Advice please guys?!

J S · Jan 19, 2014

Hi folks,

I posted my introduction a couple of days ago, stating which path I was taking in regards to re-training as an adult at 28. (Pre-apprenticeship then Apprenticeship).

After scouring the net and sifting through posts on here, I'm getting mixed signals on the Pre-app courses. A lot say it's pretty much a waste of time and puts you in no greater favour of an apprenticeship than someone just out of school. Slightly confused on what to do. I have until August to decide, as there is both a Pre-app course and App course starting then.

I thought the preapp would be beneficial in starting the basic fundamentals, given that I have no experience at all, apart from changing the odd plug haha, but then again most apprentices dont have any experience before they start, am I right?

Whats your advice?? Yous guys (and gals) are the experts so what should I do? Sack the idea of the Pre-app course and look for an employer to start the Apprenticeship in Aug? Or do the Pre-app and wait till Aug 2015 to do the Apprenticeship? (the preapp is only a 16wk course)

Help please?! Thanks in advance for listening to me waffle lol and for any guidance.

J

J S · Jan 19, 2014

....................awkward lol

:leaving:

Johnuk · Jan 19, 2014

go the college route and look for a apprenticeship as you train, then if you find a apprenticeship they change u over

J S · Jan 19, 2014

Its only a pre-apprenticeship short course though John, intermediate 2 level, so a very basic standard grade (designed for school leavers) Should i go for it? I hate the thought of waiting a whole year and a half to start an apprenticeship!

bigdavs83 · Jan 19, 2014

I imagine most on here would be the same as me and carried out the full apprenticeship and then develop through the trade. My first day at college was wiring a plug and only two of us managed it! I don't see the benefit of a preapprentice course as you have to start at the bottom as an apprentice anyway. Just get stuck into the apprenticeship and get your trade card and then the hard work begins.

J S · Jan 19, 2014

Brilliant, thats the kinda answer i was looking for thanks. Im itching to get started and will gladly relish in my 4 years training, i cant for the life of me understand or see how anyone can justify these fast track courses but hey, thats a diff thread lol.

Thanks again

jaypp · Jan 19, 2014

the other option to consider (though if you can get an apprenticeship at 28 it may be 'better') is to get a job as an electricians mate/labourer and go to night school.

J S · Jan 19, 2014

Yeah i was told by SECTT i can do one of two things. Either go down the apprentice route which is what i prefer to do OR become a labourer for at least a year then go down the 'adult trainee' route. Somehow the college training for that is only two years, i'm not keen on this as i want my practical on-the-job experience to be electrical-based from the word go. I'd happily walk onto a site tommorrow and work for nothing as long as i can get an apprenticeship and train for four years. For all electricians mate jobs theyre looking for experience.

jaypp · Jan 20, 2014

J S said:
Yeah i was told by SECTT i can do one of two things. Either go down the apprentice route which is what i prefer to do OR become a labourer for at least a year then go down the 'adult trainee' route. Somehow the college training for that is only two years, i'm not keen on this as i want my practical on-the-job experience to be electrical-based from the word go. I'd happily walk onto a site tommorrow and work for nothing as long as i can get an apprenticeship and train for four years. For all electricians mate jobs theyre looking for experience.

to be fair, an apprenticeship with the right firm will probably give a better foundation. personally, i was lucky in my first stint in this trade as i was put with people who'd finished apprenticeships then gone 'subbie'. they saw me as their apprentice i guess as that was what they'd been taught. a labourer on with the firm i'm with now has possibly done as many hours as me but couldn't connect a switch fed light, for example, without asking-although i've lost count how many times i've shown/told/explained it to him! come to think of it, he still puts boxes in p155ed so perhaps he's a bad example. i think if you prove yourself as a 'mate' you'll be pushed forward although opportunities will probably be mostly domestic.
wish you all the best

J S · Jan 21, 2014

Thanks very much jaypp :teeth_smile: Fingers crossed I get the break I need and so desperately want! Another bit of a potential 'barrier' i have is with me being 28, the employer will have to fund my SVQ. I'm guessing 90% of them are gonna knock that on the head straight away in favour of the young school leavers :frown2: They actually recieve money for taking them on.

If the worst comes to the worst I'll consider funding my own apprenticeship (although this will be a struggle financially) as a last resort, if it comes to that. I know I'd be sure to get it back in years to come when I'm qualified. In your personal opinion should I mention this to the employers when contacting them, or keep plugging away and hold out hope that some company will see the potential and take the risk in me.

jaypp · Jan 21, 2014

you're welcome.
your last question is a hard one, and honestly, i can't answer that. i think you may find it hard at 28 to be on a course with school leavers still messing about etc when you are there (maybe at own expense) to learn. i know what people think here about preferred routes, but night school whilst working with the right firm could work. I sincerely wish you well and know if you want it enough you'll find a way. even labouring to get your foot in the door if all else fails. good luck.