Igor Taranenko

I'm not sure if this is a usual way for those who became an electricians. But this is my story.


Have been doing pat testing for past 7 years when friend of mine have pulled me into this business to help him out occassionaly and doing I could make some extra cash. Obtained necessary qualification wasn't hard. At that point I would never thought I would become an electrician. But as time went on with more pat customers year after year I started to notice that this was gradually transforming from "making few extra quids" to something bigger. Thanks to some IT background, successful and low cost marketing and suitable 4 off 4 on workshift at another job I managed to get a good number of repetitive costumers over the years. In the meantime requests to do other electrical work have grown too, from the same customer base. As cautious human being I had to kindly decline clients request as I haven't had relevant qualifications and experience at the time.

However, receiving those demands to carry more electrical work, feel of growing potential for it too it was inevitable that I began to seriously think of using this opportunity. My own interest in electrical and curiosity have grown too. Couple of years ago I've obtained 17th edition and Part P qualifications incuding helpful workshop sessions. This was to carry out some minor electrical work in residential properties, non notifiable (socket/switch replacement, light fittings, outside light installation, adding a spur, interior light and etc)
My ultimate goal, at least for now, is to do electrical inspection and testing in residential properties as well as keeping good run of pat testing just as demand dictates. The relevant course City & Guilds 2391-52 is already booked. I understand that to achieve success in this I would need to have a good experience of installation work. I follow the rule "I don't take job which I don't have experience with". I've managed to find experienced electricians (thanks to pat testing customers in the construction sector) who shared some practical skills from time to time.
I'm still doing shift job which basically means I have 15 free days a month advantage for job like pat testing. I'm a freelance interpreter & PA for only few hours a week. But success with pat testing, growing costumer base and work demand are clearly pointing at which direction I should follow.
I would more than welcome any further advice from people in this forum. Hope to have helpful and positive correspondence.