Rhys

Update... My partner has been busy and contacted an agent to see what's what.. She sent them my qualifications and gave them some background info etc. She received a phone call from them (followed by an email with what they discussed). She said they have worked out I (we) have 65 points and gave a breakdown of costs to compete a 189 visa. Sounds very promising. Only problem is my trade is flagged for review in June/July so will probably be taken off the list, but if we start now and apply before this happens then it'll be honoured. Best get cracking then

Thanks Cal, that's why I'm on here now and reading up on stuff

Thanks Monks, I don't feel as alone now lol. I have got an NVQ level 3 in EWI (External Wall Insulation), which was completed by a company called Geason in order to get a CSCS card. Though this really doesn't cover my everyday skills, and all I had to do was prove I could render and set beads. I guess that could go towards my qualifications. Let me know how you get on, and good luck

Hi all. My partner is thinking that a move to Australia would be good for the pair of us as she already has one daughter living there, and close friends. The only trouble is that we would only be able to go on a skilled work visa through me, as my occupation is on the SOL (Solid Plasterer 333212). Being self employed and with no formal qualifications in the trade (just 16 years of graft and experience) isn't looking good, though I guess, after having read through a few things, that that can be a hurdle easily climbed. The fees are daunting though, but I guess everything has got its price and there's a reason for it. Anyway, my better half has told me I need to start saving as we are coming over for a holiday next year, both to see her daughter and to see if I like it. Anyway, my head's spinning from searching for info so that's all from me for now. Regards, Rhys

Thanks. It's a bit of a rigmarole isn't it, expensive too.

My head's spinning. I've found my occupation in the SOL, which is 'Solid Plasterer 333212 and gives the hyperlink to TRA. Fine so far. Get the TRA site and my occupation isn't listed... So, I go to the bottom of the list where it says about occupations not listed but appear in the SOL, that's where things fall apart as Plasterer is no longer listed (457 skill assessment Program application guidelines) or the TRA website. I get the feeling I should give up. My partner has a daughter living in Australia (1 of 3 children, the other two are here in the UK) and thinks it would be a good idea to move over there via a visa on my profession. One of the main problems I feel, is that I've learnt my trade over the last 16 years with no formal qualifications in it - it's something that you just 'do'. If it were a photography related profession, that would be easy as I've got an Hons Degree in photography. We were also thinking of opening an artisan coffee shop where we are (this profession isn't doing my joints/health any good tbh) as I'm a self taught/skilled barista and could easily fly through a course doing that. Getting disheartened by it all, but finding out as much as I can still. I have filled in the EOI last night as it says it keeps it on record for 2 years and can be updated as and when more info comes to hand. Thanks for the replies so far.

Hi all. I'm currently filling out an EOI as we are thinking about going to Australia. I am a self employed plasterer with 16 year experience and have come across a stumbling block, namely the skills assessment. Where do you get a skills assessment and how much does it cost? I already have an NVQ level 3 in EWI, but I doubt it'll be any good. I also have an Hons Degree in Photography but again, that won't be any good. I'm wanting to apply for a 189 visa (independent skilled.) Thanks. Rhys