Advice for Required Qualifications

[Deleted member 105018]

Hi there. I’d appreciate some advice as to my position really. It’s quite a long story so bear with me. I served an apprenticeship as a Maintenance Engineer do a large engineering firm. I finished my apprenticeship circa 2003 with an NVQ 2 in engineering which included basic domestic electrical wiring and measurement modules. I also gained an NVQ 3 in Engineering Maintenance which was electrically biased. I’ve worked since coming out of my time as a Maintenance Electrician undertaking in depth repair work on CNC machines, PLC Controlled plant and Equipment (including programming and commissioning) not to mention normal plant and machinery working on single phase and three phase systems. I’ve been doing this day in day out for 17 years (including my apprenticeship). I like to think I’m pretty competent. The rules where I work basically state that the site electrical engineer deems who is competent via yearly interview and examination and that is something that I have granted to me. Some of my work involves installation work although it’s industrial only. I hold BS7671. Now, the issue is, I’m in the process of potentially being made redundant and I wanted to potentially get into “house bashing” as my colleagues and I call it. I was wondering the most cost effective route for this was. Like I’ve said I hold no qualifications that someone like the NICEIC would consider adequate and yet most of the work done in dwellings and the inspection, testing and measurement required is something I do on a daily basis although in an industrial setting. I’ve also been involved in numerous domestic jobs (100+) over the years “on the side” working alongside friends who are members of The NICEIC and they’ve always tested and certified my work throughout under their supervision. I’m open to criticism, downright abuse and any advice you lot can provide....do your worst!!!

 

[The Ghost]

Have you enquired of a scheme to see if you qualify? You may just need part P building regs qualification. I would think it is the best route for your enquiry. Can't think of any downright abuse right now sadly but will work on it.

 

[Deleted member 105018]

Hi. Many thanks for your response. I’ve just been in touch with the NiCEIC. They were quite helpful. Sounds like they were happy to sign me up then and there. I’ve dug all my certs out as well disappointingly none actually refer to the word electrical. I’ve got a National Certificate in Engineering. A HNC is Engineering, an NVQ3 in Engineering Maintenance and a degree in Machine Tool Engineering (of which most of the modules were electrical control based). I’m really grateful for your feedback. It’s definitely something I want to pursue but I don’t want to be caught out by some sales team flogging me a course I don’t really need. I think also that the Part P course is an absolute must. I’m going to speak to Elecsa but I suspect they’ll tell me the same as NICEIC etc. I was kind of hoping to do some practical assessments and some written exams alongside a full and concise review of my previous experience via some kind of interview and they’d be able to highlight areas of weakness which I would need courses for. Again thanks for your response.

 

[The Ghost]

Morris Services - Getting Started - http://www.morrisservices.co.uk/gettingstarted.asp
The link above shows exactly what is needed. Hope it helps.

 

[Deleted member 105018]

Thanks. I’ll take a look

 

[rolyberkin]

Have you enquired of a scheme to see if you qualify? You may just need part P building regs qualification. I would think it is the best route for your enquiry. Can't think of any downright abuse right now sadly but will work on it.

Telling someone they need a Part P building regs qualification is abuse enough in my book!

 

[The Ghost]

He does seem to have everything needed and more. I won't mention the bit he doesn't.

 

[Cainey]

Hi Ali. I’d be very interested to see how this pans out, if you could keep us posted?! I have a mate with virtually the same quals as yourself who wants to make a move across to be a domestic installer.

 

[uksrevivor]

Hi Ali
Thats an interesting post my advice would be this. It sounds like you are an experienced electrical engineer and fair play to you as you seem to have a very in depth knowledge of the trade and experience is sometimes the most important part of the job. With the domestic house bashing experience you seem to have it might be worth just getting yourself on a fast track course to gain your testing and inspection certification and a recognized domestic part p installer certification for house bashing. Im not a fan of any 5 week wonder courses to become an electrician but judging from your post it might be the best route for you due to your experience if you only want to do house bashing and register with a scheme.
This route might not get you into the industrial/commercial sector of the trade and will certainly not get you a gold card.
If you are being made redundant as I was look into and find out about the free funding you will have available via government retraining schemes and your employer retraining funds to cover the costs of your required qualifications.
Good luck and hope this may of helped.