Best places to find work abroad as a UK spark?

[lordstu]

This has probably been asked 1000 times.

I am just coming to the end of my apprenticeship and was interesting in trying to work abroad. I was just wondering where is the best place to look to find opportunities to work abroad? Are there any agencies which specialise in UK sparks working abroad or is it just best to hunt on the old indeed? I'm also trying to save up to get my Compex as working on the rigs would be a solid alternative.

If anyone has any information or help regarding this subject, i would really appreciate your knowledge.

 

[nicebutdim]

Australia would be a solid option if you're thinking of long term options. You'd have some work to do with gaining qualifications over there, but it would be a small sacrifice in terms of the opportunities over there. It's an opportunity I'd avail of if I wasn't too old to meet their criteria.

 

[rewireIT]

I know plenty of lads that have worked abroad but it's usually on a short term visa and through people they know. I've personally never seen these positions advertised. If there was work abroad i'd be out of here.

 

[lordstu]

I know plenty of lads that have worked abroad but it's usually on a short term visa and through people they know. I've personally never seen these positions advertised. If there was work abroad i'd be out of here.

Yeah I'd love to be able to do it on a short term basis. I guess it does come down to who you know though.

 

[lordstu]

Australia would be a solid option if you're thinking of long term options. You'd have some work to do with gaining qualifications over there, but it would be a small sacrifice in terms of the opportunities over there. It's an opportunity I'd avail of if I wasn't too old to meet their criteria.

Its always on my mind, although id melt in the heat

 

[nicebutdim]

Yeah I'd love to be able to do it on a short term basis. I guess it does come down to who you know though.

Anyone I know who works on shorter term contracts around Europe, usually gets a heads up from someone they know who's already subbed to the main contractor. I guess it makes sense to put a team together on the basis of recommendation, rather than unknown quantities.

 

[Rockingit]

I'm in Australia at the moment. Prior to arriving here I've just done two months all over Europe. I'm not going to comment on electrical work specifically because that's entirely region specific and for sure there are some places that make a UK spark's toes curl. But what I will say is this; every single time I arrive back in the UK I ask myself why the hell I'm back. Take family out of the equation and there are literally hundreds more places in a variety of countries that I'd rather be. Better climate, better standards of living, nicer people, maturer cultures, beautiful (and unspoilt) landscapes...... even the women are better looking on average If you're young enough to make the jump now then do it! Only regret the things in life you didn't try. If you want to talk about Australia, if you're a fully trained gold card spark then you'll be welcomed with open arms on a special 'desired occupation' visa. It's still a bit tedious and you'll need to save up for around £5k's worth of fees but personally I'd do it in a heart beat. I don't need to go that route as my partner is Australian anyway so I can get a sponsored spousal visa regardless but we are currently giving some serious consideration to maybe her (and I) relocating back here in 1-2 years time.

Work in Europe is now very complicated due to Brexit and Schengen area allowances (90 days in a rolling 180) unless you have a country specific visa but most larger contractors anywhere near a border all work all ove the place so that doesn't really work for Brits now either. If you can put up with the civil liberties and morality issues, the Middle and Far East are great options also but there they tend to focus on degree qualified engineers and then cable monkey work gangs doing it so 'electrician' as we know it in the UK doesn't really tend to exist as a role.

 

[Tartansparkyman]

This has probably been asked 1000 times.

I am just coming to the end of my apprenticeship and was interesting in trying to work abroad. I was just wondering where is the best place to look to find opportunities to work abroad? Are there any agencies which specialise in UK sparks working abroad or is it just best to hunt on the old indeed? I'm also trying to save up to get my Compex as working on the rigs would be a solid alternative.

If anyone has any information or help regarding this subject, i would really appreciate your knowledge.

Ive been in Australia since 1983 working as a sparky in just about all facets of the trade. Domestic, Commercial ,Industrial, Petro-chem,Power stations, Mines etc...
Australia is crying out for sparkys , in fact offering carrots to tradies who will move here. Lots of $$ to be made as they are paying you to come here and work.
I completed my apprenticeship in 1977 in Glasgow and achieved City and Guilds of London. Approved Electrician course B.
If you have all round skills and qualifications you should be able to work anywhere, maybe even Tasmania...its cold there.

 

[nicebutdim]

Only regret the things in life you didn't try.

That's what brought me to the trade late in life.

Lots worked out for me over the years and lots didn't, but the only regrets are the opportunities I passed up. 'Regret' is a bit strong in my case, but if I knew then what I know now, I'd probably have made some very different choices.

I passed up a job in southern California in my early twenties, which would have involved relocating to a different part of the world every 18 months or so. I turned it down for a very good (and unavoidable) reason, but how different life would have been...

 

[Mattyessex]

This has probably been asked 1000 times.

I am just coming to the end of my apprenticeship and was interesting in trying to work abroad. I was just wondering where is the best place to look to find opportunities to work abroad? Are there any agencies which specialise in UK sparks working abroad or is it just best to hunt on the old indeed? I'm also trying to save up to get my Compex as working on the rigs would be a solid alternative.

If anyone has any information or help regarding this subject, i would really appreciate your knowledge.

No sure either this is exactly what I’m finding difficult did you get any good advice is so would appreciate the help.

 

[OnlQQker]

You could find a country you wish to work in and try posting there >>> British Expat Discussion Forum - https://britishexpats.com/forum/