Advice required Please

[1shortcircuit]

I am due to start a "Short Course" in January. (PS I'm sorry if this offends - There are many threads that I have seen discussing this, could we please NOT let this become another one)

Is there anyone on this forum that would be kind enough to share a few pointers that may assist me in finding a work placement/on site training whilst learning to become an electrician.

I am very hands on and don't think that any job is below me, hey, if the first day involves making tea day and sweeping up all day then so be it

If I am fortunate enough to find someone that will take me on what sort of jobs/chores would you expect them to start me off on? and more importantly, what do you believe to be a fair wage? IF any? (32 years of age and a wife,4 children a dog that I need to provide food and a roof for)

I have spent most of my life in the motor industry and understand fully that all tradesman value their tools. They are the tools of their trade and are what earns them a living. With this in mind, what tools should I ensure are already in my tool box? I would like to know that I am prepared for anything that is realistically thrown my way and do not have to face the embarrassment of explaining that I do not have a particular tool and unable to do a particular job

Another question also, If an electrician was to take me under their wing then what sort of implications does that person face legally? I have a CPCS card due to being a plant operator so would this suffice and make me a LOWER risk than just a "Labourer"?


Any constructive comments are very much appreciated, many thanks in advance

 

[rschatha]

Hi, Mate

Where are you from?

 

[1shortcircuit]

Hi, Mate

Where are you from?

I'm from Weston Super Mare but have lived in Bristol for 3 years now:thumbsup

 

[Davey101]

Hello mate, I cant be of any help to you regarding finding a job I'm afraid, but seeing as I've got nothing better to do tonight, I'll chip in with your other questions

There is at least one other thread about tools on this forum and its really going to depend on what sort of work you are doing, i.e domestic or industrial but I would say-

Hammer-probably a claw hammer, but you may also need a lump hammer if you are chasing walls or knocking holes in them .Get the cheapest you can
Chisel for chasing walls. A cheap one will do
Hacksaw-more especially if you are doing industrial. If you are going to be cutting a lot of trunking, tray etc, you will need a half decent one, shouldn't cost more than 12/15 quid though.
File of some sort if cutting trunking
Junior hacksaw is very usefull- cheap as you like
Tape measure- 5 meter is usually best. Dont spend too much at first, if you lose or drop it, a 20 quid one is no better than a 5 quid jobbie.
Engineers square- especially for industrial
Side cutters- dont go mad, but yu should definatley get a decent set, as this may be your most used tool. Get a set of Knipex if in doubt.
Pliers-same as Side cutters, although you can actually get away without.
PROPER, insulated screwdrivers. Just get a set from screwfix if you want to go cheap, or for a set to last, get some Irazola's.
At least one large, rough screwdriver, otherwise you will be lifting boards or clearing plaster out of knockout boxes with your nice shiny new set of Izy's
Small level ie boat/scafolders level
Large, cheap set of pencils-you will lose half in your first week cheap pens, marker pen etc
Set of spanners if going industrial- or at least a 10mm, 13mm, 17mm

It depends who you are working for, but seeing as you are just starting out, I wouldnt expect you to have a battery drill, large level, or any specialist stuff, like stocks and dies for a while.

Again, it depends on what sort of work you do, but I would expect you to be fetching and carrying, pulling cables, drilling holes, lifting or holding things for a spark to screw to the wall, maybe chasing boxes, clipping cables etc. Theres no reason why you shouldnt be connecting up basic stuff, as long as a spark is checking your work, therefore, you MUST have decent 'connecting up' kit, ie drivers snips etc, there isnt much that winds a spark up more than having to lend out his only terminal driver, or his favourite snips

I'm sure others can help you more, but I would imagine that getting on an agency as a mate, or 'improver' may be your best bet, although as I hear it, there are very few jobs about right now.

Good luck, Dave.

​

 

[1shortcircuit]

Hello mate, I cant be of any help to you regarding finding a job I'm afraid, but seeing as I've got nothing better to do tonight, I'll chip in with your other questions

There is at least one other thread about tools on this forum and its really going to depend on what sort of work you are doing, i.e domestic or industrial but I would say-

Hammer-probably a claw hammer, but you may also need a lump hammer if you are chasing walls or knocking holes in them .Get the cheapest you can
Chisel for chasing walls. A cheap one will do
Hacksaw-more especially if you are doing industrial. If you are going to be cutting a lot of trunking, tray etc, you will need a half decent one, shouldn't cost more than 12/15 quid though.
File of some sort if cutting trunking
Junior hacksaw is very usefull- cheap as you like
Tape measure- 5 meter is usually best. Dont spend too much at first, if you lose or drop it, a 20 quid one is no better than a 5 quid jobbie.
Engineers square- especially for industrial
Side cutters- dont go mad, but yu should definatley get a decent set, as this may be your most used tool. Get a set of Knipex if in doubt.
Pliers-same as Side cutters, although you can actually get away without.
PROPER, insulated screwdrivers. Just get a set from screwfix if you want to go cheap, or for a set to last, get some Irazola's.
At least one large, rough screwdriver, otherwise you will be lifting boards or clearing plaster out of knockout boxes with your nice shiny new set of Izy's
Small level ie boat/scafolders level
Large, cheap set of pencils-you will lose half in your first week cheap pens, marker pen etc
Set of spanners if going industrial- or at least a 10mm, 13mm, 17mm

It depends who you are working for, but seeing as you are just starting out, I wouldnt expect you to have a battery drill, large level, or any specialist stuff, like stocks and dies for a while.

Again, it depends on what sort of work you do, but I would expect you to be fetching and carrying, pulling cables, drilling holes, lifting or holding things for a spark to screw to the wall, maybe chasing boxes, clipping cables etc. Theres no reason why you shouldnt be connecting up basic stuff, as long as a spark is checking your work, therefore, you MUST have decent 'connecting up' kit, ie drivers snips etc, there isnt much that winds a spark up more than having to lend out his only terminal driver, or his favourite snips

I'm sure others can help you more, but I would imagine that getting on an agency as a mate, or 'improver' may be your best bet, although as I hear it, there are very few jobs about right now.

Good luck, Dave.

​

Dave, Thank You very much for your input. I have highlighted in green the items I already have and red for those that I would require.

Your post has been most helpful, Thank You.

 

[Davey101]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good idea already, and are halfway there. Seeing as you are obviously serious, and are collecting tools for industrial and domestic, I'd recomend(sp) 1 or 2 pairs of 'water pump' pliers such as- Irwin Quick-Grip 10" Groove Joint Pliers - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
These are pretty cheap,and will suffice but you really do get what you pay for with any sort of pliers/grips etc.
Your boss should supply you with drill bits etc, but it may be handy to have a couple of 6mm hss and masonary bits in your box.
Get a decent toolbox, and stick a padlock on it as well.
You could easily fill 2 toolboxes with usefull kit, but you will get to know what you need pretty quick.

I'm from Gloucester, there doesnt seem to be a lot of work about, but apparently there is a fair bit of work around temple meads I think (one of my mates is on an agency down there).

 

[1shortcircuit]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good idea already, and are halfway there. Seeing as you are obviously serious, and are collecting tools for industrial and domestic, I'd recomend(sp) 1 or 2 pairs of 'water pump' pliers such as- Irwin Quick-Grip 10" Groove Joint Pliers - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
These are pretty cheap,and will suffice but you really do get what you pay for with any sort of pliers/grips etc.
Your boss should supply you with drill bits etc, but it may be handy to have a couple of 6mm hss and masonary bits in your box.
Get a decent toolbox, and stick a padlock on it as well.
You could easily fill 2 toolboxes with usefull kit, but you will get to know what you need pretty quick.

I'm from Gloucester, there doesnt seem to be a lot of work about, but apparently there is a fair bit of work around temple meads I think (one of my mates is on an agency down there).

There is quite alot of industrial about in Bristol at the moment, I'm not sure how this compares to past demand though. I was working on the Temple Quay project when the cranes were erected and I am currently filling a Telescopic Forklift operators position at the Skills Academy that is being constructed on Whitchurch lane.

Also, did you see it mentioned on the news about the affordable homes that need to be built?

There seems to be quite alot of activity in Portishead also. Charles Church, Persimmon and a couple of other house builders are putting up alot of homes down there

Sounds like you've got a pretty good idea already, and are halfway there. Seeing as you are obviously serious, and are collecting tools for industrial and domestic, I'd recomend(sp) 1 or 2 pairs of 'water pump' pliers such as- Irwin Quick-Grip 10" Groove Joint Pliers - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
These are pretty cheap,and will suffice but you really do get what you pay for with any sort of pliers/grips etc.
Your boss should supply you with drill bits etc, but it may be handy to have a couple of 6mm hss and masonary bits in your box.
Get a decent toolbox, and stick a padlock on it as well.
You could easily fill 2 toolboxes with usefull kit, but you will get to know what you need pretty quick.

I'm from Gloucester, there doesnt seem to be a lot of work about, but apparently there is a fair bit of work around temple meads I think (one of my mates is on an agency down there).

Found these on amazon, does the price seem fair?

[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Irazola-Electricians-Interchangeable-1000V-Screwdriver/dp/B0028NQDJO/ref=sr_1_5/276-8811092-0439017?ie=UTF8&s=diy&qid=1260060803&sr=8-5]Irazola Electricians Interchangeable 1000V VDE Screwdriver Set - 13 Piece: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools[/ame]

I'd like to prepare myself for domestic work firstly but know what I would need for Industrial too so that I can look into one day progressing further. Tools are expensive so I see the ideal way as collecting bit by bit rather than having to fork out a huge amount all in one go

There's no way I'm going to go out and replace items I already have from working in the motor industry. I don't want to turn up to help an Electrician and have brand spanking new tools - All Show and NO GO is not me

 

[ghost]

Hello and welcome, I always like to hear of the people who actually want to learn the trade properly, ie do some training and find somebody to train with, not always easy to find somebody mind. As any spark will tell you, trying to educate somebody as you work can be difficult.
One piece of invaluble advice I would give is never be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand, seek help.

 

[1shortcircuit]

One piece of invaluble advice I would give is never be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand, seek help.

I couldn't agree more Although that too can be a strain on your teacher at times

 

[Davey101]

I'd steer clear of sets of drivers like that mate, if you lose the handle you are left with a set of expensive toothpicks

 

[1shortcircuit]

I'd steer clear of sets of drivers like that mate, if you lose the handle you are left with a set of expensive toothpicks

I had a funny feeling YOU were going to make a comment like that

Very valid point

Can anyone supply a link to a set that they have or would purchase next time around.

Is the 7 piece set that they do adequate enough?

[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Irazola-Electricians-1000V-VDE-Screwdriver/dp/B002C2QP2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=diy&qid=1260133782&sr=1-1]Irazola Electricians 1000V VDE Screwdriver Set - 7 Piece: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools[/ame]

 

[Toonlad]

When i served my time, the first thing i was told to buy, was a notebook and pencil.To take down any little diagrams etc that i could refer to at a later date etc.

The pencil always comes in handy to plug a pipe if you drill through it lol. Believe me its quite effective.

 

[1shortcircuit]

When i served my time, the first thing i was told to buy, was a notebook and pencil.To take down any little diagrams etc that i could refer to at a later date etc.

The pencil always comes in handy to plug a pipe if you drill through it lol. Believe me its quite effective.

A little black book eh? I feel a divorce coming on

Very good point, Thank You and I'll be sure to try and think of the pencil trick if that ever happens when drilling but I would hope that I would've taken all the precautions to prevent this

Just a quick update, Filled out all my forms with the chap from New Career Skills this evening and sorted payment.

Also, spoke to my Brother in Laws friend Today and he's really keen to have me go and work with him as a labourer as his current one has become unreliable. He's a little quiet at the moment but has assured me that he will call me as soon as he needs a mate. He has mentioned that he is awaiting confirmation of a rewire scheduled for next week so fingers crossed that he gets it.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Hello mate, I cant be of any help to you regarding finding a job I'm afraid, but seeing as I've got nothing better to do tonight, I'll chip in with your other questions

There is at least one other thread about tools on this forum and its really going to depend on what sort of work you are doing, i.e domestic or industrial but I would say-

Hammer-probably a claw hammer, but you may also need a lump hammer if you are chasing walls or knocking holes in them .Get the cheapest you can
Chisel for chasing walls. A cheap one will do
Hacksaw-more especially if you are doing industrial. If you are going to be cutting a lot of trunking, tray etc, you will need a half decent one, shouldn't cost more than 12/15 quid though.
File of some sort if cutting trunking
Junior hacksaw is very usefull- cheap as you like
Tape measure- 5 meter is usually best. Dont spend too much at first, if you lose or drop it, a 20 quid one is no better than a 5 quid jobbie.
Engineers square- especially for industrial
Side cutters- dont go mad, but yu should definatley get a decent set, as this may be your most used tool. Get a set of Knipex if in doubt.
Pliers-same as Side cutters, although you can actually get away without.
PROPER, insulated screwdrivers. Just get a set from screwfix if you want to go cheap, or for a set to last, get some Irazola's.
At least one large, rough screwdriver, otherwise you will be lifting boards or clearing plaster out of knockout boxes with your nice shiny new set of Izy's
Small level ie boat/scafolders level
Large, cheap set of pencils-you will lose half in your first week cheap pens, marker pen etc
Set of spanners if going industrial- or at least a 10mm, 13mm, 17mm

It depends who you are working for, but seeing as you are just starting out, I wouldnt expect you to have a battery drill, large level, or any specialist stuff, like stocks and dies for a while.

Again, it depends on what sort of work you do, but I would expect you to be fetching and carrying, pulling cables, drilling holes, lifting or holding things for a spark to screw to the wall, maybe chasing boxes, clipping cables etc. Theres no reason why you shouldnt be connecting up basic stuff, as long as a spark is checking your work, therefore, you MUST have decent 'connecting up' kit, ie drivers snips etc, there isnt much that winds a spark up more than having to lend out his only terminal driver, or his favourite snips

I'm sure others can help you more, but I would imagine that getting on an agency as a mate, or 'improver' may be your best bet, although as I hear it, there are very few jobs about right now.

Good luck, Dave.

​

Dave, I was just thinking about taking some photo's for my other thread I have running about my shower tripping and it involves switching off the power and I have realised that I do not have a TORCH What torches do you guys recommend, do you go for the type that could be used in a lighthouse or just a small jobby?

 

[Sintra]

An LED head torch. Keeps the hands free.