Returning to the industry.

Neil Wilkins · Mar 19, 2019

After about 20 years messing about as a police officer, I want to return to the industry. Back in the day before big pointy hats and 'ello 'ello 'ello, I was a time served Approved Electrician with a 16th edition qualification and a "C" course under my belt.
What do I need to get back working and can anyone recommend the best way to gain such qualifications.

Andy78 · Mar 19, 2019

A regs course/qualification would be of benefit after that much time out. Update your JIB/ECS card if you think you're going to need it for employment.

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

Probably worth doing the 18th exam just to refresh the old memory and bobs your uncle back in the saddle.

Just remember you have to rcd the carp out of everything now and use metal cable supports. The rest is pretty much the same as 25 years ago

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

Oh , also worth reading up on surge devices and arc fault interrupters as these are slowly creeping into the regs

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

What part don’t you agree with Pete ?

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

Dustydazzler said:
What part don’t you agree with Pete ?

Hi Dusty, I'm sure your posts is well meaning, but in all honesty someone who has been out of the trade for some 20 years, and you say, or insinuate that an update course on BS7671 is all that is needed to get back in the saddle is all that is needed, is in my opinion, somewhat a glossy reply , lots of stuff has changed over the past 25 years.
Sorry to be disagreeing with you, there was/is no offence intended, it's just that I feel your reply was well meant, but ill advised.

telectrix · Mar 19, 2019

Pete999 said:
Hi Dusty, I'm sure your posts is well meaning, but in all honesty someone who has been out of the trade for some 20 years, and you say, or insinuate that an update course on BS7671 is all that is needed to get back in the saddle is all that is needed, is in my opinion, somewhat a glossy reply , lots of stuff has changed over the past 25 years.
Sorry to be disagreeing with you, there was/is no offence intended, it's just that I feel your reply was well meant, but ill advised.

biggest hurdle ,Pete, will be getting used to brown/blue.most of the rest will be in BS7671.

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

Yes good example Tel, C min Amd 3 the list could go on but I'm sadly rather otherwise engaged.

telectrix · Mar 19, 2019

a study of the book (7671, 18th.)should highlight most of the changes. it's still the same electrickery.

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

telectrix said:
a study of the book (7671, 18th.)should highlight most of the changes. it's still the same electrickery.

Not entirely true Tel 25 years ago, 2 years ago it was 240V single phase and 415 V 3 phase today as you well know it's 230V and 400V 3 phase

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

I have dipped in and out of the trade over the past 20-25years.
It really hasn’t changed all that much.
Unless you literally moved abroad in 1990 and only returning today you will know we moved over to brown blue harmony and know about Partpee.
You can read up on the 17th and 18th over a weekend to catch up.
It’s a bit like riding a bike

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

The OP is a ‘qualified and time served’ not a newbie

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

Dustydazzler said:
The OP is a ‘qualified and time served’ not a newbie

Agree 20 odd years ago

Dustydazzler · Mar 19, 2019

That’s really not that long Pete ,

Most of the theory and practical from then will be exactly the same now

Just need to familiarise with the current regs

telectrix · Mar 19, 2019

as you well know it's 230V and 400V 3 phase

try attaching a meter.it's still 240 and 415. the lower values are just EU fantasy world.

Midwest · Mar 19, 2019

Neil Wilkins said:
After about 20 years messing about as a police officer, I want to return to the industry. Back in the day before big pointy hats and 'ello 'ello 'ello, I was a time served Approved Electrician with a 16th edition qualification and a "C" course under my belt.
What do I need to get back working and can anyone recommend the best way to gain such qualifications.

I did something similar to your good self. As well as the latest addition to BS7671, I would recommended a testing & inspection course, eye opener for me when back in my day, all we had was a test lamp & megger.

You need to think about your business model, unless your going PAYE. If its self employed, its tools. testers, van, insurance, accountant, ohh and getting some work to earn a crust.

Neil Wilkins · Mar 19, 2019

Thanks. To be honest, as I am out of the loop, I was thinking of re qualifying with then 18th and taking some work as a mate until I was back in my stride. I know things have changed and new wiring systems, practices will be a challenge.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply. I am sorry one of you has taken against me, possibly due to my previous job, but there you go. Are there any particular 18th edition training companies that anyone would recommend.

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

I take it Neil you are referring to my reply, let me explain I'm not against you getting back into the electrical Trade, good luck to yo infact. What I disagreed to the advice given, "catch up over the weekend" it will be more intense than that, it's an insult to Practicing Electricians to sense that after a 29 year layoff, by reading up over the weekend and sitting the 18th, will get you back into the grove. Laughable really, but I meant no malice, just that you must realise it will take more than a good read to be able to regain your skills, good luck, any way.
I'm sure if the boot was on the other foot and someone had posted that they had been a Policeman 25 years ago, and wanted to return to that profession, reading up on the latest developments over the weekend would elicit the same sort of response.

Neil Wilkins · Mar 19, 2019

Pete999 said:
I take it Neil you are referring to my reply, let me explain I'm not against you getting back into the electrical Trade, good luck to yo infact. What I disagreed to the advice given, "catch up over the weekend" it will be more intense than that, it's an insult to Practicing Electricians to sense that after a 29 year layoff, by reading up over the weekend and sitting the 18th, will get you back into the grove. Laughable really, but I meant no malice, just that you must realise it will take more than a good read to be able to regain your skills, good luck, any way.

I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

Devonchris · Mar 19, 2019

Flash arresters are the latest thing so with your background just get yourself a pair of Dewalt site pants and you'll be fine.

Pete999 · Mar 19, 2019

Neil Wilkins said:
I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

I meant 25 years Neil

buzzlightyear · Mar 19, 2019

telectrix said:
try attaching a meter.it's still 240 and 415. the lower values are just EU fantasy world.

fools on the hill comes to mind.

telectrix · Mar 19, 2019

Neil Wilkins said:
I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

don't mindpete.he'sa grumpy old sod at the best of times

. no offence pete. you should know me by now.

telectrix · Mar 19, 2019

here's me and pete on a night out. was it my stag night or pete's?

[ElectriciansForums.net] Returning to the industry.

Anthony S · Mar 19, 2019

The only thing that's really changed is the standard of work, its a lot poorer than 20 years ago. I would not work as a mate or anything to get back in the swing of it. Do the 18th edition in evening at a college so its last about 12 weeks and get yourself an onsite guide and get out there. Your need the 18th edition and ecs health and safety exam to renew your JIB card to the current Gold Card to get on a lot of sites now. The better sites anyway.

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