What trade/branch are you and how long have you been in since completing training? 16 months seems a strange number. Critical trades were 12 months minimum waiting time until recently, less critical trades were 6 months? Have you spoken to the trade desk, they are normally very helpful when not battling redundancy and downsizing themeselves? Chief Clerk may speak to them for you. If you can find yourself a job and your boss is prepared to gap your post, some sympathetic treatment is normally considered.