Work in New Zealand as an Electrician

In simple terms, an electrician installs new electrical components and/or maintains and repairs existing electrical systems /equipment be it a residential or commercial property or power stations. There is a wide range of work that an electrician does, depending on what area they specialise in.

According to the Australia/New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, tasks may include:

• Installing switch board, fuse, power supplies, cable support systems, electrical wiring and equipment
• Repairing electrical, electromechanical and electronic parts of machinery and equipment.
• Examining the electrical drawings; diagrams and specifications to assess working method
• Conducting electrical tests
• Checking for errors, testing or repairing of circuit
• Diagnosing faults with the use of test instruments
• Repairing or replacing defective parts & faulty wiring
• Connecting electrical systems to main power supply

Career paths for electricians

Once you gain experience in this field, you can work independently as an electrician, become a contractor, join a company or run your own business (you need to be on an open work visa or a resident to work as a contractor or be self-employed). As a resident, be your own boss and work independently; provide electrical services to a range of residential & commercial premises.

Best things about being an electrician in New Zealand

Range of experiences

Endless opportunities to work on a wide range of electrical tradesperson jobs throughout your career. No two days will be the same.

Your Work, Your Lifestyle

No need to be stuck in the same office all day. Work indoors, outdoors or anywhere you like. As your career grows, you'll have more freedom to choose work and flexibility in your schedule to fit in more time for the things that matter, your family or your hobbies.

Additional Perks

Possibility of getting a work vehicle; tool allowances, flexibility to work after hours or public holidays at higher rates of pay.

A need for electricians nationwide

Electricians are needed everywhere in New Zealand. You could be contributing to the Christchurch rebuild, wiring million-dollar residences in Auckland, or setting up a beachfront hotel anywhere in New Zealand.

You may initially be working under a senior electrician's supervision in New Zealand and with experience you can move up to higher-level roles like as project manager or supervising others, passing on your knowledge and skills to apprentices or even working as a contractor. Career options are practically unlimited for a skilled electrical tradesperson in New Zealand.

Electricians are in high demand

With ever-changing technology, there will be a continued need for electrical professionals. The occupation of Electrician currently appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list- meaning, the Government is actively encouraging skilled electricians from all over the world to come work in New Zealand.

Careers website

Electricians are on LTSSL (Long term skill shortage skill ) list

The Long-Term Skill Shortage List is a list of skilled occupations that are in sustained shortage all over New Zealand. For an electrician the LTSSL requirement is simply registration as an electrician or a limited certificate as an electrician from the Electrical Workers Registration Board.

LTSSL

Your pay varies on the skills, experience and the type / complexity of work that you will do.

See details regarding income can be seen from the Careers government website.

Careers website

• Apprentice electricians may start on the minimum training wage.
• After completing an apprenticeship, electricians usually earn $24 to $33 an hour.
• Experienced electricians who may manage a small team usually earn $34 to $45 an hour.

Do you have what it takes to be an electrician in New Zealand?

According to ANZSCO, an electrician requires the equivalent of a NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3), or at least three years of relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Occupational Registration

Electricians need to be registered with the EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board). This board promotes safety for all New Zealanders by ensuring the competence of all electrical workers.

Electrical Workers Registration Board

PO Box 10 156
Wellington
Mail - [email protected]
Website - www.ewrb.govt.nz

• Careers website
• EWRB
• Career Pathways
• Salary scale