Skills to retrain in, job opportunities in New Zealand / OZ etc.

[aussielong]

Good point.

I'm not sure that I would concur with your thoughts on ozzie women though.

Depends what you mean? If you mean anglo saxon descendent aussies, then they often have battered skin by their late 20's, men and women. They're not meant to be in this kind of sun but they love being tanned up.

But there are lots of fine asian and south american girls here, and not to forget italian, greek and lebanese descendents. It's only the anglo saxon ones that look (and act) rough.

[Animal]

I think the OP will find a totally different culture to employing people in Oz & NZ.

UK you need min 10 years experience in everything before they'll even interview you. In Oz & NZ, they will look at the person and previous experience to see if you can be adapted to the position - yes even for contractors. I got a wide variety of experience from my time in Oz & NZ, much of the time I didn't have previous experience or maybe some experience that linked to the new role.

Unless things have changed, be prepared to drink a lot of beer :-)

I shan't comment on Oz women

[rootsnall]

I think the OP will find a totally different culture to employing people in Oz & NZ.

UK you need min 10 years experience in everything before they'll even interview you. In Oz & NZ, they will look at the person and previous experience to see if you can be adapted to the position - yes even for contractors. I got a wide variety of experience from my time in Oz & NZ, much of the time I didn't have previous experience or maybe some experience that linked to the new role.

Unless things have changed, be prepared to drink a lot of beer :-)

I shan't comment on Oz women

WHS/WSS

It is much easier to blag your way into new skills over there. A good place to get into something new, I've switched skills a couple of times while working in Oz. There is a decentish job market in banking in Sydney, and maybe a bit of work of work in Melbourne.

[aussielong]

WHS/WSS

It is much easier to blag your way into new skills over there. A good place to get into something new, I've switched skills a couple of times while working in Oz. There is a decentish job market in banking in Sydney, and maybe a bit of work of work in Melbourne.

This is true. Its a function of the number of individuals in the market. They do have a skills shortage here. They also import a lot of skills but not the right ones to fill the gaps. I have managed to get better jobs here than in London.