Skilled Visas – No Toil All Trouble
 |
A record number of skilled construction workers have landed in Australia from the UK and Ireland dreaming of a prosperous new life. But for some, like plumber Conor Newell, that dream has been sucked down the plughole along with thousands of dollars.
In 2013 to March 2014 the number of skilled visa entries averaged 1331 per month, the highest ever.
While the country is crying out for plumbers – as they are named on the government’s Skilled Occupations List – a Department of Employment report for November 2013 shows there is no shortage of plumbers in Queensland.
“I have found that out too late,” said Mr Newell, a 24-year-old Irish plumber who arrived in Queensland six months ago and has not been able to find work.
“Back in Ireland I heard on the media and at job expos that Australia was looking for 30,000 trade workers. I came to Queensland because my sister lives here and it is a beautiful place. No one told me that there were no jobs in this state. I’ve just hit a big pile of obstacles and a never-ending drain on my money. I was so confident of doing well that I bought a one-way air ticket.
“I was a fully fledged working domestic plumber in Ireland. I’m disappointed and will be warning people back home it’s not that easy.”
There are 188 occupations on the SOL and from 1st July chefs, tilers and bricklayers will be added. “All in all I’d say it will cost about $15,000 to gain a full licence in Australia, coupled with the costs of flights and visas. I will eventually be out tens of thousands,” he said.
“I have to complete expensive TAFE modules within two years. Even though I am fully qualified, you can’t do a thing over here without your provisional licence. I’m also hoping to get a regional sponsorship visa which will be a few more thousand.
"Plumbers are not the only jobs listed on SOL that have a “no shortage” status in Queensland. There is also no shortage of carpenters, enrolled nurses, ICT analysts, telecom engineers and secondary school teachers."
The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Senator Michaelia Cash said the SOL was not broken down by territory or state.
“Prospective migrants are advised in information provided by the Department that the Australian labour market is very competitive and fluctuates depending on economic factors, type of work sought and other specific circumstances.
|
 
|
