Electrical courses

gedster · Jul 17, 2012

Hi Guy's,
Yesterday I read a post a from a person who said he throws applications in the bin because they have paid to do these electricians courses that are advertised. All night this has been stewing in my head. My first thought was how 'SMUG' he seamed about this. My problem is, I don't think he/she understands what some people sacrifice to get the money together to do these courses! For instance in my case, I am currently working in Afghanistan as a fuels Manager. This means I have now spent the last 4 month away from my wife and my children. All this to get the money together. I completed Domestic Installation & 16th edition back in 2004. I worked for a company doing maintenance on houses. This company put me off the trade. I now have paid to upgrade my 16th edition to 17th, Inspection & test also part p. We are being told this is an acceptable way to get in the trade. I have a family to provide for so cant take 4 years off to go to collage. I am trying to find work as an electricians mate so as to get some experience. How am i going to do this if there are people out there thinking the same way. We are just trying to get into the trade the wright way by getting qualifications. It seams we are now being peanalised for this. What do you say?

RISElectrical · Jul 19, 2012

Whatever you were due to spend on the courses, save it and put it towards night school which will probably be cheaper than the Electrical Trainee courses.

What has been said above is true. These short courses basically only give you the option of becoming a self employed domestic electrician. If this is all you want then go for it but it annoys me when these companies sell the course on the basis of you being qualified when its done and the electrical world is your oyster. Its far from it.

I too wouldnt entertain a CV from a Electrical Trainee without experience. I would generally only consider a time served person. Even with agencies now you have to be careful what you get. Always insist on seeing the CVs of the men and also I try and arrange a meeting/interview as there are that many "qualified" sparks that have no experience and a 5 week course behind them.

H3WJA · Jul 24, 2012

Gedster
can PM me any contact details for work in [h=2]Afghanistan[/h]

eccles291 · Sep 22, 2012

This is an interesting thread for me as I'm in a similar position to gedster. i.e. doing a different job but wanting to change. With a family to support an apprenticeship just isn't viable so the only way in is one of these short courses. The opinions in this thread don't necessarily make for good reading when you're in our position - not electrically qualified but wanting/needing a way to get into the industry - but the better informed you are, the more chance you have of making a good decision.

FWIW I still don't really know what to do for the best. I'm currently working as a lorry driver, which involves getting up before 4:00am most mornings (sometimes earlier) and working 55-60+ hours a week, all for around £22k a year! :sad3:

Justin pearson · Sep 22, 2012

mate just one thing from your origional post, that will save you money. If you get your 17th edition you dont need part P, that will save you a few quid. 17th Edition is a better exam than part p, if you dont beleive me call the NICEIC they will tell you the same.