Brianmew Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hi all, I am a qualified Electronics Technician and served 12 years in the British Army in this trade. I have been in Rockingham area now for nearly 3 months and still have not got anywhere with regards to finding employment. The feedback I am getting is that no one wants to take on someone that is here on a WHV. I have now sent to have my skills assessed through TRA as an Electronics Instruments Trades worker for my Permanent Residency application. Will I be able to use this assessment to find work as I have also been informed that I also need to have my trade assessed through TRA also, which is $900!! Most of the jobs I have been looking at (Electrical Instruments technicians) require a A grade license. I have been in touch with PEER in SA and they are currently assessing what I need to do to gain the unrestricted license as I do not want to pay $900 to TRA for them to turn around and say that I am only qualified as an Electrical fitter (Restricted license). This whole process is horrendous and from what I have researched, WA do not accept British Certificates as proof of any sort of competency. Also finding employment here is all about who you know. I am screwed both ways as I dont know a great deal of people here. Any Help or advise on finding employment would be great. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think the problem is probably the visa, most people on a WHV and the employer can only employ you for 6 months, if they have an option of taking someone for 6 months and someone for longer they're probably going to choose the longer option unless the post is to fill a temp vacancy whilst someone is on leave for example. I'm not 100% sure, but having a positive skills assessment, may not open any doors for you - these skills assessments are for visa purposes and generally only provide proof to immigration that you have the necessary competency to apply for your visa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianmew Posted January 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think the problem is probably the visa, most people on a WHV and the employer can only employ you for 6 months, if they have an option of taking someone for 6 months and someone for longer they're probably going to choose the longer option unless the post is to fill a temp vacancy whilst someone is on leave for example. I'm not 100% sure, but having a positive skills assessment, may not open any doors for you - these skills assessments are for visa purposes and generally only provide proof to immigration that you have the necessary competency to apply for your visa. Thanks for the reply, I do think you are right. I will wait to see what PEER say I have to do in regards to the unrestricted license. If I obtain this I will be able to transfer it to Western Australia Electrical Safety and hopefully see where I am from here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Have you thought of trying to do your regional work first (not related to your skill) that way you will have it under your belt and the option of applying for the 2nd WHV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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