Is the credit crunch affecting the construction industry in Oz?

[daz181]

Hi All

I hope you can help me with a question i have:

My hubby and i (plus 2 kids) are currently in the process of applying for our 475 Visa (State Sponsorship - Queensland). My hubby works as a construction manager and as you all know the construction industry is in dire straits in the UK.

I haven't heard anything about how the Australian economy is holding up and mainly how the construction industry is fairing. Are things still stable or is there a downturn expected? I am worried that we risk jumping from the frying pan into the fire if there is a knock-on effect over there.

Cheers guys

Cath

[kaz101]

Hi Cath,

I've posted a few general posts on the economy, keep an eye on any job websites to see if companies stop advertising and also the big online newspapers since they will always tell you when something bad is going on

Regards,
Karen

[Bluecookie]

Originally Posted by daz181

Hi All

I hope you can help me with a question i have:

My hubby and i (plus 2 kids) are currently in the process of applying for our 475 Visa (State Sponsorship - Queensland). My hubby works as a construction manager and as you all know the construction industry is in dire straits in the UK.

I haven't heard anything about how the Australian economy is holding up and mainly how the construction industry is fairing. Are things still stable or is there a downturn expected? I am worried that we risk jumping from the frying pan into the fire if there is a knock-on effect over there.

Cheers guys

Cath

Hi Cath

I work for a large construction firm and i've just got my 457 visa for brisbane as my company has and contiues to win project tenders there at the moment. Like you said UK is dead. Many are large projects that are lasting 2-4 years so i will be covered for that. My understanding from Oz work colleagues is that its booming right now. You can never be confident that it will not downturn but then the construction industry is like that anyway. Your hubby can always apply for PR after so long so his job doesnt dictate staying in Oz. Thats my plans anyway. Where ever you are, and i'ld rather be somewhere hot with a beach than cold in UK.

Hels

[RachaelK]

Ooo... A woman in construction! Me too! I've been doing a bit of everything since I came to Ireland (QS, Planning, Site Management, Contracts Management), mostly for smaller projects. Before that I was in the States and working on much larger projects. I'm hoping to get involved in some larger projects again in Oz. A good few friends are down there and say the work is really interesting. I'm really looking forward to it!!

[Bluecookie]

Originally Posted by RachaelK

Ooo... A woman in construction! Me too! I've been doing a bit of everything since I came to Ireland (QS, Planning, Site Management, Contracts Management), mostly for smaller projects. Before that I was in the States and working on much larger projects. I'm hoping to get involved in some larger projects again in Oz. A good few friends are down there and say the work is really interesting. I'm really looking forward to it!!

Hi Rachael

Yes we are taking over...slowly

Im in Planning and i was told that it is slightly different there so im looking for to it all too.

My company has acquired the Trilogy Tower which is to be the tallest in Brisbane so im hoping ill be on that. But to start i'll be in the Birsbane office getting used to their way i guess.

When are you planning on going?

Hels

[RachaelK]

As soon as I get my visa sorted. I'm applying for a 175. It's been submitted but from what I can tell it's pretty slow going. I'm applying under my civil engineering qualifications. Skills assessment was a success so now it's just a matter of getting my medicals in (Monday) and waaaaaaaaiting. I have a feeling I'm not going to be very patient!

Sounds like a great project to be on. I think we'll be in Melbourne but it looks like work is pretty good there as well.

[funksta]

Originally Posted by RachaelK

As soon as I get my visa sorted. I'm applying for a 175. It's been submitted but from what I can tell it's pretty slow going. I'm applying under my civil engineering qualifications. Skills assessment was a success so now it's just a matter of getting my medicals in (Monday) and waaaaaaaaiting. I have a feeling I'm not going to be very patient!

hi
Pls make sure that the medical tests are not done too quickly. Better wait for the Officer to be assigned. Medical tests are valid for one year
My 2 cents worth

[RachaelK]

Agent got back to me and I was requested to submit the medicals. Waited to hear from them before I made the appointment...

[daz181]

Hi,

Thanks for your responses guys.

Still on the construction theme, my OH came across a job advertised through Hays Recruitment and sent them an email. The job was for a Site Forman/Manager. Darren had a perfect skill set for the position but he has just received a mail back from the recruitment consultant stating the following:

"Working in Construction in Queensland you are required to be licensed. Please see this website to ensure you are eligible for a Supervisors license or above. Generally you are required to have completed your Trade Qualification in Carpentry or similar. Almost all of my positions require a trade qualification, a current QLD license and local experience"

We were aware of the licencing issue, however Darren is not from a trade background - he has 5 years hands on experience in construction management, a degree and CIOB Site Managers Qualification etc, he is 34 and has always worked in Project Management jobs albeit not in construction (initially). He has never had any issues finding work in the UK (taking the current economic situation aside of course).

We were really surprised to get this response, do you know if this is the case with Construction Project Management Jobs in general?

Cheers

Cath

[RachaelK]

Cath,

It might just be a case of different positions having different titles. I have a civil engineering qualification but have worked in project/construction management for about 8 years. It's been a mix between on-site management and office work, depending on the project. When I moved to Ireland from the States it was SO confusing. A 'foreman' or 'site manasger' at home would be from a trades background, whereas here it's more like a 'superintendent' at home (usually qualified in some sort of project/construction management). Might be worth sending the latter part of that post to the recruiter at Hays. They might be able to clarify what titles your OH should be looking at.

If you do hear back from them, let us know what they have to say. I'd be interested!

~Rachael