Becomeing an installer

[Colin Williams]

Hello all,

as a complete newbie, I am just after a bit of advice.......

I am thinking of going on a solar PV installer course to get me qualified to the MCS standard.....but not sure where to do it.

Anyone recently undertaken a course in the South of UK and can recommend the training company?.

Also, is there work out there for a newly qualified installer? (willing to take low wage until properly experienced)?.

Thanks

Col

 

[keith915]

Welcome to the forum.

Are you already an electrician or are you looking for a career change?

 

[Colin Williams]

Hi,

looking for a career change......seems to be lots of potential in the renewables sector, especially solar, it seems to me. Just trying to find the right way of going about it....

 

[Noshocks]

The two main options are, qualifed electrician with PV qualification, my course only let sparks with 2391 on course, or roofers, which i would say is where there are more opportunities. There is a third, start a company, sub everything out and get MCS, this is the most expensive route though.

 

[Colin Williams]

What do you think about companies offering part P and then solar PV to get you to a stage which allows you to become (on paper) employable as an MCS installer. 5 weeks from numbnut to fully qualified and ready to go?.

 

[Noshocks]

Thing is Colin, whould you employe someone with such little experience and had £12k on the line if it went ---- up, I wouldent, even if they worked for free. Blagging it with domestic customers about ones experience is one thing, finding an employer to hire you is quite another.

There is also something that seems little to be reported, to be registered for part P from the summer (and thus act as the qualifed supervisor) you will need the new NVQ or equivalent or already be a QS as its not retrospective, you cant get this from a five week course, it could be the end of the five week wonder.

 

[Smugley]

I think a lot of schools will be closing. Then there'll be ex-teachers competing for work aswell!

 

[Colin Williams]

thanks for the heads-up. It will be interesting to see how the schools get round this one - as I am sure they will.
My quest to be a solar fitter goes on!

Thanks again.

 

[matt456]

it wont stop people looking for a short cut into the industry but it will stop them from working on their own when there a fooking liabiltiy like the 2 jokers im working with at the moment!

 

[SRE]

Mind you - an electrician working for a company I sometimes do work for isn't much better after 4 years in the trade ...