what’s expected of an electrician’s mate?

melvb · Aug 30, 2012

Hi All
Just a quick question, what’s expected of an electrician’s mate?
The reason I ask is that I’m just about to start second year of my C&G 2357 and would like to get into the trade. I would have said fetching and carrying helping with 1[SUP]st[/SUP] & 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] fix, trunking etc
But I’ve seen a few jobs around my area (Hertfordshire/ London) but they all want that dreaded experience, which is expected but some want you to have 17[SUP]th[/SUP] regs and 2391

Surely If I had my 2391 I would have hoped to be qualified not a mate?

PS if anyone needs a couple of week’s free labour to gain some experience give me a shout I have my cscs, Ipaf ticket etc

Thanks

huntos33 · Aug 30, 2012

Good tea making skills

, But mainly keen to learn, phone kept in pocket not constanly tapping away , there will be fetching and carring , but mainly just be willing to learn, experince will come with a good teacher everones got to start knowing nothing . Good luck

timbobelfast · Aug 30, 2012

You will probally get introduced to a set of stocks and dies

oldtimer · Aug 30, 2012

And there lies your problem although I am puzzled why you are looking for experience now and not when you started either way yep you are doing the right thing yes you want experience but you are not on this journey alone the current economical climate is pushing people to get retrained as an electrician. So best thing to do is get qualified keep learning if you do get work experience create a log book stating where,when,how long and what you were doing other than that good luck

melvb · Aug 30, 2012

oldtimer said:
And there lies your problem although I am puzzled why you are looking for experience now and not when you started either way yep you are doing the right thing yes you want experience but you are not on this journey alone the current economical climate is pushing people to get retrained as an electrician. So best thing to do is get qualified keep learning if you do get work experience create a log book stating where,when,how long and what you were doing other than that good luck

Thanks for the replies guys
I should of mentioned I’m a 43 old mature student have been around the block a few times and know about a good work ethic, this is my last career change before I retire somewhere hot lol

The question was more about skill base and what would you expect a mate to know
could I get work through an agency and blag it slightly or will you see that a mile away?

Oldtimer; you need to create a portfolio for NVQ part of the new 2357 so you need to be in the trade to qualify, plus you could probably learn more on site in a couple of weeks than you could at college in 6 months

Thanks again

Taylortwocities · Aug 30, 2012

[ElectriciansForums.net] what’s expected of an electrician’s mate?

That's what is expected of an electrician's mate.............

drew35 · Aug 30, 2012

None of us would get any work done! And she would always be working on the lowest sockets!
Anyway why did you have that picture kicking around?!?

plugsandsparks · Aug 30, 2012

A Couple of things spring to mind.
1. All tray work
2. All conduit work
3. All trunking work
4. Mounting of all accessories, DBs etc
5. Other end of circuits for testing
6. All high level work ( i hate it)
7. If you are good, termination work in accessories.
8. Help pulling cables in.

I would then come along wire up the difficult stuff, test it and pocket most of the money

Am nowhere near London though..

)

trev · Aug 30, 2012

Taylortwocities said:
View attachment 14277
That's what is expected of an electrician's mate.............

What we want

and what we get are usually two entirely different things

topquark · Aug 30, 2012

Could have done with an apprentice this morning: cutting/lifting floor boards, skirting, cutting out for metal knock out boxes (and cable drops). Drilling joists ready for cable runs. Cleaning up.

sparks1973 · Aug 30, 2012

trev said:
What we want

and what we get are usually two entirely different things

thought there was a foto of me missing from out of the album

devious1986 · Sep 7, 2012

Good thread for first year electricians to gain experience on site.. I retrained at age 26 and have gained first year C&G cert and been lucky enough to do some significant sparky mate on full house rewirese with first and 2nd fix. Im loving the work but its difficult to find sparks that want me in Herts. If anyone has any jobs on the go and want a mature hard working electricians mate who is already a qualified mechanic and electro copier engineer give me a shout.

Geordie Spark · Sep 7, 2012

oldtimer said:
And there lies your problem although I am puzzled why you are looking for experience now and not when you started either way yep you are doing the right thing yes you want experience but you are not on this journey alone the current economical climate is pushing people to get retrained as an electrician. So best thing to do is get qualified keep learning if you do get work experience create a log book stating where,when,how long and what you were doing other than that good luck

That's a good idea

I used to be a Training Instructor for an engineering company & the trainees (apprentices) all had log books in which to record their training in words & with sketches.

Your book could be the same, but could also include photographs. The book could be useful to show prospective employers - and for your own or your family's amusement in later years !

After my Father died, I was clearing his things out and found his log books that he had during his apprenticeship and some books with notes & sketches that he had during his wartime service with REME. I always knew him to be a very well-trained & knowledgeable bloke but didn't realise just how much he knew until I found his books.