Erick,
Being honest, any qualifications without real world experience are virtually useless.
In my opinion that applies whatever level of course you do.
I’d seriously doubt there’s any steady job opportunities for people with qualifications and no experience. I’d be happy to be proved wrong.
Going the self employed route with no experience, or little experience is just plain dangerous. You’d need testing equipment and tools Allow about £1.5K for this just to give you a ball park figure to start off with.
I’m happy to share my experience of the electricians mate route to experience. I was reflecting on my year anyway. I’ve found it generally positive. I could afford to work for £8.50 to £10 PH, is that an option for you ?
For electricians mates work you’ll have more opportunities if you have a CSCS card.
It costs around £130 to do this and get a labourers card. Takes a day in a classroom.
Not having a CSCS is an obstacle you don’t need.
You need your own PPE.
Hi Vis, Boots, dust mask, safety glasses, gloves , hard hat would be the minimum requirements. Waterproof gear can be important but problematic to wear. After a few hours outdoors in the rain you’ll discover what I mean by problematic LOL
As for tools, you need to check what’s expected on a job by job basis. I always carry in boot of car. First day on a job.
I prefer the term electricians labourer, as it’s much closer to reality than mate.
You need to be honest about your lack of experience.
There’s no onus on anyone to teach you anything, you’re being paid to perform tasks that are not cost effective for qualified sparks to do, end of. Occasionally you’ll get relatively cushy jobs with helpful people. Don’t bank on this.
Learning is done by observation, and doing stuff, like pulling cables. You may get taught shown minimum they need to tell/show you to get the job done. You need to be focussed on what you’re paid to do, not distracting people by asking questions or watching people work.
I’ve done labouring for a year after getting some mickey mouse qualifications. I got invaluable experience looking back with hindsight, Some real tedious weeks too. Its advisable to be outwardly cheerful and enthusiastic through bad times. You can ask the agency to get you out of jobs you hate as long as you give them time to replace you. Walking out of a job with no notice would be a bad move.
There is no option not to do what you’re told, unless it’s downright dangerous.
The training received getting your CSCS card should help you ID what‘s dangerous..
I‘ve never been put in danger. However I’ve picked up knocks and bumps on a regular basis. Once some stitches. If you can’t physically do what you’re asked you wouldn’t last the day the client will call the agency and complain. I’ve seen other agency lads took aside and sent home. I just mention this to flag up you need to be physically fit, and may be required to work long hours.
One last thing,
Some people from agencies contacting you about electricians labouring work will mislead you.
Not saying it’s malicious, it’s just how things are at times.
That said some are honest, and the ones who mislead you will be more honest, if you get good feedback from their clients.
Be prepared to be misled on the length of the contract and type of work, In addition you need the clarify whether it’s PAYE Umbrella or SE
Don’t get pressured into to thrashing your posh power tools for bad pay, unless you’re very desperate for work.
Best of luck, I hope I haven’t posted too negative a picture.
In the unlikely event anyone actually read this rambling essay.
Feel free to add to, disagree, or give me feedback on what I’ve said, I‘d welcome that.
