Skilled and qualified electricians are in high demand in the UK, so if you qualified as an electrician in another country and are interested in relocating here, electrical engineering is a great profession to get into. There’s plenty of work available for experienced electricians, especially if they have knowledge of renewables and electric vehicle (EV) charging, and there is decent money to be made as a freelance or self-employed professional, or an employee of a contracting business.
However, before you can legally work as an electrician in the UK, it is important that you understand how your international qualifications convert to British standards and where you can obtain professional electrical training to ensure you have the most comprehensive skillset.
The Statement Of Comparability: Explained
UK ENIC – the UK’s National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills – is responsible for issuing a Statement of Comparability for overseas workers who wish to demonstrate that they have achieved the same standards in education or training as their UK counterparts.
The Statement of Comparability is a document that provides an official assessment of how an individual’s international qualifications compare to those in the UK. It outlines the level, content, and outcomes of the qualifications, indicating their comparability with UK standards. This statement is crucial for individuals seeking recognition of their qualifications for employment, further education, or professional licensing in the UK.
Obtaining a Statement of Comparability is essential for electricians who wish to work in the UK, even if they have obtained their qualifications in the EU, Australia, or US, where standards are broadly similar.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for a Statement of Comparability, you should access enic.org.uk and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. After creating an account, you’ll be able to complete your application, uploading photographic evidence of your supporting documents.
At present, the charge for a Statement of Comparability is £49.50 (plus VAT, where applicable), with an anticipated turnaround time of 15 working days.
Recognising International Qualifications In The UK
The good news is that the UK does recognise certain international qualifications, so that depending on your qualifications and experience, you may be able to commence work soon.
Electrical training in the UK is overseen by the Joint Industry Board (JIB), which establishes standards for training, education, and safety within the electrical sector, as well as apprenticeships and other training programmes.
The JIB does not provide an official list of approved licence countries on their website. Acceptance of electrotechnical qualifications from other countries is based on an individual assessment and validation of your qualifications according to British industry standards and regulations. This is where the Statement of Comparability is essential, as you can be confident that your existing qualifications will be aligned with UK standards, so you will know what work you can undertake immediately and whether additional training is required.
Find Out More About Our Electrical Training Courses
At PTT, we offer a varied range of electrical training courses for experienced electricians and those at the start of their career. We can help you to bring your knowledge and skills up to date and aligned with UK standards, improving your marketability and providing you with access to a broader range of lucrative projects in the UK.
To find out more, please browse our online course list or call our team on 01442 974653.
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