HVAC ELECTRICIAN

Emigrate to Australia as an HVAC Electrician

HVAC Electrician Skills Assessment

The pathway to working as an HVAC Electrician in Australia begins with a mandatory skills assessment. This step verifies that your qualifications and on-the-job experience align with Australian standards. Conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the assessment focuses on your technical HVAC knowledge, hands-on competencies, and your ability to safely operate under the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules—Australia’s core electrical code.

Without a positive skills assessment, you won’t be able to apply for an Australian work visa or obtain the required electrical licensing.

At Electrician Australia, we specialise in supporting UK-qualified HVAC electricians through every stage of this process—from document collation and competency interviews to practical assessments. Our goal is to help you secure your Provisional Electrical License with confidence.

What You Get: OTSR and Certificate III in Electrotechnology

Once you pass the skills assessment, you’ll receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). This crucial document certifies your experience and formally awards you the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician—the recognised Australian equivalent of your UK credentials.

This OTSR allows you to begin working in Australia as an HVAC electrician under a Provisional License.

The GAP Training Process for HVAC Electricians

No matter how experienced you are, all internationally qualified HVAC electricians must complete GAP Training after arriving in Australia. This process takes around 6–7 months and includes:

• Logging your workplace achievements in HVAC-specific electrical installations and systems
• Completing the Australian Electrical Contextual Unit, which is comparable to the UK’s 18th Edition, but tailored to Australian standards

GAP Training must be completed onshore, and we’ll arrange this through a local TAFE or training partner in collaboration with your Australian employer.

A Grade License: Full Registration in Australia

After successfully completing GAP Training, you’ll be eligible to apply for your A Grade Electrical License. This license gives you full, independent working rights across Australia as a fully qualified HVAC Electrician—opening the door to higher pay, job stability, and long-term residency pathways.

Steps to Move to Australia as an HVAC Electrician

• Complete HVAC Skills Assessment with Electrician Australia
• Apply for all Eligible Australian Visas – Free Service
• Start the Job Search – our Recruiters will help
• Apply for 3-Year Working Holiday Visa (if under 35)
• Receive an Invitation to Apply for Skilled Migration
• Apply for a Provisional License
• Arrive in Australia & Start Work
• Complete GAP Training
• Increase Earnings as an A Grade HVAC Electrician

Employer Sponsored Visas for UK HVAC Electricians

Securing the right Australian work visa is essential for UK HVAC Electricians looking to relocate Down Under. One of the most common pathways is the Skills in Demand Employer Sponsored Visa, which allows you to work and live in Australia with employer sponsorship. This visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, meaning once you’ve gained experience in Australia, you can apply for PR and settle permanently.

UK HVAC Electricians of any age are eligible for the Skills in Demand Employer Sponsored Visa providing you hold a positive Skills Assessment (OTSR). Electrician Australia can help with Skills Assessment, Free Visa Processing & Recruitment.

3-Year Working Holiday Visa for HVAC Electricians

If you’re a UK citizen under 35 with no children, you may qualify for a three-year Working Holiday Visa, which gives you 3-years of working rights in Australia.The key benefit of the Working Holiday Visa for UK HVAC Electricians is that it is cheaper, easier, no longer requires you to do any farm work.

The WHV also allows you to check out Australia as a long term option, and the first 6 months of your Working Holiday Visa can be used to complete your GAP Training and secure your A-Grade Electrical License.

Australia Emigration Visa Options for UK HVAC Electricians

We strongly recommend applying for a more substantive visa at the same time as your Working Holiday Visa or during the Recruitment process, and we handle this free of charge to ensure your long-term security.

For an HVAC Electrician over 35 or those moving with family, the best visa options include:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) – A points-tested permanent visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship. This is ideal for highly skilled HVAC electricians with strong qualifications and work experience.
• Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa) – A permanent residency visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. States with a high demand for electricians, like Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, often invite skilled workers for PR under this program.
• Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa) – A five-year provisional visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency after working for at least three years in a regional area. Many HVAC electricians opt for this route due to higher approval rates and regional incentives. Furthermore, Perth & Gold Coast are classed as ‘Regional’ areas for HVAC Electricians.

With a severe shortage of HVAC Electricians in Australia, visa processing is faster than ever for qualified applicants. We manage the entire Skilled Migration process free of charge, ensuring your application meets all requirements so you can fast-track your move and start earning in one of the world’s highest-paying electrician markets.

Job Placement & Settlement – Securing Your Future

Securing a rewarding position in Australia’s thriving HVAC sector is a pivotal step after obtaining your visa. We collaborate with leading companies across various industries to connect HVAC electricians with top-tier employers nationwide.

Whether you’re aiming to work in Western Australia’s mining operations, Queensland’s industrial manufacturing hubs, or large-scale energy projects in South Australia, we ensure placement with verified employers offering competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and long-term career stability. HVAC electricians are in high demand for roles in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects, providing a broad spectrum of career opportunities.

The HVAC sector in Australia offers attractive remuneration packages. The average salary for an HVAC technician is approximately AUD $98,800 per year, with entry-level positions starting at around AUD $88,920 and experienced workers earning up to AUD $118,560 annually.

Beyond employment, we assist with state electrical licensing, site safety certifications, and compliance with Australian industrial standards, ensuring you’re fully prepared to work in diverse environments. Our support also includes housing guidance and financial setup, facilitating a smooth transition into your new career in Australia’s booming HVAC sector. With the demand for skilled HVAC electricians at an all-time high, now is an opportune time to make the move and secure your future.

What to Expect When Transitioning from the UK to Australia as an HVAC Electrician

Australia’s burgeoning HVAC sector offers significant opportunities for UK-qualified HVAC electricians considering relocation. The role of HVAC Electrician (OSCA Code Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician) is in high demand due to the country’s expanding construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To transition successfully into Australia’s HVAC industry, UK HVAC electricians must undergo a skills assessment process. This involves obtaining an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), verifying that your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.

• Understanding of HVAC Electrical Systems: Proficiency in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical components of HVAC systems is crucial. This includes knowledge of single-phase and three-phase power systems commonly used in residential and commercial settings.
• Compliance with Australian Standards: Familiarity with the Australian Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and other relevant standards is mandatory to uphold national safety and compliance requirements.

Licensing and Employment Prospects

After obtaining the OTSR, HVAC electricians can apply for a provisional license, allowing them to work under supervision while completing the necessary Australian context gap training. This training ensures familiarity with local codes and practices, culminating in a full electrical license.

Australia’s acute shortage of skilled electricians has led to highly competitive wages. HVAC electricians typically earn between AUD $98,800 and $135,360 per year, depending on experience and specialization. Those specializing in complex installations or roles in remote locations can expect higher salaries, reflecting the complexity and demand of their work.

Many Australian companies actively partner with Electrician Australia to recruit UK-qualified electricians, offering sponsored visas to address the pressing skill shortages in urban development and infrastructure projects.

Beyond employment, support with state licensing, housing guidance, and financial setup is often provided, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition to Australia. With the demand for HVAC electricians at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to move to Australia and advance your career.

Similarities and Differences Between UK and Australian HVAC Electrical Standards

While both the UK and Australia adhere to rigorous electrical standards, notable differences include:

• Voltage Levels: Both countries operate at a nominal voltage of 230V; however, certain regions may have variations, and it’s essential to verify local standards.
• Plug and Socket Types: Australia uses Type I plugs, differing from the UK’s Type G. Adapting to these differences is crucial for compliance and safety.
• Regulatory Bodies: In the UK, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) oversees standards, while in Australia, Standards Australia and state-based regulators govern electrical engineering practices.

Understanding these differences is vital for UK HVAC electricians transitioning to the Australian industry to ensure compliance and professional success.

Australia’s growing HVAC sector presents a promising landscape for UK HVAC electricians considering relocation. By navigating the necessary assessments and licensing requirements, professionals can embark on a rewarding career path in Australia.