Hi everyone.
This forum is such a wonderful resource and the people are just amazing. I cannot begin without first acknowledging everyones efforts and helpful advice openly shared here and that is why I want to first say thank you.
I apologize upfront for this legnthy post- hopefully the detailed info will make it easier for you to steer me in the right direction and let me know if we have a shot at this.
It is important to note that this is the VERY early first stages for my wife and I where what started as a discussion has become something we both want to consider seriously. Living in South Africa we can no longer ignore the problems facing our country. We have always remained hopeful and optimistic that things will get better. Unfortunately things just seem to be spiralling out of control. Crime is the biggest issue for us, and with the lack of effective measures in place against it we feel we need to take responsibilty of our own destiny.
Background info:
My wife is 26 and I am 28, no children yet.
My Career history and qualifications:
I studied IT and am qualified as a MCSE NT4 and MCSE 2000. I also have A+, N+, MCP+I certifications. I never studied a degree as the requirments for me to begin a successful career in IT was to have these vendor certifications. I began working in June of 2001 as a Desktop Support engineer and with hard work progressed and was promoted until I eventually became a Senior Systems Engineer (Microsoft technologies) and was the 3rd level support person. I worked for an IT Outsource company throughout this time and they had the contracts with these blue chip customers. I was fortunate to be involved in many infrastructure upgrade projects of which included work done for Government departments. In 2006 I had come far in the IT industry but felt in my heart I wanted a change. Towards the end of 2006 I resigned and made a complete career change to working as a Realtor. This was a natural step for me as I had started investing in property 2 years prior and just loved that part of the industry. I have done this since and for the last 1.5yrs I have also had a business where I provide professional real estate and architectural photography services to MANY major estate agencies. I have become very good at this although I do not hold a qualification in this. If it was up to me, I would want to come over to work for one of the local RE photography companies, but I am not sure what part of my career will hold the most weight in the application process. For all I know, I might not even be considered - hopefully some of you will know.
My wifes career history and qualifications:
My wife is an internationally qualified "Somatologist" (Health & Skincare Therapist) with Diplomas in CIDESCO, ITEC in Physiatrics, Aestheticienne, Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Eplilation, SAAHSP(South African institute). She also has product training in Environ, Nimue and Dermalogica among others. She worked in this field part time for 1 year (2nd yrs studies) followed by full time work of 3 years. She was also promoted to Salon Manager. In 2006 she too changed careers and has since been working as an admin and internal sales lady. Maybe she will have a stronger case in applying than I will based on her diplomas?- what do you think?
We both have a desire to move to Brisbane should we have sufficient "skills" needed by the Australian immigration authorities. My wifes uncle and aunt live in Australia as well as one of her cousins, if this makes any difference.
What would you suggest... do we have ANY hope as it stands now? If I need to study a degree or do something extra then I will do so if it will improve our chances. If we do something like this we would make it part of a 2 - 3 year plan. Hopefully sooner if at all possible. I could not find anything on the Skills list and that is why I wanted to first approach all of you for some advice. Maybe we can come over on a 2yr visa if such an option exists and hopefully stregnthen our case?
Do we have a chance? What do you suggest we do to improve our chances? As soon as I have a better idea we can then chat to a agent to see what they say.
Thank you for reading and once again, sorry for the long post
Charles
