Woman considering electrical apprenticeship in NZ
I’m in my mid to late 30s and NZ permanent resident currently working as a head chef in Auckland.
I originally studied Mechatronics Engineering in Korea and hold Korean industrial certificates in Electrical Engineering and Automation(PLC). However, it’s been over 10 years since I last used those skills directly, so I’d definitely need to refresh my technical knowledge.
I got into hospitality mainly for immigration and stability reasons, but after many years in the industry I’m seriously considering switching into an electrical apprenticeship (industrial/infrastructure/control) side rather than residential if possible).
I know I’m older than most apprentices, but I’ve handled long hours, pressure, leadership, and physical work for years as a chef.
Realistically speaking, how would someone like me be viewed in the NZ electrical industry?
Would my engineering background actually help, or would employers mostly see me as “just a chef changing careers”?