8 Jun 2023
The New Zealand and United Kingdom Governments have announced changes to schemes relating to Kiwis working in the UK – coming into effect on Thursday 29 June. Hear what UK Branch Chair Professor Michael Davies CEng FEngNZ makes of the changes.
As international travel has gradually become possible following the lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions of recent years, Engineering New Zealand members (or potential members!) might be planning to spend a period of time working in the UK. This might be for an OE or career development. In the last few weeks the New Zealand and United Kingdom governments have announced enhancements to the UK-NZ Youth Mobility and Working Holiday schemes that come into effect on Thursday 29 June this year. These include:
- Extending the age of eligibility for the visa from 30 to 35 years.
- Extending the length of stay allowed to three years (it is currently two years for New Zealand Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders in the United Kingdom).
- An extension to the time visa holders can work to three years (i.e. the duration of the visa).
This has opened up the opportunity for more young Kiwis to develop their careers in the UK as well as learning more about the UK and experiencing its culture.
The UK Branch of Engineering New Zealand provides members who are resident in the UK – or just visiting – the services provided by Engineering New Zealand to its members, such as technical talks, site visits and social events. For members seeking to become a Chartered Professional Engineer, although the UK Branch does not conduct competence assessments it does provide mentoring and practice assessments conducted by senior Engineering New Zealand Chartered Professional Engineers.
The Branch is also a vehicle for members to meet up with each other and we are always delighted to welcome new people to join our technical and social events.
If you are planning, or even just thinking about travelling to the UK (or have arrived in the UK already!) please don't hesitate to get in touch with the UK Branch. We would be delighted to hear from you at whatever stage of your career you might be.
You can contact the UK Branch via our website or email me directly.
Professor Michael C.R. Davies CEng FEngNZ
Chair, Engineering New Zealand UK Branch
