That system sounds better than here in England. Technically anyone can be an electrician here, you just have to show competency.
There is a independently run license scheme (J.I.B card), which grades you from your qualifications. Thankfully most of the larger companies/sites, when hiring you, will ask for this card.
The only other hurdle for doing electrical work is, when doing work in a dwelling in England and Wales, you have to register the job with building control.