Shattered and broken

[Guest paul_smart]

I haven't posted for a while so hello to all those I haven't welcomed, and a warning aswell. (and I promise I'm not normally such a grump:))

I have been walking a tough old road to get out to OZ for over a year and a half now, and I am getting no-where, I have gone it alone without the help of an expensive agent, and though it's been a lot of work I have come unstuck.

my problem is 2 fold, firstly I have a complicated job (as an engineer(special class electrician) on the MODL list) so I have had to prove everything I have done, tightened up screws, removed bits of stupid plastic blah blah to re-programming robots, it's been a pain, well after a year of sorting my documents out I was happy to send my qualifiactions off fairly happy with what I had supplied.

I recieved the letter from the TRA a couple of days ago and they bounced my application, on the grounds that I didn't have a boss write a letter to tell them what tools I used and how I used them, though they were happy to accept my qualifications.?????? eh???

 

My whole TRA failed because I needed a previous employer to say "he used a meduim philips to remove the facia before testing balah blah."

I have only had 4 jobs since I started out and I'm now 30 yet not one of these employers has given me any thing more than yes he worked here/did an electrical/electronic/mechanical apprenticeship, trying to get these previous employers who are under no obligation to give me any details has been my downfall, yet the AU government are after engineers in my field???????

the sad and extremely frustrating thing is if I was a hairdresser with one qualification I would not have had the same problems obtaining a visa,(no offence to any hairdressers I'm prob going to try and qualify as one fairly soon) yet now I have to pay another $300 just for the TRA to look at my stuff again.

another problem is the place I did my apprenticeship doesn't exist anymore so it's hard to get a confirmation from someone who is 1. interested (my main problem I get passed from pillar to post) and 2. was there at the time, be warned all those who are going alone.

This has knocked me for 6 as I have great qualifications and heaps of experience.

I don't really want to go on a sponsored visa as I could get stuck in a job I hate for 2 years, anyone have any suggestions?? (I've considered the cricket bat approach:biglaugh:)

 

 

[Guest swampo]

That's pant's mate. Our friend, you is going to Melbourne, did his own visa/TRA and got through OK, even though some companies had ceased to exist. He goes on Poms in Oz under 'more teav vicar', try dropping him a pm I am sure he would give you some advice.

Good luck

[Guest ReadyPenny]

Hi Paul

 

we had the same problem with the TRA as the place that OH did his apprenticeship no longer exists. OH has been self employed for 10 years and we went to the solicitors and did a Statutory Declaration of the tools used, apprenticeship served etc. Basically a sworn statement of truth from yourself.

 

Just a though or have you done this already? It worked for us and we got through no problems.

 

Good Luck

Mandy

[suziewozie]

Why note write your own letter from your employers and then present it to them and ask them to sign it. Might be worth it

[kjc79]

I haven't posted for a while so hello to all those I haven't welcomed, and a warning aswell. (and I promise I'm not normally such a grump:))

I have been walking a tough old road to get out to OZ for over a year and a half now, and I am getting no-where, I have gone it alone without the help of an expensive agent, and though it's been a lot of work I have come unstuck.

my problem is 2 fold, firstly I have a complicated job (as an engineer(special class electrician) on the MODL list) so I have had to prove everything I have done, tightened up screws, removed bits of stupid plastic blah blah to re-programming robots, it's been a pain, well after a year of sorting my documents out I was happy to send my qualifiactions off fairly happy with what I had supplied.

I recieved the letter from the TRA a couple of days ago and they bounced my application, on the grounds that I didn't have a boss write a letter to tell them what tools I used and how I used them, though they were happy to accept my qualifications.?????? eh???

 

My whole TRA failed because I needed a previous employer to say "he used a meduim philips to remove the facia before testing balah blah."

I have only had 4 jobs since I started out and I'm now 30 yet not one of these employers has given me any thing more than yes he worked here/did an electrical/electronic/mechanical apprenticeship, trying to get these previous employers who are under no obligation to give me any details has been my downfall, yet the AU government are after engineers in my field???????

the sad and extremely frustrating thing is if I was a hairdresser with one qualification I would not have had the same problems obtaining a visa,(no offence to any hairdressers I'm prob going to try and qualify as one fairly soon) yet now I have to pay another $300 just for the TRA to look at my stuff again.

another problem is the place I did my apprenticeship doesn't exist anymore so it's hard to get a confirmation from someone who is 1. interested (my main problem I get passed from pillar to post) and 2. was there at the time, be warned all those who are going alone.

This has knocked me for 6 as I have great qualifications and heaps of experience.

I don't really want to go on a sponsored visa as I could get stuck in a job I hate for 2 years, anyone have any suggestions?? (I've considered the cricket bat approach:biglaugh:)

 

 

afternoon,

as a hairdresser having gone through the tra, just to put your mind at ease us hairdressers dont get it any easier. I had to do exactly the same explaining every job i had worked for with cuts products, bowls, brushes etc photos , other qualifications and experience and also had to get my ex-bosses to explain in detail what brushes, cuts, products bowls i had to use too. It was like a novel by the time i had finished! it is so frustrating i know but I ended up writing a draft of what i needed her to write and sign and it took 12 months nearly for her to add figures and tweek it before one of them sent it back to me.

 

good luck

 

kathx

[Guest smit]

Maybe we should mock 'engineer( special electrician)' as you are mocking hairdressers. And have obviously no idea what they need to do to get here,. Maybe you shoud go and train as one, spend 3 years as an apprentice and do a few more years experience, then maybe the're let you in!

 

As said above, they have to do exactly the same as you..........................maybe if you would have had a decent agent they would have told you this:).

 

Mocking people isnt the best way of asking for help, suggestions. There are plenty of hairdressers here that managed to do the paperwork right., maybe you arent too 'special'

[Guest sarahsmartiepants]

I have been walking a tough old road to get out to OZ for over a year and a half now, and I am getting no-where, I have gone it alone without the help of an expensive agent, and though it's been a lot of work I have come unstuck.

 

 

 

the sad and extremely frustrating thing is if I was a hairdresser with one qualification I would not have had the same problems obtaining a visa,(no offence to any hairdressers I'm prob going to try and qualify as one fairly soon) yet now I have to pay another $300 just for the TRA to look at my stuff again.

another problem is the place I did my apprenticeship doesn't exist anymore so it's hard to get a confirmation from someone who is 1. interested (my main problem I get passed from pillar to post) and 2. was there at the time, be warned all those who are going alone.

This has knocked me for 6 as I have great qualifications and heaps of experience.

I don't really want to go on a sponsored visa as I could get stuck in a job I hate for 2 years, anyone have any suggestions?? (I've considered the cricket bat approach:biglaugh:)

 

 

Oh dear, I was going to say sorry till I read the bit about being a hairdresser and how easy it is for them.............dream on matey! I did all that you were asked to do, got letters from clients, and accountants, couldnt get one from an employer as they were all gone! wrote the stat dec, The only difference was I spent the money on a agent as I felt I would need the help, and I did . Shame you didnt do that, maybe you would have got your TRA instead of a failure.

Good luck with re training as a hairdresser, when you qualify get an agent believe me they are helpful and worth it! Also dont be putting down other peoples careers, it is a good way to put peoples backs up, you certainly got mine up, but never mind off for a few more lenghts of the pool and a sit in the sun!

[Guest Martin and Val]

I was in the same boat the company no longer exited but as I was still in touch with an old work mate, he supplied me with a reference saying what I did and he also had to supply all his trade papers to prove he had been there at the same time as me. Together with a long stat dec and all signed and witnessed by a solicitor it went through OK. Can you try and do similar?

Good luck

Martin

[Guest TRIMIX]

Back on track then,

 

You need to do a stat dec, it may take a few pages mine was about four pages long as I had my own business since 1992 to 2006, so I was the only one who could really prove I have used all the tools. This would be the only option and possibly sack your agent as you should have had their advice and they would have checked your TRA bit.

 

I also know people who sailed through the TRA first time then when arriving here having to do it again failed it. Some never did get their licence and went back and some took a year.

 

Neil

[Guest guest569]

Back on track then,

 

This would be the only option and possibly sack your agent as you should have had their advice and they would have checked your TRA bit.

Neil

I don't think they used an agent.

[Guest paul_smart]

Thanks for the replies,

For those of you whose feathers were ruffled by my post please let me explain what my meaning was and (as I stated ) was not meant to be offensive in any way,

I chose hairdressers as an example and not to denegrate any particular trade, I could just of easily have chosen HGV drivers or Teachers, and I still would not have been "having a go" at HGV drivers or teachers

they are the same in the way that they have a specific skill set in one direction, in this case Hair, my job is totally oposite, I do not have one skill base that I have to prove, I have many, rather than being skilled in one central direction I am a jack of all trades,

I am an Electrical, Mechanical, Welding, Electronics, Programming, Robotic, Pneumatuic, Hydraulic,Turning, Milling, 3 phase installing, repairing jack of all trades.

 

I have had to prove EACH PART of my job as though it was it's own trade, a fact made harder that I then need an accompaniying letter "proving" from a boss that I worked in these area's, the paperwork I got together for this weighed a kilo on it's own and it still wasn't enough, I spent 7 years qualifying as an engineer and have done another 2 as an adult (9 in total) and it was quite a knock to get the letter.

 

I hope I have clarified any misunderstanding to those of you who felt I was degrading hairdressers, and even after re-reading my post can't see that I was offensive, although I certainly wasn't clear enough in making the the point as to whyI made the deiffernce between the trades but at no point did I "mock" hairdressers

But I aplogise to getting your backs up (Smit and Sarah) all the same I hope that you can now re-read my initial post with a perspective view and keep the red mist from your eyes.

 

Kath, thank you for your reply and yes it did help, a hairdresser friend of mine did not seem to have half of the problems I am having and her OH was a labourer so her points were the valuble ones, I can't believe they ask you repeat the same info for every job that's crazy, brush, bowl etc it makes no sense, every job I have done has involved different tools so I can understand the need to clarify each point, but to reclarify the same point over and over amazes me, it must have been a pain to put together.

 

 

Trimix and others who suggested the self dec, thanks I will look into that, the TRA want me to contact them anyhow so maybe I'll ask them direct, thanks for your help it's most appreciated.

[laura girling]

Hi There,

I think it was more to the point that you are saying your job is very specialised and technical and hairdressing, teaching ect isn't.

Which you are wrong about, not that I care that much.

We have all got to prove every step of every job, the difference is I paid someone to tell me this every step of the way.

When you land in Oz, you will have to go to the TRA, pay a load of money and get your certs recognised anyway.

If you fancy trying an agent mine was very good.

Mick Breen, Destination Oz.

Just a bit of advise, careful what you say, it didnt really offend me that much, but it did a little, more so after you explained yourself.

Good luck with your visa

Laura

[Guest lynne]

You could always use an agent just for part of the process. So for example you can use it for the skills assessment.

 

The first part of the assessment is more difficult as you are chasing up either universities or training schools that have closed down. Old employers have moved on etc.

If you miss something later on in the assessment than they will email you and ask you to provide the information.

 

You could ask if they can review your case once you provide the additional information. If you don't ask you don't get.

 

For any one making there own application just check you have all the information. Recheck again and then recheck again prior to sending.

 

 

Not all agents are good and even agents make mistakes.

[Guest sarahsmartiepants]

I am not sure if you offended me with the hairdresser bit in the way you think you did Paul.

I am sure there are nurses out here that think the same as me............I constantly get "oh your a hairdresser it is easy for you to get here"

I also get "oh your a hairdresser" like it is a job for dumbos, well I am far from dumb.

I think what bugged me more about what you said was that you seemed to come across as special and as you are on the list you shouldnt have to do what everyone else has to to get your TRA.

We all have to jump through hoops of some kind or another to get here, the road is long and you are not the only one doing it!

Anyway I dont take things too personnally, I am not one of those who make up my mind about someone just by what they post, I would wait to meet to meet them before I made those sorts of judgements:biglaugh:

Besides with a name like yours we could be related!

[andy and lindsey]

Hi Paul

 

Just edit your post and replace hairdressers with nurses! I am a nurse and really sympathise with all of your plights (whatever trade you may have) as for nurses it really is easy, after supplying your transcripts of qualifications and and a reference from an employer you get a positive skills assessment - Bingo (it is so unfair when many of you have to go to extraordinairy lengths!) I know people (in other trades) who have failed the TRA first time around and had to resumbit, in your situation I would suggest that you use an agent, someone to hold your hand and guide you every step of the way, well worth the money! Any nurses out there I would say do it yourself, there is no need.

 

Good luck with your resubmission!

[ianb]

Not going to get drawn into anything but everyone has had to go through hell to get here, all the forms, time effort and expense. But then if it was made easy it would only end up like the uk, an open house for everyone to use and abuse. So long may it be like this!

 

I have respect for every profession going and everyone is highly skilled in their own right.

 

Getting here is still the easy bit believe you me! Wait till you land!

[ozzieclare2be]

Hi Paul

 

Just edit your post and replace hairdressers with nurses! I am a nurse and really sympathise with all of your plights (whatever trade you may have) as for nurses it really is easy, after supplying your transcripts of qualifications and and a reference from an employer you get a positive skills assessment - Bingo (it is so unfair when many of you have to go to extraordinairy lengths!) I know people (in other trades) who have failed the TRA first time around and had to resumbit, in your situation I would suggest that you use an agent, someone to hold your hand and guide you every step of the way, well worth the money! Any nurses out there I would say do it yourself, there is no need.

 

Good luck with your resubmission!

 

aww linz t wasnt that easy hun, my arm ached from filling those forms in but yes we have it easier but then ours wasnt tra assessment so i guess same will aplly forothersunder different assessing bodies.

[Anne B]

Paul,

I certainly didn't think you were being offensive to hairdressers in any way. I knew what you meant.

[Thorpe1]

Paul,

 

I feel sorry for you mate I think that in your frustration you maybe didn't think of the effect you may have on others feeling. I'm sure you meant no harm.

 

But Sarah will be cutting my hair in the next week or so and if she's wound up who knows what will happen!!!

[Guest Pies]

Thanks for the replies,

For those of you whose feathers were ruffled by my post please let me explain what my meaning was and (as I stated ) was not meant to be offensive in any way,

I chose hairdressers as an example and not to denegrate any particular trade, I could just of easily have chosen HGV drivers or Teachers, and I still would not have been "having a go" at HGV drivers or teachers

they are the same in the way that they have a specific skill set in one direction, in this case Hair, my job is totally oposite, I do not have one skill base that I have to prove, I have many, rather than being skilled in one central direction I am a jack of all trades,

I am an Electrical, Mechanical, Welding, Electronics, Programming, Robotic, Pneumatuic, Hydraulic,Turning, Milling, 3 phase installing, repairing jack of all trades.

 

I have had to prove EACH PART of my job as though it was it's own trade, a fact made harder that I then need an accompaniying letter "proving" from a boss that I worked in these area's, the paperwork I got together for this weighed a kilo on it's own and it still wasn't enough, I spent 7 years qualifying as an engineer and have done another 2 as an adult (9 in total) and it was quite a knock to get the letter.

 

I hope I have clarified any misunderstanding to those of you who felt I was degrading hairdressers, and even after re-reading my post can't see that I was offensive, although I certainly wasn't clear enough in making the the point as to whyI made the deiffernce between the trades but at no point did I "mock" hairdressers

But I aplogise to getting your backs up (Smit and Sarah) all the same I hope that you can now re-read my initial post with a perspective view and keep the red mist from your eyes.

 

Kath, thank you for your reply and yes it did help, a hairdresser friend of mine did not seem to have half of the problems I am having and her OH was a labourer so her points were the valuble ones, I can't believe they ask you repeat the same info for every job that's crazy, brush, bowl etc it makes no sense, every job I have done has involved different tools so I can understand the need to clarify each point, but to reclarify the same point over and over amazes me, it must have been a pain to put together.

 

 

Trimix and others who suggested the self dec, thanks I will look into that, the TRA want me to contact them anyhow so maybe I'll ask them direct, thanks for your help it's most appreciated.

 

Stay positive - I am 41 and getting close to the last chance saloon for entry - and my wife is a hairdresser.......you can rue decisions about jobs taken, delays and agent choice or moves you made at a later date. Main thing is to get the situation sorted, achieve your goal then worry about all the other stuff...............best of British to you.

 

Always worth revisiting those previous employers, explain the situation and give them a letter containing what you need - what disadvantage is it to them if you want a new life down under?

 

On the other hand, if you work for a multinational blue chip like me, it is a nightmare and you have to go to some pretty extraordinary lengths to get what you need - people have to lay out quite a lot of trust in your direction, The companies are terrified they will get sued for giving out anything other than a neutral reference.

[Guest smit]

,(no offence to any hairdressers I'm prob going to try and qualify as one fairly soon)

Its pretty clear what this statement meant ,to me anyway,you say no offence but then you go and say youre going to try an d qualify as one, obviously inferring to the fact that its EASY!.

 

I cant see how it can be read any different.

 

Anyway enough said!................Im sure youve got other pressing things to get on with:)

[kjc79]

Thanks for the replies,

For those of you whose feathers were ruffled by my post please let me explain what my meaning was and (as I stated ) was not meant to be offensive in any way,

I chose hairdressers as an example and not to denegrate any particular trade, I could just of easily have chosen HGV drivers or Teachers, and I still would not have been "having a go" at HGV drivers or teachers

they are the same in the way that they have a specific skill set in one direction, in this case Hair, my job is totally oposite, I do not have one skill base that I have to prove, I have many, rather than being skilled in one central direction I am a jack of all trades,

I am an Electrical, Mechanical, Welding, Electronics, Programming, Robotic, Pneumatuic, Hydraulic,Turning, Milling, 3 phase installing, repairing jack of all trades.

 

I have had to prove EACH PART of my job as though it was it's own trade, a fact made harder that I then need an accompaniying letter "proving" from a boss that I worked in these area's, the paperwork I got together for this weighed a kilo on it's own and it still wasn't enough, I spent 7 years qualifying as an engineer and have done another 2 as an adult (9 in total) and it was quite a knock to get the letter.

 

I hope I have clarified any misunderstanding to those of you who felt I was degrading hairdressers, and even after re-reading my post can't see that I was offensive, although I certainly wasn't clear enough in making the the point as to whyI made the deiffernce between the trades but at no point did I "mock" hairdressers

But I aplogise to getting your backs up (Smit and Sarah) all the same I hope that you can now re-read my initial post with a perspective view and keep the red mist from your eyes.

 

Kath, thank you for your reply and yes it did help, a hairdresser friend of mine did not seem to have half of the problems I am having and her OH was a labourer so her points were the valuble ones, I can't believe they ask you repeat the same info for every job that's crazy, brush, bowl etc it makes no sense, every job I have done has involved different tools so I can understand the need to clarify each point, but to reclarify the same point over and over amazes me, it must have been a pain to put together.

 

 

Trimix and others who suggested the self dec, thanks I will look into that, the TRA want me to contact them anyhow so maybe I'll ask them direct, thanks for your help it's most appreciated.

 

Nah made no sense to me either.it was like doing the whole nvq's again! I had to do stat decs too as was self employed aswell so had to get clients statements ontop and photos at work the list was endless. ask them straight when you call what is needed but however insignificant you may feel a bit of information is add it in, you can get the agent just to help you through the tra bit and then do the visa bit yourself. others have done that which i wish i'd known before then could.ve saved myself lots of money:idea:

kathx