New to the forum - Cdn seeking info on transferring licensing

[SparkyKaboom]

Hello!
I will be moving to the UK in about a year from Canada. I am looking for information on who is the governing body for electricians in the UK. I am a red seal electrician and master electrician here in Canada. Over 12 years experience, 4 also as my own electrical contracting company and now I am an electrical estimator.

I know my training will not directly transfer over and will need to do some training/courses prior to moving. Who look at this stuff and determines that?

Cheers!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

A lot depends on what you want to do when you get here.
There’s no legal requirement for you to register with any body at all.
However registering with a body may make things easier for you.
For domestic work you would need to register with a Competent Person Scheme, NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, STROMA, there may be more?
For commercial or industrial work, you would need to register with the JIB/ECS, or at the very least the CSCS scheme.
You would probably need to get your qualifications translated, I believe a company or body called Naric would do this.
Most of the electrical schemes would want you to show you have core electrical qualifications, a qualification showing you are up to date with our latest Regulations and something called an NVQ3.
For domestic work you might also need a qualification showing you are conversant with our Building Regulations (Part P).
You should contact the JIB and perhaps the NICEIC by phone or email to make enquiries.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Naric woukd in theory recognise your qualificayltions.
If yoh just want to do domestic work then 15 days of courses at one of the training companies here would let you join a scheme to self notify work to building control

 

[SparkyKaboom]

I will look into those names mentioned above and send out emails. I have experience in residential (domestic), agricultural, industrial, institutional, hospitals, commercial, fire hall/ambulance etc. I am currently an electrical estimator for a electrical contractor. And I am registered to be able to pull electrical permits for the company I work for.
Is an estimator considered that in the UK? I look at jobs and price them/bid for the work.
Sorry I am asking a lot of questions, it’s just unfamiliar territory for me.

Cheers!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

We do have electrical estimators in this country.
I doubt whether you would need any electrical qualifications to be one.

 

[pdiasspark]

Welcome to the forum!

As a fellow Canadian Red Seal electrician, I can share some info on transferring your credentials, though the specifics often depend on where you're looking to move your license to.

Within Canada:
If you hold a valid Red Seal Endorsement, you’ve already got Canada-wide recognition for your trade qualification. This means you can work in any province or territory, although you’ll still usually need to register with the local regulatory authority and comply with their rules (e.g., permits, code updates, safety tickets like WHMIS or First Aid, etc.). Some provinces may have additional requirements—BC, for example, requires proof of hours and experience when registering for their Field Safety Representative (FSR) designation.

To the UK, Australia, or other countries:
If you’re considering moving abroad, licensing transfer can be trickier. The Red Seal is highly recognized, but you’ll almost always need to apply for an equivalency assessment and possibly write an exam. For the UK, their JIB or ECS typically assesses foreign qualifications; for Australia, you’ll need to go through the Trades Recognition Australia process. Expect to provide transcripts, proof of hours, and sometimes practical assessments.

Good Steps to Take:
- Contact the licensing authority in the province/country you’re interested in. - Gather your Red Seal, trade school transcripts, and proof of apprenticeship/work hours. - Ask about any additional exams or safety courses required locally.

If you let us know where you’re looking to transfer your license, folks here can give more targeted advice!

Hope this helps, and good luck with your move!