Okay, thanks, Wanderer. I'm guessing the employer sponsor path would affix me to my present employer and that if anything rifted between us, I'd have to reroute and complete a different visa to stay in Tassie.

That said, i'm eying the independent skilled visa with which I could decide to continue employment with my present employer, correct?

Lastly, I'm scheduled to return for training in May and then again in September. I think I'm in a bit of a pickle in that it's already March. Would staying on a three-month tourist visa from May through July affect getting a second tourist visa to return for the class again in September?

Just a note that the training is not something that directly affects my job. It's very much a personal choice which I look forward to contining.