Become a spark at 39, is it possible?

[DodgyBiscuits]

Hello guys, I am currently a self-employed taxi driver in Glasgow and have been working nightshifts for the last 8 years.
I am looking for a career change.
Is there any realistic route for me to study / train around my current job to become a qualified electrician? If so, what are my options?
I know this is not likely to be easy but I am a very determined character.
Any advice or information would be appreciated.

 

[acat]

Welcome your age is not relevant working around your job is and what type of sparky do you want to be domestic or commercial.



Chris

 

[DodgyBiscuits]

I had domestic in mind. Is there a significant difference in training / qualifications required for each?

Can this be done whilst holding down a full time job. I am self-employed so I can very flexible and take some time off when required.

 

[acat]

Domestic is easier and quicker. Its to far away from you but have a look at Plumbing course | Construction Training | Electrician Courses | DIY Skills for the complete part P that gives you everything you will need to qualify.

The first one you need to look at is the EAL VRQ once you have this you can register with NICEIC or whoever suits you. Within 12 months you will need to pass the C&G 2382 17th edition.

I would do a google search for training establishments near you. Some will do it in a couple of weeks of 9 to 5 others will do a few hours a week over many months.

Books to get you started the On Site Guide Electricians Guide to the Building Regs and for the C&G 2382 BS7671.


Chris

 

[jboy1888]

Alright DodgyBiscuits,

There is routes into becoming an spark no matter your age although it is alot easier if you work in the trade already. I would speak with the guys at Fi Electrical Training in Hamilton or similar they can get you to a competent level whilst carrying on with your current job. Then you would need to gain some experience on site to get your level 3 qualified status. Follow the link to there site i take it you will be looking to train whilst staying at home? Fi Electrical Training - Welcome

 

[DodgyBiscuits]

Thanks jboy i will check it out.

 

[markdavies571]

I hope so... that's exactly what I'm planning to do soon!!

 

[jboy1888]

Ment to also add just for future reference Part P only applies in England & Wales

 

[markdavies571]

Interesting. What is the Scottish alternative? I live just South of the border and would look to do some work in Scotland if my plans work out. Are there many other differences that folk should be aware of?

Cheers

 

[shakerbess]

hi mate just go for it i started at 32 and now i am approved electrician/lecturer/assessor for nvq and i had a snooker club business. If you get some practical experience that would stand you in better step good luck if you need any advice or help im happy to help

 

[DodgyBiscuits]

hi mate just go for it i started at 32 and now i am approved electrician/lecturer/assessor for nvq and i had a snooker club business. If you get some practical experience that would stand you in better step good luck if you need any advice or help im happy to help

Congratulations. What training route did you take and over what timescale?

 

[ExAirForce]

Congratulations. What training route did you take and over what timescale?

Hi

just to jump on the band wagon I would also like to know how you became qualified, at 31 I am fortunate to be given the time and some funding to study by the military as I am leaving the RAF, I found this intensive course offered by pgltraining.com, what do people think ? Is it worth it?

Electrical Installation 4 week Intensive course delivery

EMTA Award - Part P

• DEI /001 Applicable Building Regulations for Domestic Electrical Installation
• DEI /002 Electrical Safety legislation, Regulations Standards and Terminology
• DEI /003 Domestic Electrical Installation - Pre work Survey/inspection
• DEI /004 Domestic Electrical Installation - Safe Isolation Procedures
• DEI /005 Identifying unsafe electrical situations
• DEI /006 Domestic Electrical Earthing and Bonding Requirements
• DEI /007 Electrical Test Procedures
• DEI /008 Selecting Domestic Electrical Cable and Components
• DEI /009 Installing and Replacement of Electrical Components
• DEI /010 Checking the Correct and Safe Operation of Installed Electrical Components
• DEI /011 Recording of Electrical Test Results and Completing Certificates
• DEI /012 Installing and/or Rerouting Domestic Electrical Cables
• DEI /013 Domestic Electrical Installation - Special Locations
• DEI /014 New Domestic Circuit Requirements
• DEI /015 Installing Domestic Lighting Circuits
• DEI /016 Maintaining Domestic Electrical Installations
• DEI /017 Basic Understanding of 3 Phase Supplies
City & Guilds 2377 - Portable Appliance Testing Award
City & Guilds 2382 - 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
City & Guilds 2391 - Inspection, Testing & Certification of Electrical Installations

Cost: £2,800 + VAT

 

[shakerbess]

I dont want to put you off but there is no way you can do it all in 4 weeks its taken me nearly six years
They will take your cash its a business for them. I would just go to night school its cheaper but longer tho

im still learning it takes time just pace your self 4 weeks will get you qualifications paper, but competence takes more than 4 weeks .

i hope you dont mind me saying this i aint a big fan of these intense qulification they intrested in your cash mate

I over the last five to six years did the following to get qualified

city and guilds

1852-cctv
1852-intruder alarm
1852-fire alarms
1852-access control
2330 level 2
2330 level 3
16th edition
17th edition
2391-01 inspection and test
6958-electrical and electronic servicing-consumer and commercial electronics
2377-pat testing
nvq level 3
nvq level4

To register with jib you also need nvq3 this is how i went about it.
I know this may seem boring but i cud not be bothered to sit at home with wife n kids lol thats my excuse

Im going to do the 2391-20 next just to get away again lol

 

[ExAirForce]

thanks for the quick reply, I know I must seem impatient or looking to make a quick buck but its more a case of the chicken and the egg which comes first - quals or experience and in my case I Will be doing courses (free time off work for a start) I just have to pick the right one to allow me to register as a qualified domestic electrician to start getting paid work (after practicing on friends and families houses, appliances ) in my spare time.

quote: I know this may seem boring but i cud not be bothered to sit at home with wife n kids lol thats my excuse

Not boring at all mate looks like you have a lot of strings to your bow there to provide for your family, Feel free to make any other suggestions to my situation I will post back somewhere on here how my progress goes over the coming months.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Agree with above, yes you must get the paperwork, but try to go out & work with a sparks, understanding house bashing is a large part of it.