MrsArthurs

Hi all, I'm a newbie here and apologies in advance because this has probably already been asked atleast 100 times before We, like so many are thinking about making the move to Oz but there's so many if's, buts and maybes and some of the threads on Google don't help in making it any easier to understand. I came across this site and thought it's the best one I've seem and seems a lot more friendly than so many others. I am a gas safe registered domestic engineer here in the UK both natural and LPG. Have my level 2 plumbing all C&G qualifications as well as my oil ticket (I'm not sure if this is much use in OZ) My hubby is a level 2 qualified plumber again C&G. We can get a state sponsored visa which is fab but we understand that we may need to do some bridging qualifications out there to get a licence to work. My first question is does anyone know what we may need to train for in addition to our qualifications to bridge any gaps and if it's something we can do here before we come so we are fully ready to go when we get there? We have two little ones so I'm keen to try and secure a job before we move (although we are ready to go) and I have a few trips over there planned to try and speak to employers. I'm just worried it's not always easy to come back if we can't get jobs and have lost everything (I'm a mum, I worry ) Second question is, are there lots of ladies in the trade world there? It wasn't the easiest for me starting out here being quite a small women to secure a position and I ended up volunteering just to get a work placement to train etc. I'm hoping that businesses in Oz are much more open minded and accepting. Have a happy new year everyone x