Could HNC improve me as an electrician?

Dtodman16 · Jan 27, 2013

Hey guys .. I am an electrician time served for a couple months now. I was thinking if furthering my education in the form of an HNC electrical engineering course simply because all i do with my current employers is domestic work , and i feel as though ive learned everything i possibly can with them. What im wondering though is if it is worth it in the sence of will i learn more about other aspects of being an electrician? Will it open more job opportunities for me in the future? And will it improve me all round ? Only thing that would stop me at this moment is the earning aspect. What do you think guys?

Thanks,
Daniel Todman

Knobhead · Jan 27, 2013

The OP must be as keen as mustard. He's cleared off.

Guest55 · Jan 27, 2013

Spottydogs said:
My local college also offer a BTEC Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Has anyone done this on here? Would it be of any use before taking on the HNC?

yes , i did it after leaving school , very enjoyable and varied course.
less maths and more practical elements than the HNC , but at a lower grade education-wise.

Heeshny · Jan 27, 2013

Look in to mechatronics, I completed an hnc in this before starting my apprenticeship. It was an excellent course and for knowledge on electronics/ controls etc it has really helped me over the years. It is a big commitment but do it when your young and your future will benefit whatever route you decide to take.
i am a strong believer in knowledge is power! The more you know the better so take everything in!

xbeazt · Jan 27, 2013

Get on a City and Guilds 2396 course.

ackbarthestar · Jan 27, 2013

Yep, the 2396 course will take you into the design aspects of electrical work but more and more these day is the need to have a grasp of electronic control systems and interfacing equipment through PCs.

I would certainly recommend further ed. as part of your professional CPD.

Some colleges offer an HNC in Building Services electrical/mechanical engineering.

babylonsBurning · Jan 27, 2013

Hi Dtod
I done the HNC but after the ONC (did the JIB electricians prior to this)luckily I done day release and the company i worked for payed all the fees.
Was doing industrial work like commissioning control panels and both were really useful courses. Dont think i could to the HNC without the ONC though. But I didnt have A level maths!!

sedgy34 · Jan 27, 2013

Depends how good you are on the tools, if your crap go for it lol

johnboy6083 · Jan 27, 2013

I'm doing a HNC in Elec Eng, I'm doing day release. I didn't have to do a maths bridging, but the maths is hard going, well Calculus is.
I definately think that a good knowledge base of electrical installation is a must if the HNC is to be of much use.
i was surprised that when I did the 2391-20 I was the only person there without a HNC. This told me that the HNC does not teach electrical design per se.

It does teach instrumentation and control, but to be honest I've learnt more using and installing the equipment than I have studying it (so far). I am the kind of person that will read up on something if I've not encountered it before though.

Engineer54 · Jan 28, 2013

sedgy34 said:
Depends how good you are on the tools, if your crap go for it lol

So nothing to do with being good on the tools and wanting to improving your future prospects then??

Silly Sausage · Jan 28, 2013

Tony said:
The OP must be as keen as mustard. He's cleared off.

Ha...not much point in replying really, but what the hell.

I say go for it.
Do you want to spend the rest of your life installing T&E ccts in peoples houses?
Plus, with these training providers churning out 'Domestic Installers' by the 1000s, the more distance you can put between you and them the better, for you!

And I'm a great believer in Further/Higher Education, if that's want you want.

Sign up now mate!