2 electricians on site at any given time - your feedback

[graham_manchester]

Hired and trained a relatively new electrician. Getting along ok as far as competency goes so far. However, a few issues with him that I wanted to get your guys feedback/opinion on.

1. Doesn't like to go to any domestic site solo even for the simplest jobs. Has demanded he always has someone with him who can assist i.e. an improver type. His logic - electrical shock risk if he's alone and in case he cuts into a pipe etc., that kind of thing.

2. Not keen on driving so had to set up his sidekick on the insurance also.

3. Not keen on negotiating/communicating with customers. Bear in mind these are generally standard domestic jobs.

4. We sometimes have declined jobs because he also had a chacne to see them and wasn't keen on the customer/job is partially done i.e. subcontractor from a builder may not have finished off work for example.

5. Hates the idea of changing CU's unless a complete rewire is occurring because of trip risks despite knowing certain pre-tests can be done.

Do the above aspects seem practical on average as far as expectations from a domestic electrician go? I'm not so sure. We're a small business and everything counts.

Graham
(Go2Electrical, Manchester)

 

[telectrix]

plumbers will be OK though. they generally carry ballcocks in their kit ( or is it in their brains).

 

[Pete999]

plumbers will be OK though. they generally carry ballcocks in their kit ( or is it in their brains).

I thought they usually had ballcocks in their pants

 

[Deleted member 93172]

We were all maybe a bit hesitant when we took our first steps alone in the big world of contracting, but you just got on with it and the self confidence grew with you. In other words you were slung off the deep end and had to learn pretty quick how to survive, doing things on your own single handed. We all wish for a perfect world ie only changing boards on newer installations, but life is not like that, I think if you keep giving in to his demands you life is going to get worse as the demands get more extreme, he needs to shape up or ship out.
Sorry the rant is now over, now back to PAT testing items

 

[Marti]

Gotta say, the guys I've been working with could not have been more encouraging and supportive but staff and work demands meant I was on-site alone after 10-12 weeks so you do your best not to fall in a hole, off a ladder or into the s**t. Managed everything except my two-way lighting was wrong (new builds, no power, no damage) I can empathise with a newbie unsure of himself but surely most major issues can be avoided with a phone call.

Well done for considering your guy rather than adopting the "grow a pair" mentality.

 

[Pete999]

What was he like at the interview, or not maybe.

Why was it a dumb answer/question love to know your reasoning.

 

[Pete999]

What was he like at the interview, or not maybe.

 

[Pete999]

Why was it a dumb answer/question love to know your reasoning.

To elaborate, the question was asked/meant to ascertain if there had been any prior conversations before this Guy was taken on as an Electrician/Domestic Installer what ever. I suppose the only dumb thing would be., if you are dumb enough to take someone on without getting his / her take on different situations, then you have to ask yourself the question, "who is the dumbest the employer or the person asking the question".

 

[Jurassic Sparks]

Sounds like he is not confident, or just plain useless
he sounds like the sort of Chod that works better on a construction site
lose him and employ some one semi retired looking for a few days work
I had a chimp exactly like him, I had to get rid of him in the end
and a Plumber I know has just lost all of the work I used to give him for employing a kid with the same manner

 

[electric al]

Seems to me everyone is being too kind regarding this Manc spark . It's all very well taking on board this guys likes and dislikes but what about what your company needs ? Your not a counsellor or a social worker or a shrink . Send him on his way down the job centre and wish him all the best .

 

[graham_manchester]

Thanks for all your input.

Seems 'lack of confidence' seemed to come up many a time in the thread and I believe this is probably what he has lacked so far and has been reflected in his approach/attitude.

It's a big investment from any employer to put into someone like this (time, money, energy, training etc) hence why the decision is not an easy one. Am reviewing the situation a little longer but will keep all of your feedback in mind.

Thanks again.

 

[electric al]

You seem to be a very fair minded guy Graham and whatever decision you eventually arrive at it can't be said that
You haven't given it plenty of thought.
There ought to be more conscientious
employers such as yourself and for that reason I wish you and your business all
the best.

 

[Rpa07]

I think this is why agencies are used so much even the smaller companies 'testing the waters' with new employees in order to pick out the best permanent employees.
There aren't the employment laws involved through agency so you can effectively say 'on yer way' No comeback!