EAL at Lambeth and C&G 2330 obsolescence

[Sats]

Hello all

Sorry this is a bit long and convoluted. I am a beginner and have only a short while to make the right decision.

Could anyone please advise me as I have a quandary about doing an EAL Level 2 course in Domestic Electrical Installation?

I am hoping to re-train as a domestic electrician and had initially understood I would need in the first instance C&G 2330 Levels 1 and 2 in Electrotechnical Technology (which I understand to be the same as Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ). Having looked for the next available courses in the London area (excluding the expensive quick fix solutions set by commercial training enterprises) I have seen only September 2010 starts for starting full time study and one March 2010 start for part time study.

I had been assuming I would try for the March start, but have just heard that the C&G 2330 qualification is going to be superseded in September by a new C&G qualification 2357. Does this mean I should hold off starting the 2330 (if I get a chance to) in March? I may not have understood but it seems that the standard advice for new starters to take the C&G 2330 is no longer going to apply. It makes me wonder what is going to happen to all those people who are due to graduate onto C&G Level 2 (NVQ 3) for September 2010; does this mean that they won't be able to find professional apprenticeships because no company would want to fund an obsolete qualification? That would be pretty awful.

Apparently that this is why it is not worth trying for the C&G 2330 as an absolute beginner, and a better bet to start with would be the shorter course EAL Level 2 for Electrical Domestic Installers. The EAL would be over in 3 months and perhaps then I could look into applying to do the new C&G 2357. This makes sense to me on first hearing because it seems the best option for the next three months anyway.

On Friday afternoon I heard a space has suddenly been freed on just such an evening course (EAL 2 Domestic Electrical Installation at Uxbridge College) that I could join (despite the fact I have no former electrician experience) , but I need to say on Monday morning if I will, as the first class is on Monday evening. I note that another institution (Lambeth College) are offering the same certification for an evening course (same learning hours, apparently same course content) beginning February, and this is cheaper and nearer to home so I would prefer Lambeth if I have a choice.

However, the Lambeth College website states that the course is specifically designed for practising electricians and that an entry prerequisite is working knowledge of the domestic electrical industry or other areas of Construction. I have no working knowledge but I worked on construction sites and demolition sites for 10 yers as an archaeologist. So I am wondering if they might let me in anyway.

Does anyone know please?

It may seem tiresome of me to ask this rather than enquire on the Lambeth website or call, but I only found out about the Uxbridge course (and indeed the existence of an EAL certificate) on Friday 5pm and need to make a commitment by mid morning Monday.

Thanks for reading,
Sats

 

[acat]

If you aare looking to become a Domestic Installer all you need is the EAL VRQ and the 2382 17th edition, then register with a competent person scheme. Visit the ableskills website and look at their couse for the domestic installlers course, they add on to this the 2377 pat testing which is not needed for what you want. Plumbing course | Construction Training | Electrician Courses | DIY Skills



Chris

 

[Sats]

Hi again

My first post was perhaps a bit too long and complicated, reflecting my confusion over the usefulness of starting a C&G 2330 in March.

I do want to start off as a domestic installer (and thank you Acat for the advice), but hope to gradually progress at a later stage towards becoming a fully qualified electrician.

To put it simply:

Why have I been advised not to bother with the C&G 2330?

I think it has something to do with it being phased out in September.

Thanks again!
Sats

 

[acat]

Dont know about it being phased out C&G are best to ask on that one. Anything that repalces it has got to be similar.

If you go the domestic installers route get a copy of the building regs ISBN 978 0 86341 862 4 and learn chapters 1 5 and 10. Also learn the different parts of the building regs. With what you have already the installers course will be a doddle.

Dont know if its changed but all you need is the EAL VRQ register with a competent person scheme and get your 17th edition within 12 months ableskills will advise the current situation without you parting with any cash.

If you turn up at ableskills they will show you around and explain all without an appointment and before you part with any money.


Chris

 

[Sats]

Thank you very much Chris, I will get hold of that information you recommend.

One last question I would like to bother you with:

Might you know about the likelihood of Lambeth College taking me on for their EAL 2 Domestic Electrical Installation course?

If I commit on Monday morning to doing a course for the same certificate at Uxbridge College, I have been told I have a place there, so I must let them know either way soon. I would prefer studying at Lambeth because it nearer and cheaper...

I have no prior electrical knowledge, but plenty of experience working on construction sites as an archaeologist and good GCSEs. Lambeth College website says it is specifically designed for practising electricians and that an entry prerequisite is working knowledge of the domestic electrical industry or other areas of Construction. I assume it is the same course content as that offered at Uxbridge, just phrased slightly differently.

I have asked Lambeth but am awaiting a reply and need to decide by Monday morning (because someone suddenly dropped out of the Uxbridge course and it is my only chance to fill their space).

Much obliged for your continued assistance

Sats

 

[acat]

They seem to be all that way telling you what you need before you are considered why I dont know perhaps they want you to have some knowledge so they dont have to work for their money. If I were in their shoes I would want the money and work very hard to get you through the exam. That said if you hafe no experience or previous quals everyone will want you to do the basic course.

When I did it my local college in Folkestone refused me on those very grounds yet when I did the course at Ableskills I passed no problem and did better than a lot that had the entry qualifications.

Definite is better than maybe so Uxbridge wins on that score but if you have a chance ring lambeth and ableskills before you ring uxbridge that at least will give you an idea where you stand before committing yourself.

Remember no great rush at the moment cos of lack of jobs and if you decide to go self employed you will have a lot of extra costs over and above the course.

Best of luck


Chris

 

[Sats]

Thank you Chris!

 

[old dog]

the tutors at lambeth are sound they will give you an assessment before you enrol
the prospectus states you should have experience. however if the tutor
after having a chat with you thinks you will grasp he will enrol you
the guy that takes the eal course is a very good tutor you could not be in better hands
give it a go and good luck

 

[Sats]

Good morning

I would like to ask a question about comparing the content of two EAL L2 Domestic Electrical Installer courses. The Uxbridge College course costs £725 (same as Ableskills) and the Lambeth College course costs £290. The difference in cost is alarming, as both are for the same qualification and have roughly the same learning hours. I am told that the tutor at Lambeth is very good.

As a beginner I cannot grasp these technical concepts, so am unable to compare the detailed outlines.
Can anyone please help me understand why the course offered by Lambeth is much cheaper? The course outlines are as below:

UXBRIDGE: 9 mandatory units, as follows:

Applicable Building Regulations for Domestic Electrical Installation.
Electrical Safety legislation, Regulations Standards and Terminology.
Domestic Electrical Circuit Installation.
Installing Domestic Lighting Circuits.
Domestic Electrical Earthing and Bonding Requirements.
Inspecting, Testing and Commissioning Single Phase.
Domestic Electrical Circuits.
Special Locations and Installations Including Kitchens.
Domestic Electrical Installation Pre-Work Survey/Inspection.

(Study Method: Lectures, electrical workshops and assignments. The course has a large practical content)

LAMBETH: 17 mandatory units:

Applicable building regulations
Electrical safety legislation, regulations, standards and terminology
Pre-work survey/inspection
Safe isolation procedures
Identification of unsafe electrical situations
Earth and bonding requirements
Electrical test procedures
Cable and component selection
Installation and replacement of electrical components
Checking correct and safe operation of installed electrical components
Recording of electrical test results and completion of certificate
Installing and/or rerouting cables
Special locations
New circuit requirements
Lighting installations
Maintenance
Basic understanding of 3 phase supplies


Thank you very much for looking.

Sats

 

[acat]

Hi Mate go for the cheapest I mentioned Ableskills because they tell you exactly what you need to be part P qualified. To actually work as a Domestic Sparky all you need is the EAL VRQ which is the building regs and nothing really to do will electrics as far as theory is concerned it just lets you know that you cant put a socket within 300mm of a sink and things like that.

Electrical knowledge is very basic but sufficient for a good grounding experience takes over after that.

The 17th edition is also required but not straight away normally within 12 months it is however best to do it at the same time if you can. Building Regs chapter 1 5 and 10 if you know them before you attend the course you will pass the EAL VRQ. As for the 17th edition go to Error 404 Page or .com not sure which they have an exam simulator for the 17th that is excellent. Use them and by the time you do the course your 99% sure of passing before you start.

If you are still unsure pm me and we can take it from there.


Chris

 

[old dog]

the two courses you have mentioned above. they are both the same the only difference
is the price
what you need to do now is get a copy of the electricians guide to the building regulations
ISBN 970-0-86341-862-4 and the on-site guide ISBN 978-0-86341-854-9
any help you need just ask there are plenty people on here willing to help
i will have a look i may have some past papers i can send you

 

[Besim10]

Good morning

I would like to ask a question about comparing the content of two EAL L2 Domestic Electrical Installer courses. The Uxbridge College course costs £725 (same as Ableskills) and the Lambeth College course costs £290. The difference in cost is alarming, as both are for the same qualification and have roughly the same learning hours. I am told that the tutor at Lambeth is very good.

As a beginner I cannot grasp these technical concepts, so am unable to compare the detailed outlines.
Can anyone please help me understand why the course offered by Lambeth is much cheaper? The course outlines are as below:

UXBRIDGE: 9 mandatory units, as follows:

Applicable Building Regulations for Domestic Electrical Installation.
Electrical Safety legislation, Regulations Standards and Terminology.
Domestic Electrical Circuit Installation.
Installing Domestic Lighting Circuits.
Domestic Electrical Earthing and Bonding Requirements.
Inspecting, Testing and Commissioning Single Phase.
Domestic Electrical Circuits.
Special Locations and Installations Including Kitchens.
Domestic Electrical Installation Pre-Work Survey/Inspection.

(Study Method: Lectures, electrical workshops and assignments. The course has a large practical content)

LAMBETH: 17 mandatory units:

Applicable building regulations
Electrical safety legislation, regulations, standards and terminology
Pre-work survey/inspection
Safe isolation procedures
Identification of unsafe electrical situations
Earth and bonding requirements
Electrical test procedures
Cable and component selection
Installation and replacement of electrical components
Checking correct and safe operation of installed electrical components
Recording of electrical test results and completion of certificate
Installing and/or rerouting cables
Special locations
New circuit requirements
Lighting installations
Maintenance
Basic understanding of 3 phase supplies


Thank you very much for looking.

Sats

I Think you will find there is no difference in the units. The VRQ EAL2 has 17 theory course units. The 9 you have mentioned from Uxbridge are the exams, 8 of which are paper based multi choice and the part p exam online. One has listed the course units, the other are the exam titles. The qualification is the same and so should be the teaching delivered by each college.

 

[Sats]

Thank you Old Dog and Besim10 for your replies to my query.