Working as an electrician in New Zealand
Do you dream of working as an electrician in New Zealand? Are you qualified and experienced? Are you fluent in English?
Then your dream could become reality.
There is currently a shortage of electricians in New Zealand and New Zealand Immigration is recruiting candidates who tick all the immigration boxes from abroad.
Keep on reading to find out more about:
- How ANZSCO defines an electrician for New Zealand
- Electricians’ place on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and what it means.
- The visas available to electricians.
- How to assess your immigration eligibility.
- What you can expect from working as an electrician in New Zealand.
The ANZSCO definition of an electrician
Let’s start by saying that ANZSCO stands for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. This list has Electrician (General) as ANZSCO level 3 and defines it as someone who:
Installs, tests, connects, commissions, maintains and modifies electrical equipment, wiring and control systems. Registration or licensing is required.
Electricians on the Long Term Skill Shortage List
Electricians (General) appear on New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL). This means, as already mentioned, it’s an occupation where there is a sustained and on-going shortage of highly skilled workers throughout New Zealand.
This means should you get a job as an electrician, and you meet all the immigration requirements, you are eligible to live and work in New Zealand.
Visas available to electricians
Let’s assume you do have a job offer and you meet the work, qualification, age, health and character requirements. This qualifies you for a Work to Residence visa. This is a temporary visa, valid for 30 months.
That’s the first step in the process.
Should you live and work in New Zealand on your Work to Residence visa for at least 24 months, and continue to meet the requirements (including having a job with a base salary of at least NZ$45 000), you’ll be able to apply for residence status.
Qualifying under the Skilled Migrant category
Here’s something we’re willing to bet will interest you: if you have enough points, and meet the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a Resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Yes, there is a chance that you could apply for New Zealand residency straight away.
The Skilled Migrant Category allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely and access most publicly funded services, such as healthcare, education and New Zealand Superannuation.
Finding out if you qualify
Finding your occupation on the Long Term Skills Shortage List is only the first step in any emigration journey.
As you can see from what we’ve said above, you also still have to meet a long list of requirements, ranging from health to qualifications requirements.
But how do you find out if you stand a chance of working as an electrician in New Zealand?
We’ll tell you… By doing a comprehensive immigration assessment, performed by a licensed immigration adviser.
Intergate Emigration can help you
Our immigration advisers are all licensed to conduct immigration assessments and registered with the New Zealand Immigration Advisor Authority. Apart from assessing your eligibility, our team also guide and support you throughout your visa application.
What you can expect from working as an electrician in New Zealand
The most important thing you should know is this – you cannot work in New Zealand without a visa!
You’ll also need to be registered and licensed with New Zealand’s Electrical Registration Board. The Board wants proof of your experience before an application for registration is accepted and requirements for full registration is shared. Don’t worry though – our advisers can talk you through this process.
Here’s what else we can tell you about working in New Zealand as an electrician:
Salary
Qualified electricians earn between NZ$23 and NZ$32 per hour. This hourly rate is influenced by a couple of factors, such as:
- The city you’re working in.
- Your experience.
- Your skills.
- The job’s responsibilities and duties.
Duties
You can expect to perform similar job functions in New Zealand as back home. New Zealand electricians are also responsible for duties such as installing electrical wiring, repairing electrical equipment and conducting safety tests.
Working conditions
Again, nothing out of the ordinary. Electricians in New Zealand work regular business hours, but may also work weekends and be on call.
Depending on your job, you can expect to work in building sites, existing buildings, power stations or substations. You might also need to travel to local work sites.
Have you booked your consultation call yet?
Take the first step in your immigration journey by booking a consultation call with our licensed advisor. You’ll discover your visa options and learn how the application process works.
