telecommunications jobs

[tiger fan]

hi there, just joined pia and looking forward to getting to know people. we've already activated our visas but are unable to move out to adelaide until after 1st september.(daughter is getting married and would kill us if we moved before then!!!!) my husband is an engineer with bt and is hoping to find work in the same field.does anyone know the best contractor to contact or how to get on to telstra's books?

[Django]

Hi tiger fan,

Welcome to the PIA boards. How inconsiderate of your daughter.;):D

Bet you can't wait to get back over there.

Pete

[Aussiebound]

Welcome to the site. Daughter could have got married a bit sooner - must be awful having visa and not being able to go.

Hope the wedding goes well!

[tiger fan]

its true!!! between putting the house on the market and organising a wedding i dont have a moment to think. have pictures of adelaide to look at and know its all going to be worth while.

[dglamoore]

Hi and welcome to PIA :) Hope everything goes smoothly with your daughters wedding and it is worth the wait to get over here ;)

With work you will probably find it easier to contact people once here as many are not willing to deal with you while in the uk as we found out :o

Lisa:cool:

[happy-jools]

Welcome to PIA.

Enjoy your daughters wedding, and then enjoy you travels to Australia.x

[tiger fan]

thanks to all of you for the welcome.we are really looking forward to the wedding.(although neither of us is really old enough to have children old enough to get married):rolleyes: cant wait to be on the plan for a new life!!!!!

[clash123]

hi there ,read your thread about hubby being an engineer with bt ,me and my partner have just started the process ourselves and i am also an engineer with bt ,so if you recieve any info that might be of use ,please let me know and i will do likewise
scott

[Devon]

Hi there
My partner and myself used to work for BT. My OH as an engineer and myself clerical - it is due to us both getting release that we are here! My OH was accepted on the SIR visa and sponsered by SA. They are looking at over the next couple of years enhancing the network and will then need the skilled engineers. At present though my OH has only managed to get sub contractor work (having to start his own business) to stay in the field - some other engineers are having to do the same as Telstra are not taking on new employees in the field at present. It was difficult to begin with but now he has settled and enjoying the work (which there is a lot of). So it may mean others having to do that to begin with, but will be worth it in the end.
Good luck with visas and move

[seantitley]

Hi If you get any info please let me no as I am also a bt engineer and will be looking for work telstra or contracting well thanks and good look

[clash123]

hi devon thanx for the reply ,was wondering what sa is ? regarding your sponser???Hi there
My partner and myself used to work for BT. My OH as an engineer and myself clerical - it is due to us both getting release that we are here! My OH was accepted on the SIR visa and sponsered by SA. They are looking at over the next couple of years enhancing the network and will then need the skilled engineers. At present though my OH has only managed to get sub contractor work (having to start his own business) to stay in the field - some other engineers are having to do the same as Telstra are not taking on new employees in the field at present. It was difficult to begin with but now he has settled and enjoying the work (which there is a lot of). So it may mean others having to do that to begin with, but will be worth it in the end.
Good luck with visas and move

[clash123]

,not had much info so far ,seems that you need to be out there before anybody will look at you ,will keep u posted if i hear owt that is helpful Hi If you get any info please let me no as I am also a bt engineer and will be looking for work telstra or contracting well thanks and good look

[seantitley]

thanks same hear

[Devon]

Hi there. Sorry SA means South Australia. When visa was submitted it was South Australia who came back as a sponsor on the SIR visa. When we got here though it took a long time to find work as Telstra don't seem to be taking on in this part of the country at least (think the same as BT they are actually laying off some engineers) They seem to be contracting work out. The first step when you get here is to get your Australian cablers license as most contractors won't take on without that. A lot of the work is then subcontracted out which means you may have to be self employed. It is better to look when you get here but looking around a couple of contractors that seem to be taking on are Service Stream (although don't quote me on that and not sure what they're like)! Just trying to give you a start. Here's wishing you the best of luck and hope this is of some help.

[Leanne & Mark]

How did you get your cablers license, and what was required.?:)

[Devon]

There are a few training companies in Adelaide. The one my OH used was Milcom (e-mail training@milcom.com.au) He did a two week course so not sure how much time was actually on the Australian cablers license side. He did the whole course for the license, cabling, routing etc (although the latter means something else here)!!!!!! The license is a must, however he decided to do the whole course as his qualifications were not recognised here from his BT days. The course was shorter than having to totally train for the job due to knowledge of the work. Think it's just really to teach the rules and regulations here for installations, as there were quite a few differences. The course cost approx $2000.00 so again not sure the breakdown of that for the cost of the license. Hope this makes sense as just woken up and trying to give you the info without waffling!!!! Good luck

[clash123]

hi devon ,thanx again for the info ,please keep it coming if you think it might be relevent, scottThere are a few training companies in Adelaide. The one my OH used was Milcom (e-mail training@milcom.com.au) He did a two week course so not sure how much time was actually on the Australian cablers license side. He did the whole course for the license, cabling, routing etc (although the latter means something else here)!!!!!! The license is a must, however he decided to do the whole course as his qualifications were not recognised here from his BT days. The course was shorter than having to totally train for the job due to knowledge of the work. Think it's just really to teach the rules and regulations here for installations, as there were quite a few differences. The course cost approx $2000.00 so again not sure the breakdown of that for the cost of the license. Hope this makes sense as just woken up and trying to give you the info without waffling!!!! Good luck

[Devon]

Hi Clash 123, been looking and another website for all jobs including telecommunications is www.byron.com.au (http://www.byron.com.au) there seem to be a few jobs out there but for SA there looks about 30 jobs when you go into them though they may not be relevant for one reason or another as quite general. Have also found out that Foxtel (Sky equivalent here) sub contract to various companies one being called Downer Engineering (now I am not recommending anything just giving you some pointers)! This would mean that you would need your cablers license etc but also become a pty (Ltd) company - think this can be quite straight forward if you get a good accountant. You would also obviously need to get your own van and tools - again not trying to teach granny to suck eggs but not sure how much you know! - not obviously sure of your finances (and obviously don't want to) but understand that after the outlay for all of that the money can be quite rewarding if you are up for the hard work - not sure what other courses are required as things are quite different here for engineers as different requirements and restrictions on working - ie working on internal walls etc
Anyway just something for you to look at and not sure what jobs are actually available now or when you are looking at arriving - just pointers - again if any information is incorrect I apologise but the people I have spoken to seem to be in the know - could be a start anyway
Good luck and have fun

[clash123]

hiya devon ,thanx for the info .and dont worry about teaching granny to suck eggs ,cos at the moment apart from what people like urself are telling me ,im a complete duffer about whats what down under ,so please keep sending any info that you think might be relevant ,it all helps . we,ve just applied for the visa,and it appears that it should,nt be any problem getting in ,so i,ll keep you informed and if ur o/half finds himself needing any help with his business ,you know where to come
talk soon
scott

[Devon]

Hi Scott, glad am being of some help. Will definately keep you posted with anything I hear/find out or see that may be of use to you! The best of luck with your visa, hope it all goes smoothly. Will be good to hear how you're getting on and if there is anything we can help you with then obviously we will try.
Cathy

[clash123]

Hi cathy
was looking for an update on the work situation for telecomms out there ? i.e hows your o/h doing ? is there still plenty of work ? and also is fibre an essential ticket to have to stay in the trade ?
been searching for what seems like ages and altho there seems to be work out there , the aussies seem to have loads of diffrent names for the same jobs
just looking for a bit of reassurance i think ... any info would be much appriciated

cheers
scott

[cunnah10]

Hi we are a family of 6 (4 kids) hoping to arrive in Adelaide middle of 2008.My husband has been a Telecom Engineer(BT) also for the last 20 years also hoping to get some work in this field but the feedback we have had back so far is that Telecom Engineers are NOT in demand!Which is disheartening but we will just have to look into other options once there.So hard to sort anything while still in UK.Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[cunnah10]

Hi We hope to arrive in Adelaide middle of 2008!Family of 6 (4kids).My hubby has been a Telecom Engineer(BT) for the last 20 years but although he gained the full 60 points for this occupation we have since realized that Telecom Engineers are NOT in demand at present.Bit disheartening but with 4 littleuns to feed we will just have to look into other options once we get there as so difficult to do anything from the UK.
Good luck with everything and let us now how you get on!
Gill

[clash123]

hi gill

where did you get your feedback from ??
i,ve been quite encouraged by what i,ve heard , i think you need to be out there before anyone will offer you a job ,but i think the work is there . i,ll keep you informed of anything i hear ,we,re hoping to be out there about the same time so who knows ,might see you there

scott

Hi We hope to arrive in Adelaide middle of 2008!Family of 6 (4kids).My hubby has been a Telecom Engineer(BT) for the last 20 years but although he gained the full 60 points for this occupation we have since realized that Telecom Engineers are NOT in demand at present.Bit disheartening but with 4 littleuns to feed we will just have to look into other options once we get there as so difficult to do anything from the UK.
Good luck with everything and let us now how you get on!
Gill

[Leanne & Mark]

Mark is a Regional Manager for BT structured cabling, so we are looking for the same type of work, only more Fibre and Data. i can't see that there wouldn't be work with all the building thats going on.
If everything from labourers to roofers are needed, then surely they need the pnones and data cables sorted too !?.......won't they ?? :wacko:

[cunnah10]

Hi That was our thoughts exactly with all the new building work going on surely they will need Telecom Engineers etc to sort all their lines and Phone connections out!After all they are letting us in with the full 60 points for being Telecom!We did go over in June for 2 weeks and my Hubby spent days contacting recruitment agencies etc and was told that they didn't even recognise "Telecom Engineer" as a trade!But it hasn't put us off although a bit apprehensive until we are actually fortunate enough to be offered a job in Telecom.
But we realize until we get over there and start to do the necessary research and training courses etc then there is no point worrying!We will just take one day at a time!Things work out in the end(i hope).
When do you hope to actually arrive in Adelaide and do you have an area in mind that you plan to settle in?Maybe we could meet up once over there!Maybe you qualified Telecom people should get together and start your own company up!(I was a clerical officer for 8 years in BT myself but as our family grew and grew I became a stay at home mum).Out of touch completely now!Bit brain dead to be honest been a long time that i have had to go to work!May have to though if hubby doesn't get a good enough job!
Gill

[Leanne & Mark]

Hee Hee yep i'm slightly brain dead at the moment too!! Although i set up my own community magazine last yr so Mark says i shuoldn't sell my self short and get my butt out to work!!
Mark generally runs Huge projects for NATO and the MoD, ...BT was supposed to be temporary but now he oversees a third of the country!!!!! Sadly i doubt very much he walk in too positions like this in oz, although we are hoping his Prince 2 cert will help at least get him a jr management position. Also thinking about doing a tiling course before we go as a backup.
We think we'll be another 9 months to a yr yet. Not really sure where yet Aldinga looks ok !? Hallett Cove, every where !? Any where !?

Leanne

[Devon]

Hi Scott
I've not abandoned you there! Just with the good weather lately been really busy (sunbathing)!!! The work situation is no different to when last was in contact with you. OH has been really busy with Foxtel just lately and seems will get even busier with the run up to Christmas. As mentioned before at the moment more people are having to go self employed as Telstra really is getting like BT when it went nearly all contract etc. He's the one in the know about the different job titles as obviously he had to cross this hurdle and then with the lack of telecoms jobs that's why he went to Foxtel. Job qualifications from BT and titles are really not recognised once you're over here. Once he has a few spare moments (all work and sleep at the moment for him) I will get a list together and send it to you of the titles here and the UK equivalent. With the election about to take place here one party in particular is using the fact as one of their target points that they are going to make broadband and fibre optics a priority so if that happened that would obviously help (think I mentioned to you before that is why Australia has it as a skill getting ready for when that happens) doesn't help much at the moment though! Also we do know what these pollies are like once they get in!!!!!!
Anyway will be in touch as soon as I've got that list for you (hopefully the weekend)
Cathy

[cunnah10]

Yes Hallett Cove looks lovely i agree but there are a lot of nice areas (and not so nice areas so don't come out with rose tinted glasses)I suppose what appeals to one person doesn't appeal to another!The people are so lovely everywhere (at least that's what we found on our recent trip).It really is a very relaxed lifestyle and that's what is so appealing!I am really excited and looking forward to our new adventure(just dreading the goodbyes especially to my parents who are both in ill health and could never make the journey out there).
Keep in touch and let us know as your plans progress!
Gill

[tiger fan]

havent been on for a while but wanted to let all you bt workers know what we've found since we've been here. we came out at the beginning of november and to be honest no one had told us much about what OH needed to do to do the job he's done for 18 years. you have to have a licence and accreditation to work in peoples houses and on Telstras network. a lot of the companys who do this either dont work in adelaide or dont get back to you.OH has two courses at the end of the month to get what he needs. his licensing course is with J.B.Hunter and he and a couple of others are paying a guy to come from victoria to get their accreditation.altogether it will cost us about 4000 dollars. i dont want to panic anyone or put them off coming, we love it and wouldnt want to go back, but you need to be prepared for the cost and to rethink your plans if necessary. we assumed, as i think others have that if the government sponsered you then people would be happy to employ you cos you must be good at your job but as a previous reply said any qualifications or experience from the uk doesnt seem to count for much.sorry this is a bit long but i wanted to make sure i got everything in.PLEASE DONT BE PUT OFF. its a great life here and everyone says we will get work we just have to keep trying.

[cunnah10]

havent been on for a while but wanted to let all you bt workers know what we've found since we've been here. we came out at the beginning of november and to be honest no one had told us much about what OH needed to do to do the job he's done for 18 years. you have to have a licence and accreditation to work in peoples houses and on Telstras network. a lot of the companys who do this either dont work in adelaide or dont get back to you.OH has two courses at the end of the month to get what he needs. his licensing course is with J.B.Hunter and he and a couple of others are paying a guy to come from victoria to get their accreditation.altogether it will cost us about 4000 dollars. i dont want to panic anyone or put them off coming, we love it and wouldnt want to go back, but you need to be prepared for the cost and to rethink your plans if necessary. we assumed, as i think others have that if the government sponsered you then people would be happy to employ you cos you must be good at your job but as a previous reply said any qualifications or experience from the uk doesnt seem to count for much.sorry this is a bit long but i wanted to make sure i got everything in.PLEASE DONT BE PUT OFF. its a great life here and everyone says we will get work we just have to keep trying.
Thanks so much for taking the trouble to give us all that info on the "telecom" situ!We were all definately mislead into thinking that they actually wanted Telecom Guys out there and that it would be so straight forward getting work!Does make us very unsettled this end (has done for a while) as hubby has done nothing else but Telecom for the last 20 years!Yes life sounds great out there and i know 100% better for the kids lifestyle and future etc..but a huge decision still at the end of the day to give up a secure,well paid permanent job here and a nice home and leave behind lots of great friends and family!A few will be saying now "stop moaning and just make a decision and stick to it".Which would be so right but i'm having lots of wobbly days lately(more than i would like).We have got this far but when you get the facts and reality kicks in i can't help worrying if moving to Adelaide is the right move for us.
We seem to be giving so much up here to go to the other side of the world (which is no doubt a fantastic place)but to maybe struggle and be so much worse off than we are here in the UK.
Everybody's reasons for wanting to go are very similar but everybody's situations are so different and making such a huge move is going to be the best thing ever for a lot of people but it's not for everybody.That is why some settle but some come back(and some back out before giving it a go)
God i am having a really wobbly day!sorry to burden you all!

[cunnah10]

Hi As you know my hubby is a Telecom Engineer doing D & E side copper jointing!Is this similar to what your OH does?As we know getting into Telecom over in Adelaide is not as easy as we thought.Obviously your OH has decided to not give up and is going for relevant cabling course and getting accredited.I take it he wouldn't be going down this route if there was little hope of employment at the end of it?Will this guarantee him a job doing Telecom over in Oz?Obviously he's not doing this kind of work yet but does he have any idea yet if he could get into it that it would be a decent paying salary.
Would you be so kind to put my mind at rest as i'm having too many wobbly days and need to get back to thinking positive again.please PM us by all means as i want to stop being so negative.If only we could all go out and never work again!

[Shaggy]

We have been here nearly 2 years now. I worked in the UK as a Data Comms Engineer doing internal, external and all types of communication work. Sorry this is going to be a long one but thought I'd relay my story so far!

I managed to get a job before wwe came through the internet with a small telecoms company in Adelaide. I joined them and did my open course during the first month. I was not paid whilst doing the course and the course was at my own cost. You are however able to claim a lot of it back through the Training Board (which you have to register with first) and also through your tax return. I was getting $17 an hour when not on site and $19 when I was on site. Similar sort of work to what I was doing int he UK but majority of the time I was working on my own. It soon became obvious that we weren't going to be able to live on this wage as my other half wasn't working as we have a young son. I then managed to get a job advertised in the paper with another company. I have been working there now for a year. I get paid $22 an hour. I have been working for the past 6 months with someone else which has made the job easier. I came over here with probably the misconception of thinking that working here would be a doddle. That everyone would be relaxed and there would be no real pressure. But both the companies I have worked for have been made up predominantly of English people. Not sure if it was the English bringing their work ethic with them or what but I have been under more pressure here than I ever was in the UK. I have been told that the reason there aren't hardly any Australians working for these companies is because they won't put up with the wages or the way you are treated. When I first started my Manager told me I would do well to last a year there! The wages also just aren't enough. Actually that's probably not true, they are enough just to get by but certainly not for any luxuries like eating out and don't cover the mortgage.
I have now been looking around for something else for some time but just can't find anything. I have now decided to go it alone and start sub-contracting for Telstra. To enable me to do this I have to go on a course which is going to cost me about $3,000. Tiger Fan mentioned in her post that her husband is doing a course with 2 others in March and I am one of those others! We are sincerely hoping that doing the course and sub-contracting will be the answer to making our financial lives here that much easier but only time will tell.

I am so sorry if this sounds negative, this is just my story, my experiences and my opinions. Perhaps there are jobs out there that I just haven't come across and also like I said my wife doesn't work so we only have 1 wage coming in.

Good luck to everyone coming out here, if you get the right job with the right company, life can be great! Feel free to PM if anyone has any specific questions or wants to know companies to avoid!!!

[terjo]

Hi all after reading all your post i am curious how you are all doing, looking at the dates on your threads i presume you are all out there now and working. My OH is a little apprehensive about the move as he really enjoys his job and would like to keep in this field,(BT engineer) any advice or help would be much appreciated.
Thanks terjo