Galway Electric,
there are a few courses available at most local Technical Colleges to get you a foothold within the trade over here.
BUT they will only give you a `grounding` within the trade, you really should try to find an Electrical Contracting company to work with for a while so as you can get used to the `way we do it over here`.
its like one thing that i have had a bit of trouble with, Grounded and Grounding conductors?? it took me a while but i got it! we use an Earth (or CPC) and a Neutral conductor,
also the colour codes are a bit different, if you look some of us have posted a list of colour codes for England and Ireland, maybe PaulUK could direct you to the right thread link.
if you need any further help feel free to either e mail me or post here.
Good Luck Mate
Britspark