Am I mad or is there a future in it?

EastAnglian · Oct 21, 2009

So guys what do you reckon. I'm 52, redundant and have 30 years in the electronics & radio industry behind me, with the last few spent driving a desk and being a so called "consultant". I also have an honours degree in Electronic Engineering.

I want to do something meaningful for the next 10 - 15 years but I don't want to work my butt off for 60 hours a week and travel all over the country chasing work anymore, I've done all that!

I'm seriously considering the Domestic Electrical Installer route. I'm a very practical person, generally have no problem understanding electricity, installation rules etc and can cope with Ohm's Law and the rest

So far I've not managed to electrocute myself with all the DIY and other work I've done over the years and the hands-on stuff really appeals to me as I want to get back on the tools which is where I started, albeit in electronics.

So lets be realistic - I'm never going to have years of experience gained from apprenticeship and formal qualifications will be limited to EAL VRQ 2, 2377, 2382, 2392 and possibly 2391 - assuming I shell out somewhere between £2k and £6k for the re-training over the next 2 years or so. Add to this quite a bit of business nouse, lots of IT experience and the ability to get on with people in general.

What's the collective view on the chance of a meaningful 2nd career in domestic installations in East Anglia. The objective would be to enjoy what I do, make enough money to meet all the expenses, pay some bills and buy a couple of beers each week. Yes, I can do the marketing and yes I can cope with periods of not working.

Am I completely off my rocker, or do you think this young at heart old git using my computer at the moment should make a go of it?

If yes, should I spend £2k, £4k of £6k on re-training? That's the range of quotes I've currently got!

East Anglian

Mac · Oct 21, 2009

Hi and welcome to the forum

I don't think you are off your rocker.There will always be a need for a spark,but at this present time,it's difficult to advise as so many people are doing these courses hoping for big bucks at the end,doesn't work like that.Experience counts as well,but with the knowledge you already have,i can't see you having a problem.I wouldn't spend 6K on these courses,IMO they are a rip off.There is a company that does all the above you said for about 2 1/2K.Can't remember the name,if i do i'll post it.Go for it mate

Electrical Training Courses Tec20: Comprehensive Courses for Electricians and Non-Electrical Persons

johnnyb · Oct 21, 2009

Hows yer doin mate, not sure if to get 17th and 2391 its between 2k -6k, up here in sunny rainny manchester i would say you would get both for 2k or even less my mate, however thats the basic everyone asks for these days.

SirKit Breaker · Oct 21, 2009

Go for it, but as in previous post dont waste your cash on courses that you dont need to do cos with your experience and quals you`ll be bored, keep yer cash for tools equipment and materials.
Spend no more than a grand on 2381 and 2391, and once youve done that another £500 for Part P membership with one of the clubs (i`m with Elecsa) and then your on your way, but dont let the 2381/2391 stand in your way get on with it now

theres loads of work that can be done without Part P membership, we only need this to self certify what comes under building regs, so you can do any work where there is planning permission as this doesnt need notifying seperately or minor works etc, have a look at the scheme providers websites for a comprehensive list of what you can and cant do without notification. However whatever work you do carry out will need certifying so go and buy the 17th edition regs and the onsite guide, and the IEE guidance note 3 testing and inspection will put you on the right foot for what you need to test etc.

Cheers...............Howard

EastAnglian · Oct 21, 2009

Thanks for the support guys - much appreciated!

Any sparkys in Suffolk who want cheap labour?

Malcolm

Notsosmart · Oct 21, 2009

I agree with all of the above, but..

How about setting up your business so that you deal with all of the customer enquiries, handling the estimates, design, implimintation & billing etc, & then paying someone to undertake the installation & testing certification etc. By all means undertake re-training but I would do whilst earning & hopefully building a reputable successful company.

2391 at a local college costs £180.00 & 6 Saturday mornings.
2382 as above (alternatively a local skill centre charges £500.00 & takes 5 days)

EastAnglian · Oct 21, 2009

Thanks Notsosmart ...... indeed the plan is to add it to a basket of skills which I have already started to market as a sole trader. Good thoughts!

sparkdog · Oct 21, 2009

I think I am correct in sayiny that a lot of it is being handy with a hammer and chisel and masonry drill and lifting floorboards and all that sort of thing.Although its all good fun I think I will leave it all to an experienced electricians mate I have lined up for when I finally do my part P assesment.I was also in the radio & television trade and am a bit older than 52 but possibly have the advantage of having done a few years of apprenticeship as a sparky and continued doing wiring jobs over the years until I discovered this part P thing purely by chance when I was doing a council house job.I did the C & G 2382 exam in Feb and am almost ready for an ELECSA on site assesment which is all you need.Although if you don't have practical experience I think you would need that.

andart · Oct 22, 2009

I hope there is a future in it! I am 50 with a backgound in IT and have recently completed the Tec20 course at Technique Training that Mac linked to above. It costs about£3500 inc Vat and I think is worth the money it includes all you need to get started - I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone. good luck,

andy