How to Achieve Your Dream and Work in the Electrical Field | Christchurch Electrical

Do you see yourself working for Christchurch Electricalone day under our master electricians? Perhaps you'd like to end up a master electrician yourself?

We're always looking for fresh young faces to bring in to our company where we can help you become one of the best professionals in the field. But, it's no easy road to get here. Keep reading to find out what being an electrician really entails.

If you're looking at becoming an electrician, you're probably interested in how much you'll be earning down the track.

At the moment, apprentice electricians in New Zealand wages start from around $16 hour. Once you're qualified, that jumps to about $30 an hour. Experienced electricians or those that own businesses can earn up to $100,000 a year or more!

What will you have to do to earn that cash? As you learn the trade you'll become competent in the following:

• Interpreting wiring diagrams and floor plans
  
• Installing electrical wiring and equipment
  
• Repairing and replacing electrical wiring, parts and equipment
  
• Safety-testing electrical work
  
• Keeping records of the problems you find and the work you do
  
• Preparing quotes
  

The good news is, the chances of getting a job as an electrician today are good due to a construction boom and a shortage of trained workers.

To become an electrician, you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering – Electrician for Registration (Level 4).

To get an apprenticeship, you usually are required to achieve Level 1 NCEA in maths, construction and mechanical technologies, English and science (preferably physics).

In New Zealand, The Skills Organisation oversees electrical apprenticeships. ATT and The Electrical Training Company employ, train and place electrical apprentices, as well as work with students from selected schools. Visit their websites to find out about their processes and any current available opportunities.

Once you've completed your certification you'll need to be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. To do this, you'll need to have obtained a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering during your training and will have to pass an electrical regulations exam.

For most types of electrical work, you'll also need a current practicing license covering electrical safety, CPR and First Aid.

Once you're registered, it's time to get out there and find a job! All of that may sound daunting, but the end result will be worth it.

If you go about getting your qualification the right way, there are plenty of employment opportunities with great companies across New Zealand.

For more information on how to become an electrician we suggest accessing the wealth of information that is available online. Good luck, and we hope to see your application to work with Christchurch Electricalone day soon.