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Quick answer: At 40 you follow the same New Zealand route as anyone else: a paid apprenticeship, a Level 4 qualification and EWRB registration, taking about 4 years. Tahatū says apprentices earn the training minimum wage or more, depending on age and experience. Once registered, electricians most commonly earn $66K to $107K a year, against a New Zealand average of $70,000.
Money over the career change
| Stage | Pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Training minimum wage or more, depending on age and experience | Tahatū |
| Registered electrician, most common | $66K to $107K a year | Tahatū |
| Registered electrician, upper | $133K a year | Tahatū |
| New Zealand average pay | $70,000 a year | Tahatū |
| Fees Free support | Up to $12,000 toward the final two years of work-based learning | Tahatū |
| Experience for registration | 4 years (8000 hours) on the experience and overseas pathways | EWRB |
Planning the switch at 40
- Budget for about 4 years on apprentice pay before reaching registered pay.
- Use any previous work experience to negotiate above the training minimum wage.
- Get your Trainee Limited Certificate as soon as you are hired.
- Check whether Fees Free applies to your final years.
Practice for the EWRB registration exams
This page covers the route into the trade. For the exams themselves, our main page is the New Zealand electrician exam guide: the EWRB registration exams delivered by Aspeq, the wiring rules and the official links in one place.
Try the free New Zealand electrician practice test in your browser. The questions are original and follow the published EWRB exam prescriptions and AS/NZS 3000. The one-time New Zealand exam pack unlocks every New Zealand question and a printable PDF version, with no subscription.
FAQ
Is 40 too old to start an electrical apprenticeship?
The EWRB requirements list no age limit; the same steps apply.
Will I earn less than now?
During training you may, since apprentices start at the training minimum wage or more. Registered pay is most commonly $66K to $107K.
Can previous experience shorten the route?
Only electrical experience counts. The experience pathway needs 4 years (8000 hours) under supervision.
Sources
- Tahatū: Apprenticeships in electrical engineering
- Tahatū Career Navigator: Electrician
- EWRB: Electrician, New Zealand experience pathway
Page updated: 2026-09-30. Figures were read from the linked official pages on 2026-09-30. The EWRB started a new registration framework on 1 September 2024 and a further phase on 1 September 2026, so confirm current requirements with the EWRB before applying.
About the author: Tsai, creator of Tsai Electro, moved from an office job into electrical and MEP field work in Taiwan and holds Taiwanese indoor wiring and water piping technician certificates. Tsai has not been registered with the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board, so every New Zealand rule on this page links to the EWRB or the government careers service.
