jibboo
If you're under 26, I think you can get 2 years in Oz fairly easily, if you haven't used your allocation.
If you can get sponsored while over there, you might not need a degree - but talk to the agent above.
Check out the CASA site for timing on skilled labor comments. Something I read said that coming off will be of immediate affect even if your application is already filed. (Sounds a bit weird, so might be misinformation...)