2396 design course

Farmelectrics · Jul 22, 2013

I start my design course in September just wondering what other people who have done it got out of the course did it open more doors employment wise your thoughts please

EastAnglian · Jul 22, 2013

Is that the revamped 2391-20 course?

If so, be prepared to spend a LONG time on the project work. It was certainly the most interesting course which I've taken, and it does enable you to undertake design work with a degree of confidence that you know why you are doing what you are doing!

The 3 hour written exam is quite a beast, but prepare well and you will pass!

As for more jobs? I can't say it has automatically opened up new opportunities, but perhaps I feel in a better position to bid for them as they arise (being self-employed).

shagbite · Jul 22, 2013

to be honest, i think this qualification is stuck in limbo land - all the design jobs i've seen advertised require degrees or HND's.

if you want to get a technician grade from the JIB, then it'll be worth doing.

it may give you a sense of personal achievement, after all, it's a level 4 qualification and requires a modicum of intelligence to pass it. but, i'm not sure it'll help you get a job as a regular electrician. the highest (add-on) qualification that employers seem to value is the 2391.

good luck anyway mate. i hope you do well.

alanl · Jul 22, 2013

I did it last year.
I suppose it depends on where you do it. I did mine at ETS in Birmingham. Truly excellent.
The course gives you the fundamentals, then the project is where you put it into practice and do loads more research, and realise that you knew so little before, even with every other qualification for a jobbing sparky.
Employment wise, no, I haven't got any more work because of it, but I haven't been trying. I know I can now give an informed opinion on many things that I couldnt before - knowing the design, means you dont need to stick to the OSG etc - if you can justify an installation, then you do it how you want it.

Be aware, the recommended time for the project is 32 or 40 hours, if you are doing it correctly.expect at least double that.

Guest55 · Jul 22, 2013

i completed the 2396 course , inc project in Feb.
its a new qual so it will be couple of years before anyone in recruitment will become aware of it.
saying that though , i've never seen a job advert asking for the 2400 design cert that came before it , so youre unlikely to get a job out of it.
i already knew that but it didnt stop me from signing up to do it , i did for the challenge and professional developement.
so its up to you and your motivation really.
if you do want to go down the HNC / design engineer route be forewarned that the HNC is around £4000 these days for 2 years part time study , a bit to pricey for me for what ultimately leads to a desk job.