Advice

[ttalps2000]

Hi

Im after some advice on what to do! I have been looking at going with Trade Qualified Ltd to do a domestic electricians course, which includes the C&G 2391 course and PAT testing etc.

My intention is to do the course and then go and be self employeed.
The guy at TQL seems to be very helpful and has said that this is the best course for doing so, however he is a sales man!

In reality what is the chances of this being possible? I do have some electrical experience in doing installations etc. How much practical time and experience do you get in the training centres though normally and is it sufficient to be able to go and do this on your own after?

Is there many jobs going out there at the moment from contractors offering to new people like myself after doing one of these courses?

Thanks in advance for any help and feedback.

 

[Electricalserv]

Electricians who have gone the right way of gaining qualifications despise the short courses. You get 6 weeks on most of these courses and thats for theory and practical experience....In essence no!!! you would not be 100% ready or confident to go out and do your own work. But people do.

If you want respect by other electricians go to college and get your tech certs, 17th Edition and 2391

 

[ttalps2000]

its a study from home course and you do 4 weeks in the training centre, which are split down into individual weeks as you complete the modules.

I will get the 17th edition and 2391 with the course anyway...

 

[Electricalserv]

its a study from home course and you do 4 weeks in the training centre, which are split down into individual weeks as you complete the modules.

I will get the 17th edition and 2391 with the course anyway...

Its a fast track course that gives you absolutely no experience on-site. How anybody thinks they can become a ompetent electrician in 4 weeks I don't know.

Thats if you pass the 2391. Its not as simple as I will get it unless these courses are handing out 2391 certs or having open book exams.

Pass rate for 2391 is around 35% on average. Thats 65% failure rate and don't forget those that fail are also very experienced sparks.

 

[ttalps2000]

What is the best way of gaining further electrical hands-on experience, other than going out there and doing it? Most companies dont appear to be taking on people at the moment and so is a difficult option.

As previously said i have done electrical installation work previously and am not affraid to go and do it!

What does the 2391 exam entail and why is it so hard to pass?

 

[Des 56]

Is there many jobs going out there at the moment from contractors offering to new people like myself after doing one of these courses?

Most employers ask for jib registered sparks
Even with the qualifications you may attain, you may find getting that card without employment difficult
Also getting employment without that card may be difficult

Can you see the dilemma ?



Once you have the basic entry qualifications,you are eligable to apply for competent person registration for part p
You may need this to be successful working for yourself,this in itself is a large outlay to cope with, for joining fees, documentations, and all the rest of the baggage that goes with it

My own thinking is that the cost of the courses and the competition you face for employment or the alternative of registration will make it much less an attractive occupation at this time and not the land of milk and honey the salesmen waffle on about

 

[Electricalserv]

What is the best way of gaining further electrical hands-on experience, other than going out there and doing it? Most companies dont appear to be taking on people at the moment and so is a difficult option.

As previously said i have done electrical installation work previously and am not affraid to go and do it!

What does the 2391 exam entail and why is it so hard to pass?

Its so hard to pass because applicants must have exstensive knowledge of electrical systems and its terminologies. They also must know how to Inspect and test installations...(knowing the regs)

I agree its hard to get the experience if no-one is willing to give you a chance. But if you do this fast track course you are not a competent electrician I'm afraid and without a tech cert you will never be full scope with my scheme NAPIT. Not sure about the NICEIC approved ask for. Also if you are gaining experience whilst running a business you are essentially learning on the job and thats not what a customer wants.

I'm just saying alot of guys possibly aren't commenting because they are fed up of non-sparks doing 6 week courses and competing for their work....Usually t`akeing their work because domestic installers are offering labour so cheap!

 

[ttalps2000]

i can see your point and where you are coming from, but dont know what other options there are. I wont get the funding for another apprenticeship so thats out!

How much is the Part P registration and what does this normally entail?

Also what about the other gouverning bodies etc?

Thanks for your help and responses.

 

[Des 56]

How much is the Part P registration and what does this normally entail?

Here is a very rough list
Test meter 650
PL insurance 100
Joining fee 450
On site guide 50
Bs 7671 70
EWR 25
Gn3 50
half day on site assessment of installation standard and testing ability and checking your paperwork trail

You get this, then find that a guy down the pub or a plumber will do the available work under the shadows, and deprive you of all you trained and paid for


It is a stoney path you are choosing at this time

 

[ttalps2000]

hmm i need to go and think about all this more i think! the more and more info im getting the less intresting it is appearing to be to me! Sounds like there are larger start up costs than i originally anticipated.