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1. A fellow Aussie’s experience…
   Hi Cecilia, I too have the Cert IV and have now been over here in the UK for 3 years. Please take what I say with a grain of salt, because I have just kind of picked things up as I have gone along, and might be completely incorrect! I will help where I can though.

   The setup over here is a bit different to back in Oz. There is no equivalent to the Cert IV as such – you need to have an actual qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The most common one is the Certificate in Training Practice (CTP).

   I have found two excellent positions though, without converting my Cert IV into a CIPD qualification. The Cert IV seems to have demonstrated a degree of competency at least, so that is a good thing. The problem with the CIPD qual is that it is a really lengthy, full-on process, either through study, recognition of prior learning (Cert IV ain’t it!) or recognition of prior experience. I looked at the last option, but there is a humungous workbook to complete just for them to assess whether it’s worth you going for it. You might then have to top up in some areas with study. Like I said, I don’t think they are too interested in the Cert IV as prior learning, but you may well have loads of experience which will cover the required competencies.

   I would seriously consider whether you want to go the whole hog, in which case be prepared for a lot more effort, or whether you want to chance it on just the Cert IV.

   I hope this helps – if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know. Check out the CIPD website (www.cipd.co.uk) for info.

   Regards

   Richard