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Hi PIO, I'm getting more and more confused with all the information I'm reading online. Perhaps someone can simplify this for me...PLEASE. :confused: My OH is an electrician and we are hoping to get to Western Australia (medicals and pcc's done....just waiting for a few other bits) 176 State Spons visa. My OH did the VETASSESS for his trade, General Electrician, back in 2009. What we are trying to find out is, what exactly this Vetassess certificate will allow my husband to do, workwise?? I know there's the WA "A" Grade licence that he has to get in order to be able to work in his full capacity as an electrician, but how long does this take to get? And I'm assuming it has to cost a few $$$$'s, as everything seems to. (And I think he will need to be an electrical MECHANIC, rather than FITTER?) Surely this VETASSESS must count for something, else why would he have had to do it? Will he be able to apply for jobs as an electrician, or is he going to have to start at the bottom again ie: as an appy?? If this is the case, what kind of wage will he be earning as an appy? We've seen online job adverts where qualified electricians earn roughly $30/hour plus (depending where you're working) so how much LESS would we be talking? I keep seeing "TRA" mentioned, but don't know how this fits in with relation to Vetassess?? We are a family of 4, so no way we could survive on minimum wages coming in each week. Any simplified info would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance. :biggrin: Px

Anybody got reply from Vetassess?

Hey Everyone, just wanted to tell somebody, anyone and everybody we found out this morning that we have passed at level 1 for Carpentry and we have book up our practical already!!!!! yaaahhhh! :biggrin: Is there any peeps out there that is in the same boat or booked in for the Carpentry Practical Assessment on the 11th April??? Would love to hear from you. Jo and Nathan

Changes are being announced to the Skilled Occupation Lists with effect from 5 December: Schedule 2 SOL 1. Building and Engineering Technicians nec - 312999 - Engineers Australia has been added to Vetassess as an Assessing Authority. 2. Vetassess has been removed, and TRA is now the only Assessing Authority for the following occupations: Motor Mechanic (General) - 321211 Diesel Motor Mechanic – 321212 Motorcycle Mechanic – 321213 Electrician (General) – 341111 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic – 342111 Electrical Linesworker – 342211 Technical Cable Jointer – 342212 Carpenter and Joiner – 331211 Carpenter – 331212 Joiner – 331213 Bricklayer – 331111 Plumber (General) – 334111 Schedule 3 SOL Vetassess has been removed, and TRA is now the only Assessing Authority for the following occupations: Motor mechanic (general) – 321211 Diesel Motor Mechanic – 321212 Motorcycle Mechanic – 321213 Small engine mechanic – 321214 Bricklayer – 331111 Carpenter and Joiner – 331211 Carpenter – 331212 Joiner – 331213 Plumber (General) – 334111 Electrician (General) – 341111 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic – 342111 Electrical Linesworker – 342211 Technical Cable Jointer – 342212 Schedule 4 SOL Occupations added: Chief Executive or Managing Director – 111111 [AIM 60 points] Advertising and Public Relations Manager – 131111 [AIM 60 points] Art Administrator or Manager – 139911 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Conference and Event Organiser – 149311 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Liaison Officer – 224912 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Jewellery Designer – 232313 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Web Designer – 232414 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Food Technologist – 234212 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Biotechnologist – 234514 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Education Reviewer – 249112 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Network Administrator – 263112 [ACS – 60 points] ICT Systems Test Engineer – 263213 [ACS 60 points] Fisheries Inspector – 311311 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Primary Products Inspector nec – 311399 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Fitter and Turner – 323212 [TRA – 60 points] Snowsport Instructor – 452314 [VETASSESS – 50 points] Occupation removed: :Medical Technicians nec – 311299 [Engineers Australia – 40 points] Vetassess has been removed, and TRA is now the only Assessing Authority for the following occupations: Motor mechanic (general) – 321211 Diesel Motor Mechanic – 321212 Motorcycle Mechanic – 321213 Small engine mechanic – 321214 Bricklayer – 331111 Carpenter and Joiner – 331211 Carpenter – 331212 Joiner – 331213 Plumber (General) – 334111 Electrician (General) – 341111 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic – 342111 Electrical Linesworker – 342211 Technical Cable Jointer – 342212 See http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/all/whatsnew/01C71AD8B74B450ACA2577EC000576B4?OpenDocument&VIEWCAT=item&COUNT=999&START=1 Cheers, George Lombard

Hi, I sent an e-mail to vetassess asking the usual "how much longer is it likely to be" question!! I received an e-mail last night for the assessing officer saying "I am the assessing officer who will be working on your file. I hope to finalise your matter asap." From her wording i'm assuming that means she hasn't yet started working on it but does the fact that I've been assigned to someone mean anything?! Does anyone know if that means I should get an answer soon or is it just a fob off!! Last e-mail I sent them came back with a standard response from the admin team so I guess my file has at least moved from one desk to another!!! Emma

Hi guys, Just wondering if there are any fellow tradies on here waiting on their Vetassess result? Reading some of the messages on here, some people have been waiting forever. My OH did his Bricklaying skills assessment 3 weeks ago and we are waiting on tender hooks to hear as we need to lodge out application before July. Why do they put us through this pain of waiting so long for everything. Good luck Jules and Woody. xx

Hi mates, my OH is Civil Engineer Drafts Person (professional occupation under vetassess) applied on 11/1/2011. Could anyone tell me the processing time in your exp?

Vetassess test Refrigeration and Air-conditioning review Hi I have now completed my vetassess practical exam for Refrigeration and Air-conditioning so I am posting this to help others who will be doing the test with what happened on the day. Ok first of all the test I did was on the 22-2-2011 at North West collage London not bad to get to, not far from wembley stadium. I rang the collage before the test to ask them about parking and found out that the test would be carried out when the collage was closed for the week so we would be able to use the staff car park in the collage for free. this was very good news as the road side car parking looked limited and with all the tools I had to bring I wanted to be close.(well worth ringing the collage before and asking some questions) tools I took with me electronic leak detector, gauges 404a 134a scale , refrigerant compotator, every day hand tools, solenoid puller, multimeter, vacuum gauge. I also took P.P.E. with me safety boots, gloves, goggles, and wore my work clothes. There were 5 people taking the exam and 6 the day before I think the max number is 6 there was 2 English examiners there that worked at the collage and an Australian from Vetassess. First task was to take some readings from systems we were given I.E. hi side pressure, low side pressure, condensing temp, evaporating temp, ambient temp , how much super heat the expansion valve was producing, and liquid line sub cooling. We then had to reclaim the entire refrigerant from the system and record how much we got out then pressure test with o.f.n. and do a leek test using soap spray then recharge the system and re take all readings for the system. Next I was asked to make up a pipe to the drawing given it had a swage joint a few flared joints on it. When made up we brazed the joins using o.f.n. to purge the pipe work and after cut the joins open so the examiner could see the quality of the joint. Then on to the motors (compressors) I was given 2 motors and asked to test them electrically. The single phase one was fine no fault the 3 phase one had 2 windings shorted together then I had to determine the common start and run terminals of the single phase comp. Then draw how I would wire the 3 phase comp in star and then delta. Then I was given 2 plugs a 13a domestic and a 16a 3phase and a length of wire and asked to wire them up. Next came a air con split system mounted on a upright board I was told there was an electrical fault on it and asked to take a look I did not see it but the examiner told me to look at the capacitor wiring where I then noticed that both wires had been placed on one side of the capacitor essentially making the capacitor out of the circuit. Next I was given a system that was not working the evaporator fan was not working so I chased the wire down to the electrical panel where the wire had been removed from the terminal block.(I was not asked to fix either of the faults only to find them) and last a system that I was asked to record the systems running data the same data as in the first test and find the system fault the fault was with the dryer partially blocked causing bubbles in the sight glass a big temperature difference from the inlet to out let of the dryer and after about 10 minutes some frosting on the top of the dryer. All of the findings were recorded in a small booklet I was given when we started which also outlined the tasks we had to do the examiners where helpful and thank god as I asked more than my fare share of questions. There was all so a few verbal question and answers as we were going along like can you describe the triple vack method. The test stated at 8a.m. and finished at 5.30p.m. Hope this helps some people that are going to do the exam good luck :cute:

first time on here so please be patient my OH is applying under a 175 skilled migration visa (bricklayer) and we are just finishing the TRA forms, my question is about where it asks you to provide evidence and detailed descriptions of work, what type of evidence is required and how much detail, i understand that more is better but i don't want to over do it thanks sharon

Good morning everyone, Last night, my husband received a negative assessement of his qualifications.. after waiting 4 months for an answer... Bitterly disappointing... He can however try to apply under another qualification ( project manager) but we are trying to understand how VETASSESS takes their decision. Has anybody received a positive assessement on a job related to their job but not named the same? To explain, he is a grants officer but project manages grants so could he apply for a project manager's assessement? Is it possible to ring someone at VEASSESS and ask what is the likelihood of success? If reapplying under another job do you have to send all the documents again and the pay a new fee in full? Many many thanks for any info you could give us. If this doesn't work, then i will assess my job which should be straighforward but will then have to find a company to sponsor me ( i am a camerawoman, whereas my husband could get state sponsorship). Sophie.

Finally got my vetassess result for my bricklaying practical today. Took 2 weeks to come through. Didn't receive an email just checked into my vetassess account and i was successful. :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

Hi all This is only me second post. I was just wondering has anyone used Victoria University for their skills assessement. My oh is a plumber and we have been told that he can only use vetassess, but after searching the web I have found that this is not true. We really want to get the ball rolling before the changes in July. Getting a bit worried now as Vetassess take quite a while and I dont think there are any more dates available at the min for practical assessement. Any help would be great. Thanks:confused:

Hello, I would appreciate a bit of advice/experience with Vetassess. We had confirmation/receipt from them dated 24 Sep 2010 but have still not had anything else !! I know the standard timeline is 8 to 12 weeks but we're now far beyond this. Has anyone already had the same case? And what was the reason? Thanks.

Hi, just seeing if anyone who did there pratical assessments in January 2011 have received there results yet. I know they said you'll hear within 10 days and it's 8 at the moment but i just need to know as i feel i'm constantly checking my emails and it's doing my head in wailting. :wacko:

Hi We are currently going through the paper based assessment with VETASSESS and my partner is a qualified electrician although he doesn't have experience of problem solving in multiple DC circuits or electromagnetic circuits? Are we reading too much into this or is it easier than it sounds. When we look on the internet it seems that this is something that is required to qualify as an Aussie electrician, but not something that UK electricians need to know. Is it something he could research before the practical? You now have to complete a TradeSET form before applying for a visa and this is where it gets difficult. We aren't sure whether or not we are going to pass, but we need to know whether any questions are asked in the practical theory or interview in relation to these circuits? Thankful for any advice. Donna

Hi All, Finally filled in and ready to go but when do you send certified copies of degree's etc?, as far as i can see there is no attachment bit to go with the online application? Do you have to send them by mail with SRG1 form separatly or will someone contact me for them once online application has been recieved? Thankyou

Hi, My occupation is Group A on the VETASSESS groups of occupations. Amoungst other documentary evidence requirements is that i need to get a signed letter from my employer confirming the dates I started with them, main duties based on my occupation, working hours etc all on my employers official letter head and the person signing must be someone authorised to sign on behalf of the company and must also sign the bottom of the letter with their contact details and position within the company. My major concern is if VETASSESS do contact my employer to verify the letter etc as I will almost certainly be looking for a new job afterwards!!! I can probably get the letter using another excuse such as it's needed by a university i'm considering doing a Master Degree with or something along those lines, but if VETASSESS one day decide to phone my employer to confirm then i'm toast!!! Can anyone with experience confirm one way or the other?

Hi all Just wondering has anyone applied to do the vetassess practical in Dublin or has anyone already been through the process. would be grateful for any info :cute:

Hello We are new to this forum! Myself, my husband and 3 children are hoping to migrate to Oz... My husband is a plumber & bathroom fitter, trained for 22 years and we have been running our own small business for the last 16. We are going for a state sponsored visa (WA) and are fortunate to have passed the first stage of the Vetassess procedure - which means we have the practical to come. We have discovered that due to the changes in migration law due to come in next year, we would not qualify to go through on points alone and therefore feel an enormous pressure to pass the next practical assessment in February 2011. We are very worried about the whole procedure (I am sure anyone who is in the same boat understands the implications on young children and financially) and would really appreciate any words of wisdom about the practical day/assessment. In particular we are a small domestic plumbing firm, specialising in bathrooms and tiling. Although trained in gas work many years ago, my husband does not fit or test gas appliances. We are not up-to-date with every gas regulation and it is a worry! We were wondering how non gas-fitting plumbers cope with this side of things? Similarly, we have no demand here for air-conditioning/sprinkler systems and haven't worked in these areas. Can anyone help us? We will put in all the work, but it's a minefield to know where to start! Thanks for reading. Rachel

Howdy peeps! Well the husband has booked his ticket to do a reccie of Perth at Easter! And in the meantime we're collecting his evidence as a construction project mng for assessment. He's able to evidence this with 3yrs+ exp in the role in his prev job, but for the last 3 months he's been doing the role as a contractor. He's nervous to ask for a ref confirming this as it may jepodise his position. Is he able to submit a declaration explaining this? He can also evidence a degree in construction management which he completed last may. Thanks!

Hi, I'm new to the forum so apologies if I have posted this in the wrong section. I was hoping that someone who has been through the Vetassess skills assessment process could give me some guidance relating to work experience. I want to apply under the Environmental Manager category however my work experience over the past couple of years has been at a consultant/Adviser level? Does anyone know whether this would be an issue at all? I carry out pretty much the same duties as an Env Manager and have an environmental degree and professional memberships in this area.. I just don't want to waste the assessment fee if they are really strict!! :huh: Many thanks in advance! Sarah x

hi, My family and I are just at the beggining of our application form, hoping for a better life down under!! i knew it would not be easy as good things never are, BUT the 2.1 trade evidence form- i just cant seem to find anything to write, not that i cant its just how do i put what i do into words, what do they want to hear?? im also dylexic so trying to put practical into written is even harder!! is there any other brickies out there who have already or who are completing this form who can help!! regards brad :arghh:

Hi there Can someone shed any light on this. We are persuing the 176 state sponsorship visa and the initial stage in the process is to have skills assessed with VETASSESS. We want to get this done well before the July deadline for changes to the visa points system. So having looked at the VETASSESS website and a schedule of assessment dates for the UK, it seems Februrary is the last date on the calender. Anyone know where to go from here? Also couldn't see where the assessment takes place, is there various locations around the country? We're in the highlands of Scotland, so long way to travel if not. Thanks for reading, hope someone has some advice.

My boyfriend has his vetasses general plumber practical in London this week. I was wondering if anyone could tell us what is involved. Do you know if he will be allowed to take his Gas safety book in with him? He was allowed to take it into the exam when he did his gas safe exams so is hoping he can take them to the vetassess test. He always uses the book to calculate pipe sizes and is worried that he won't be able to remember all the calculations. All help and advice gratefully receievd. Thanks.

Hi All, My OH has just had his vetassess paperwork passed as a brickie which we are so pleased about, it was a long struggle to get it all together!!! We have now found out that the next stage (Practical) dates may not be until the end of this year or even beginning of next year!!!! So were just wondering if anyone knows if there is anything we can be doing towards our visa in the meantime......or if we have to just be patient and wait????:arghh: Thanks