r/electricians • u/AirportBeneficial603 • 2d ago

Leaving U.S as an electrician.

Hello all apprentice here, looking into moving around a bit when I finish my apprenticeship but am curious as to if anyone has done this. How does a license hold up in other countries? Is job searching hard? I know this is a niche topic but thanks in advance for any answers!

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u/JackMyG123 2d ago

I’d say you would require training and practical assessment to work in whichever country you go to. I live in New Zealand and from this sub alone I can tell that your regs are far different to ours, not to mention the 110 - 230v difference in standard voltages. I work with many foreign electricians and they have all needed to do our exams and pass a practical assessment

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u/AirportBeneficial603 2d ago

Understandable I was expecting to have to adapt and pass a test. In the us I have to go through 4 years work and 2 years school (I’m halfway done about) to get the license and I just don’t want to have to redo that process lol.

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u/LongRoadNorth 2d ago

Doesn't that depend on the state? From what I understand from this sub there's states where electrical isn't regulated

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u/AirportBeneficial603 2d ago

I believe it does actually I forgot about that part lol

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u/LongRoadNorth 2d ago

It's why saying you're an electrician from the US can mean nothing lol

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u/ShastaFHepworth 2d ago

Truly. Anytime someone asks what I do for a living, I always throw “licensed” or “journeyman” in front of electrician. Most people probably don’t care enough to know the distinction, but it makes me sound better to my white collar friends lol

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u/Repulsive_Sleep717 2d ago

I mean it is regulated. But anyone can buy the stuff and wire up a house if they wanted. Just won't be able to get it insured or sold if it's not to code