[Twig]

I was looking through the long term shortage skills list and I admit, I'm a little confused.

Basically my husband is an Senior Design Engineer and he has been a design (mechanical) engineer for 18 years BUT does not have a degree. He does have a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering (Design).

Under the skills shortage list -'Professional Engineer - Engineer (Roading, Design, Structural etc) with the qualification 'washington accord accredited engineering degree'.

My husband feels a little put out (so do I) that just because he didn't go to university and get his degree then he isn't classed as a professional engineer despite having 18 years experience and with more knowledge than most design engineer's he knows that have degrees!

Do you think we could include him under the absolute shortage list but use his work experience as proof or will only a degree do?

Many thanks for any help you can offer.

[The Hodges]

Hi Twig

It should be good news, as far as I can tell, HNCs are accepted, see here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzis/operations_manual/7960.htm) for the list (that's right down the bottom of the page) and Engineering is there.

You should also be able to demonstrate that the work experience fulfils the work shortage list, although I have no experience with that, but someone here should be able to.

All that is left to say is http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/signs003.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[sarahw]

I think you should be alright - Depending on whether the qualification is included on the list from NZIS of approved quals if its not on there worst case scenario you'll need to get the qualification certified by NZQA and rated.

To be honest if you have enough points to get in without the qualification & skills shortage don't worry - there are a lot of Brits over here & if he goes for a job its very likely that they'll know what a BTEC is (my OH is a Building Surveyor & also has BTEC & many years experience - his boss is Irish so knew immediately that he was qualified when he saw his C.V.) - with the experience & job offer we had enough points to apply for residence & NZIS weren't interested in us getting the qualification certified.

However, if you don't have enough points & its not on the list you'll need to send stuff off to NZQA and get his qualification rated against the NZ system to give you points.

[pinkpiggy]

Hi Twig

We're still going through the process, but OH's HNC in Building Studies seems to be ok for us to gain points as a basic recognised qualification. We did get it assessed as it wasn't on the list on NZIS website. It came back as a Level 5 and gave us 50 points.

As you can see from my signature, we are some way through the process - our ITA was lodged in December.

[Trigirl]

yes it will get you points as a recognised qualification.

no it won't get you bonus points for skills shortage (either as qualification in itself plus you wont be able to claim bonus points for experience)

lots more info here http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7021

[Twig]

Thank you all!! Thats most helpful. That will save us a lot of time know that he can't come under the shortage list - thats what we needed to bump up our points. Therefore, we know now he needs a job offer.

I'm doing his cover letter today to a engineering recruitment company who he has been in contact with for the past year. They specialise in all aspects of engineering, senior levels specifically - and recruiting from abroad - so fingers crossed!!

Our back up plan is, his cousin who is already a resident of NZ and works in a similar line of work - said he could help out with the job offer - so we'll have to see!

Thanks again.

[neilw71]

Contact the Fletchers recruitment centre (http://www.fletcherconstruction.co.nz/). They are actively looking overseas at the moment and there is a specific link on the homepage (bottom right) for overseas applicants. I believe they will even help with immigration for the right candidates :)

Just a thought!

Neil

[sarahw]

That's a good thought Neil - Fletchers have got more work on than you could shake a stick at here in Welly & I'm sure the same can be said for other parts of NZ...

[Twig]

Thank you Neil! :nice1

[Babette & Andy]

We too managed to get 50points for my hubby's BTEC HND Business & Finance qualifications no problem.

Best of luck
Babette