Going to Oz as Wall and Floor Tiler

**chrissyboy71** · 08-07-2011

Hi all,
I hope someone can give me some good advice as I am getting more and more confused.
I have been tiling for a number of years in the UK and overseas.
I don't have qualifications but was led to believe that you could undergo an Australian Skills Assessment in order to attain your AQF 111 which is necessary to work in Oz.
I spoke to Australian Skill Assessments who said this was the case but then someone at Australian Visa Bureau told me this wasnt the case and because I had no formal quals or apprenticeship papers the handbrake would be put on my application, he also said Australian Skill Assessments would happily take my money but not tell me this other important information. Hence why I am now so confused.
Oddly enough I do have level 4 diploma in Construction Site Management and a NEBOSH Occupational Health and Safety Cert which is level 3. Would either of these qualifications help me in my plight?
I believe to get a Visa as a Construction Site Manager you need a degree, is this the case?
Or is it that even though I have the years experience in tiling I still wouldn't be able to apply because I don't have NVQ's?
Is it worth me doing a short course here in order to get an NVQ? and if so what level would be required??
I have also heard some people saying another option would be to apply for a student visa and do a 2 yr tiling course in Perth, is this good or bad advice?? I have recently turned 40, I have a wife and four kids I want to take with me. Kids are 15,11,4 and 3. So my age may also be an issue.
Thanks all for any advice given to an extremely confused bloke!!!