Give it to me straight

wilson182 · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:34 am Post subject: Give it to me straight

My husband is a welder in the structural steel and marine industry. His quali's and work experience has already been approved by NZ qualifications authority (and we have the paperwork for that). Nice One

His trade is also on the Occupational Shortages List.
Our questions are:
What would be the best way of getting residency: Would it be to come over on hols and apply for jobs then, as in the nature of his job he is usually required to do a practical welding test.
How would we go about this: would it be better to come over on a working holiday visa?

We would have capital by selling our house, also we have a seperate lump sum to fund a fact finding holiday (roughly nz$10.000)

One of our main reasons for emigrating is a better quality of life for ouselves and our children and to get out of the rat race. We know the majority of work is in Auckland, however we have been told we will be moving from one rat race to another. We also have friends in the Christchurch area, who tell us that the quality of life is better. However, they are unsure of the work situation for welders, Does anyone know this?

Any help would be gratefully received and will help to clear the fog of confusion. Nutcase

susanlin · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:34 am Post subject:

Hello - We are moving to Christchurch soon where I have a job as a nurse. My husband is a welder too and he has found plenty of advertised jobs. Trouble is, the employers are reluctant to offer him a job without him doing a 'test weld' first. We have work visas whilst our residency application is assessed. The plan is for me to work first whilst my husband settles our children in etc and then he can apply for jobs when he is there. What is your profession? If you are on the POL, then I would advise you to get a job and apply for your visas that way. I am the main applicant for our residency application.

A fact finding mission is a great idea. We went over there last year and just fell in love with the place.
good luck!

karltsmith · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:02 pm Post subject:

Hi wilson182,

I think you would be best to get a work visa, being on the OSL will help you do this and bypass the EOI route until a job is secured at whcih point full steam ahead.

Welders are normally required to undergo a weld test where the weld is subjected to NDT examination and physical tests. Once gained he has gained his 'ticket' he can go virtually anywhere.

SGS New Zealand in Onehunga, Auckland can arrange to do this as can other test houses.

Of particular interest to employers are welders who can weld S/Steel.

Regards Karl

wilson182 · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:54 am Post subject:

Thanks for you advice Guys. Very gratefully received. Wishing you both the best of luck.

wilson182 Nice One