Career advice

[Matty1987]

Hello I look forward to hearing any advise you can give me.
I am currently serving in the 2nd battalion the parachute regiment and am looking to get into a new career. Being an electrician has been on my mind for some time and I have done some research and as I get closer to leaving I am now doing more to stand the best possible chance. I can't afford to be an apprentice with no experience as I have a family to provide for. I have been looking at able skills to go on one of their courses to get all the c&g quals and 17th edition, part p etc. I know that does not make you an electrician as I would need to be in a work placement to get my nvq, but if I done those courses would I be employable on a wage that's worth more than a starting electrician apprentice and complete my nvq with the company? I would be willing to work in spare time for free while I am completing my c&g's with able skills all to build a portfolio. I look forward to hearing your response.

Kind regards

Matthew

Sent from my iPhone

 

[J11MSX]

Hi Matty

Have you looked at Trade skills? They can do all your C&G etc and the NVQ can be assessed for them by JTL(If you get employment& experience). I know that they are particularly keen to help out ex services and do a lot for Help for Heros. When do you come out? The NVQ3 registration finishes this year and if you miss the registration date you will have to do the new QCF NVQ Diploma which will include the AM2. I would look down the Electricians Mate route, which will pay more than an apprentice and get you experience at the same time, whilst you are doing the C&G. then as you get more competent you can start getting your NVQ assessed.

Hope this helps
Regards
Jim

 

[malcolmsanford]

There must be something why every ex-serviceman wants to become a sparks ..........and that I think is the clue Matty, the industry is a cake that is shrinking and shrinking.

I know you won't be paying for your courses, but what you've outlined there is really not worth the paper they are written on in this current climate mate. It is unlikely you will find an employer with them, your only route realistically will be as a self employed domestic installer, and there are more of them that you can shake a stick at.

I hate to be negative to anyone, especially young lads that have done their but, but surely there are other avenues to follow than this well trod, and now highly used one of becoming a sparks.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

go into personal protection if i were you.

 

[Matty1987]

Thanks for all your advice Im not interested in personal protection I have done my time away and personal protection is 2 months on 1 off if you want money its a single mans game. I have a plumber friend who is willing to let me work with him while I did my courses for experience and portfolio, so then I will be more competent and proof of working on site. He will also be gas safe soon. Would this route be better of career wise I have done a little and enjoy it and heard being gas safe as well is heading in a safer direction than electrician work if with a big company.

 

[bobsim]

For a better future and growth in career, if you work with study then it will be very helpful to you and you can gain industry experience.

 

[SimonRoss]

Hi mate,

If you really want to do something, you decide to go for it and that's it but be prepared for a long haul. Training up is one thing but you need critical experience to prove yourself work competent, apprenticeships are the best way to do this...is it really not a possibility for you to do this? Best of luck.