Electrician Australia

Record numbers of UK electricians are making the move to Australia

ElectricianAustralia.co.uk Season 1 Episode 3

A growing number of UK electricians are making the move to Australia — and for good reason. Higher wages, modern working conditions, and an exceptional quality of life are drawing skilled tradespeople Down Under in record numbers. This migration isn’t just benefiting those leaving the UK — it’s also helping Australia address critical shortages in its booming construction, energy, and infrastructure sectors. 

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for UK tradespeople looking to build a long-term future abroad. Interest in overseas electrical roles has surged, and Australia continues to lead the way thanks to its strong economy, familiar language, and accessible migration pathways. It’s a combination of better pay, better weather, and better prospects. 

The financial benefits alone are significant. In New South Wales, licensed electricians typically earn between $90k and $110k Australian dollars per year. In Western Australia, where demand is driven by large-scale mining and resource projects, salaries can exceed $145k AUD. 

Compared to earnings in the UK, the difference is substantial. But beyond the income, many electricians report a higher overall quality of life, improved job satisfaction, and greater personal freedom after relocating. 

Emigrating to Australia as an electrician involves a structured process. The first step is completing a formal skills assessment through Vetassess. This includes submitting your qualifications, completing a practical assessment, and attending a technical interview. If successful, you’ll be issued an Offshore Technical Skills Record, also known as an OTSR. 

With an OTSR in hand, you can apply for a Provisional Electrical Licence, which allows you to work in Australia under supervision. During this period, you’ll complete Australian Context Gap Training — a course designed to cover local safety regulations, wiring standards, and compliance requirements. Once your training and supervised work experience are complete, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Unrestricted Electrical Licence, allowing you to work independently across Australia. 

This isn’t just a short-term opportunity. Australia offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for skilled electricians. The occupation is listed on the country’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, which means qualified applicants can access a range of skilled migration visas. 

For UK electricians with the right experience, Australia represents more than just higher pay. It’s a chance to enjoy a more balanced life, with access to world-class healthcare, education, and outdoor living. 

Support the show

Are you a UK or overseas electrician looking to work in Australia? Electrician Australia specializes in helping skilled electricians like you secure high-paying jobs, visa sponsorship, and full support with licensing requirements, including the Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).

With Australia facing a major demand for qualified electricians, now is the perfect time to make the move. Whether you're looking for FIFO roles, permanent positions, or large-scale project work, we connect you with top employers in infrastructure, mining, defense, and energy sectors.

As one of Australia’s leading suppliers of highly qualified and skilled electricians, Electrician Australia is committed to ensuring that the nation’s largest infrastructure projects, defense contracts, mining operations, and energy developments have access to the most reliable and competent electrical workforce available.

G'Day! We're going to look at the growing trend of UK Electricians relocating to Australia. A growing number of UK electricians are making the move to Australia — and for good reason. Higher wages, modern working conditions, and an exceptional quality of life are drawing skilled tradespeople Down Under in record numbers. This migration isn't just benefiting those leaving the UK — it's also helping Australia address critical shortages in its booming construction, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Australia is one of the most popular destinations for UK tradespeople looking to build a long-term future abroad. Interest in overseas electrical roles has surged, and Australia continues to lead the way thanks to its strong economy, familiar language, and accessible migration pathways. It's a combination of better pay, better weather, and better prospects. The financial benefits alone are significant. In New South Wales, licensed electricians typically earn between 90 and 110 thousand Australian dollars per year. In Western Australia, where demand is driven by large-scale mining and resource projects, salaries can exceed 145 thousand dollars. Compared to earnings in the UK, the difference is substantial. But beyond the income, many electricians report a higher overall quality of life, improved job satisfaction, and greater personal freedom after relocating. Emigrating to Australia as an electrician involves a structured process. The first step is completing a formal skills assessment through Vetassess. This includes submitting your qualifications, completing a practical assessment, and attending a technical interview. If successful, you'll be issued an Offshore Technical Skills Record, also known as an OTSR. With an OTSR in hand, you can apply for a Provisional Electrical Licence, which allows you to work in Australia under supervision. During this period, you'll complete Australian Context Gap Training — a course designed to cover local safety regulations, wiring standards, and compliance requirements. Once your training and supervised work experience are complete, you'll be eligible to apply for an Unrestricted Electrical Licence, allowing you to work independently across Australia. This isn't just a short-term opportunity. Australia offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for skilled electricians. The occupation is listed on the country's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, which means qualified applicants can access a range of skilled migration visas. These options provide long-term security for individuals and families looking to build their future in Australia. For UK electricians with the right experience, Australia represents more than just higher pay. It's a chance to enjoy a more balanced life, with access to world-class healthcare, education, and outdoor living. It's also a country that values trades — where electricians are respected and well-compensated for their skills. Migration takes planning, but the rewards can be substantial. If you're considering a move to Australia, now is the time to take the first step. Find out if you're eligible, understand the process, and discover what's possible.

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