Youn British Electrician - few questions
 

Hey guys,

Been thinking of taking a long trip to Aus or NZ for a good while. I have many friends in both who I've met backpacking Europe and America. I'm a 25 year old Electrician from Liverpool UK.

My plan is to fly to Thailand for a month, then into Melbourne for a month or so on a holiday visa and then in to Christchurch with a WHV. I have friends in Christchurch and Invercargill, so south island is going to be best initially.

I would like to work within my trade if poss. I know about EWRB etc and have sent them an enquiry regarding the next steps. My reason for wanting to obtain a license is because, if I like NZ, or have reasons for wanting to stay beyond my WHV period, it will make obtaining a visa easier if I have employment etc, right?

The questions I have are..

Would I be better just going for causal work ie, fruit picking/bar work for the fun of being with like-minded travellers?

Can I apply when in NZ if I later decide to get my license?

Is an NZ license transferrable to Australia?

Many Thanks Guys

Re: Youn British Electrician - few questions
 

Mate, can't help you with NZ licensing but I can tell you that you have to be locally licensed to work in Oz. It even varies from State to State in Australia.

An electrician in Oz can expect to earn considerably more than in NZ though, or the UK I reckon. I reckon given how busy he is and the rates he is able to charge my electrician earns in excess of AU$200,000 per year.

some of which he puts through the books :rofl:

BB

Re: Youn British Electrician - few questions
 

Cheers for reply mate. Yea I know all about the state licensing as my ex flatmate in Liverpool was an Aussie spark from Victoria, he's just gone back. I believe that an NZ license is transferrable under mutual recognition, but I'm not certain.
I've emailed "Down Under Tradies" in London, hopefully get a reply soon. Those figures sure sound pleasureable haha. What annoys me is that all my mate had to do was sit the 17th edition exam over here to get his JIB card, one hour exam and home study. Or rather him asking me endless questions for days!

Thanks again

Re: Youn British Electrician - few questions
 

Mate there is also a sub-forum on British Expats for electricians -

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=97

BB