Over here in the uk my OH is a builder, he provides the whole package here for example loft conversion, extentions, kitchen etc.
We have been told that in oz he will need a building licence that will involve taking various tests such as book-keeping, skill assessments for example.
Has anyone taken these tests and what did they involve ?
We have looked at various websites and it all seems a bit vague as to whether you can work using all your skills or if in oz you have to pick a certain trade and stick with just one.
I ask this because when we applied for a visa we had to pick the skill that he had used the most in the last six years; carpentry in his case, although his first skill was plastering for a number of years.
Ideally he'd like to renovate properties when we are established over there.
Is this a realistic option for him?
Has anyone else been in the same boat?
Are the exams as complicated as they sound?
Being a builder; he's very practically minded and isn't looking forward to the prospect of having to proove himself by written tests again!!!
Tracie :doh:

HI Tracie
This post in the FAQ may help. You'll have to scroll down a bit for the details you're after.... http://z2.invisionfree.com/Adelaidebrits/i...showtopic=13019

Hi from applying at the master builders to go on the 2 weekend courses(finacial planning,Business managment)It took 4 months to having my licence in my hand.I did everything as quick as i could.The course was for me a little boring.I've been self employed for about 10 years and it seemed that i was going back to basics.The course isnt possible to fail.You get told most of the answers for the tests and you then have 2 assignments to do.One is a business plan and the other was a profile of starting a new business.Each one took about a couple of days to do.If you make a mistake on the assignment they send them back for you to re-do the mistakes you then re-submit until you pass.It took me 4 weeks from applying for the licence after the course.

Its how its done here so that was that.

Anymore information let me know.

Cheers

Mike

To get a trade specific licence isn't that bad depending on what trade. As mpk200 has said.
Carpentry you will have to complete the "Timber Framing Code" (12 weeks). Unless you just want to second fix.
But all require a reference from an Australian Contractor or Builder stating you have worked in Aus before OCBA will issue a licence.
And you will be restricted to that one trade.

If you want a Builders Licence...you have to undertake several courses-
Construction and Building Services
Timber Framing Code
Quantities and Tendering
Site Controls
Establish legal requirements
And
Financial Planning

And after all that, you will be restricted to contracts to a value of your financial status..(if you have no money behind you. then you will not be able to contract)
I think the minimum is $100.000 to get a licence, its around there.
And after all that you will need references from builders stating you have worked in that field.
And after all that you will have to go to OCBA to attend a technical Interview.
And after all that your licence will have restrictions, or they may insist you get a supervisor to sign off on your work, before they give you a supervisors licence.

So back to school..... :doh:

Steve

Correct me if I am wrong all of the above is for wanting to be 'self employed' in Adelaide ???

I find this building licence rather confusing :loopy: but thats me I am afraid :lol2:

OH believes if he plans to be a sub-contractor then he will defo need to apply for a licence as soon as we get over, if hes an employee for a company / builder, he believes that its possible that he can work under their licence - is this correct ?

Thanks
Angela

Glad you asked this Angela as reading all the replies so far l think OH will give up before he's even started !! I think the immigration agents should point out this info when you start the process - not that it would have changed our decision to go but we would have a little more prepared ...... we leave in 6 weeks!!
:doh:

Add to that a big drop in wages too.........

Ralphs realised hes going to have to go back to school , we found all this out early on from "Jo n Steve"
Having run your Own ltd building .co for 10 years, and bieng a self employed brickie for 14 years previous its a bit of a bummer.

Add to that $25 an hour it makes you wonder if its worth it doesnt it?

We certainly wont be making any decisions till weve done our reccie in September,
hopefully then we may be able to decide if its for us or not.
Until then we carryon with the visa application.
Bev :D

if you are an employee, then its very simple, you are just an employee, instructed to work under the supervision of someone who hopefully has a licence.

There have been posts on here regarding being self employed and working with someone who has the licence. This is in fact against the law. Steve did a post on here a few weeks back with the information from the Master Builders Federation.
Perhaps a lovely mod can find it for me?

The reason agents don't tell you is they don't want you to know and thats why the TRA is such a crock of S*it. It means nothing apart from getting you on to the next stage in your visa application. It certainly doesn't guarantee you any work at all. In fact if you come over thinking you can set up self employed just like you are in the Uk, you'll be in for a shock.

Jo

Is this the one you were after Jo?
http://z2.invisionfree.com/Adelaidebrits/i...topic=28434&hl=

Thats the one :D

Thanks

Hi Jo

This is not what we plan to do. Ashley will hopefully secure a job in his trade :sign03: as an employee, initially. Perhaps once we are 'all' settled a bit more, kids in school, renting a house (I hope there will be 1 left for us :sign68: ) - just generally a little more confident with the surroundings & whats available for us all - THEN perhaps he can look at establishing being self employed :)

He is a very determined 'young' man & has always worked hard to get where he is now

We are under no illusions about the wages :sigh: but hopefully if we don't get 'to greedy' we will be able to manage :sign03: :sign03:

Thanks for the advise & the link
Angela

Couldn't have said it better myself Angela.........OH commented...."when in Rome do as the Romans do" !!

Will be difficult having been his own boss for nearly 20 years to go back to working & being told what to do though !!

He could always hang up the tool bag and sell ice-creams from a deckchair!!

thanks for all replies
tracie
:dance:

Thanks Tracie :)

Hey you never know with Andys building skills & Ashleys P&D skills, they could end up working together :lol2: who knows ;)

Good luck

Angela