[andyplumber]

Can any plumbers/trademen - in NZ or stil in the UK give me any info on qualification needed etc to apply under the skilled migrant category. I have a city and guilds NVQ level 2 in plumbing and have now worked for just over two years with the NHS as a maintenance plumber. Do you think this is enough? what should I do now - get my qualification checked or ?? waiting anxiously for replies. andy

[bevsere]

Hi Andy, I have replied to another of your threads.

My husband did nine years with the Dorset NHS trust many many years ago.

The best way to check about your UK qualifications is to have them assessed by the PGDB

http://www.pgdb.co.nz/index.php?sh=01&h2=01 -

only they can tell you if they feel your qualifications will be enough.

It has been normal for the PGDB to look for an NVQ level 4 and 5 years work experience or for a City and Guilds to advanced level plus 5 years experience for the applicant to be considered at a fully skilled level.
With gas they also look for CORGI registration.

Having said that, this wouldn't necessarily preclude you from coming to NZ and working within the NZ plumbing trade. If you can gain a job offer, then you can work under a Limited Licence. I have explained about the licence in my other posts to your thread.

It is my understanding that NZIS are still looking for a level 4 when considering applications under the Skilled Migrant Category. However, nothing is written in stone.

There is a HUGE shortage of tradesmen here in New Zealand.

If the PGDB, following their assessment of your UK quals, state that you have to undergo further training, then NZIS may not accept you under the Skilled Migrant category, therefore no points for the skill.

However, if you could gain a job offer within the trade and your employer can show that there is no-one else suitable to take the position, then your employer can apply to NZIS for an 'Application in Principle'. That means that the employer has to show there is no Kiwi to take the job. Once NZIS approve this , the employer is allowed to give you the job and you gain points for the job offer.
The employer would probably have to go down trhis route as you would not be classed as skilled as such.
As I said though, nothing is written in stone. Much would depend on the NZIS case officer and before that , how the PGDB viewed your quals and exp.

You could then start work in NZ in the plumbing trade and undertake further training to gain the National Certificate. You would be assessed for prior learning so you wouldn't necessarily have to start at the bottom of the learning curve again.

It may be, having read my posts, that you decide it is quicker & easier to simply gain NVQ level 4 whilst still in the UK, earning UK £. By the time you were at level 4 stage you would have a couple more years work experience .

This may be the simpler way to go . Only you can know what is best for you.