grade or higher) the equivalent of three years or more full-time tertiary study (at Bachelor Degree level or higher), that was taught and assessed in English, in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America.

Has anyone met this criteria?

I passed English at GCSE level, A Level and have a degree in Social work?

Thanks in advance.

How did you decide on area to move to in Oz?  At the moment we are considering Perth and SA.

We are a family of 5 moving, social worker and gas engineer children currently 4, 9 and 11.

We love the outdoors and regular campers and day trips out.  we currently live in semi rural area in worcestershire and prefer not to be in the city, but not too far that it would leave us with long commutes to work and to visit (30/40 minutes max).  Any advice would be useful.  

Thanks in advance.

Maria

Studying at the moment, any tips?

Thanks in advance.

Maria

19 hours ago, The Pom Queen said:

Hi Maria have a chat with @Iron Chef he should be able to advise

Thanks