Thanks Bungo. My partner is a diesel mechanic - this is the point allocation we have been given:
Age: 29: 30 points
Language Test: IELTS general: 7 each band: tbc: 10 points
Employment History (relevant to the listed occupation above): 8 years + post qualification: 15 points
Education: NVQ 3: 10 points
Criminal Record: na
Medical Conditions: na
Dependent details: partner and 2 children
TOTAL SCORED: 65
The 65 could be reduced to 60 if he doesn't do so well in the English tests, but no reason why that would be the case. So should hopefully be 65 rather than 60. What difference does the 5 points make? The agent told me that as long as you meet the 60point requirement there wouldn't be a problem. (Slightly sceptical about agents that they will almost tell you what you want to hear - I.e, you have a sure case, I don't see any problems, so that you pay them the £2k fee for them to start the process).