Confused about Becoming an Electrician

[Dan19]

I'm moving to the UK shortly, and want to become an Electrician. In Ireland, where I come from, the process is simple - you do an apprenticeship.

It seems that in the UK, you can either do an apprenticeship, or go the "Electrical Improver" route - do college diplomas, then work as an Improver to complete an NVQ portfolio and do the AM2 exam.

Which of the routes would be most suitable for a 21 year old?

As regards the Improver route, it seems quite confusing. There's three levels of Diploma, but you don't seem to need to do Level 1? Is that correct, and is there a reason why? Both EAL and City & Guilds award Diplomas and NVQs which are supposed to be equivalent - in practice is one better than the other?

Thanks for your help.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Thanks for your help

your welcome.

 

[telectrix]

think you'll find a load of threads about this if you search. meanwhile you should get some positive answers in the naxt day or so. and btw, welcome to the asylum of electrickery.

 

[buzzlightyear]

if I had me time again I would have been a road lines man cleaning the cats eyes .LOL.

 

[Rpa07]

Come and have a go if you think your hard enough!

if I had me time again I would have been a road lines man cleaning the cats eyes .LOL.

 

[buzzlightyear]

sorry LOL.

 

[Rpa07]

That’s ok - you’s ma boy!

 

[buzzlightyear]

LOL.

 

[The Ghost]

From what you describe you seem to understand the routes to becoming an electrician. If you want to be a "proper" electrician you will be taking the NVQ route with portfolio after C&G level 2 and 3 either the 2365 or ....mhmm can't remember. then AM2 this could give you a gold card electrician status with JIB which would place you well for employment. Have a look at this link it is the de facto route to being an electrician high and mighty! Morris Services - Getting Started - https://www.morrisservices.co.uk/gettingstarted.asp

 

[Pajero]

Apprentices make **** wages. It's okay if you're 17 and live with your parents, but as an adult they are just unreasonable.

You can find work as an improver, study the content on your own and pass the NVQ as an experienced candidate (ie skipping the City and Guilds courses).

 

[Pete999]

Welcome