From military to sparky

andyoneil703 · Mar 20, 2013

Hi everyone,

Firstly i would like to introduce myself and try gain some advice along the way. Currently im a vehicle mechanic in the army and after over 11years im wanting to start a new career as an electrician. I have my part P and 17th edition and soon will be starting my 2392, PAT, 2394 and 2395 course. Is there anything els i can do to try make myself more employable for when i leave the army in august.

Andy

Dan · Mar 20, 2013

Welcome to electriciansforums.net. Stick around I'm sure you'll like the forum.

Darkwood · Mar 20, 2013

Re: From militray to sparky

Welcome to the forum .... i assume Militray is a typo or i would be suggest English as your first course if not

:tank:

johnboy6083 · Mar 20, 2013

Re: From militray to sparky

Get your CSCS card and get a job as a sparks mate or electrical labourer. This way you will get your foot in the door, and be able to learn from the experienced electricians.
Doing it this way will get you a wide range of experience, which means that you will be able to take on more work when your fully qualified (after 3 years at college) and your earning potential will be higher.

andyoneil703 · Mar 20, 2013

Cheers darkwood, i didnt even see that one lol

Sintra · Mar 20, 2013

Hi & welcome.

andyoneil703 · Mar 20, 2013

Re: From militray to sparky

johnboy6083 said:
Get your CSCS card and get a job as a sparks mate or electrical labourer. This way you will get your foot in the door, and be able to learn from the experienced electricians.
Doing it this way will get you a wide range of experience, which means that you will be able to take on more work when your fully qualified (after 3 years at college) and your earning potential will be higher.

That sounds like the best way as i wouldnt be able to start fully straight away. What kind of money would a sparks mate be on? I know im going to have a big pay cut with the job change but i belive that there are more chances to earn a better wage this way. Just wanting to keep a hands on job rather than a managers role im currently in.

MarkieSparkie · Mar 21, 2013

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Geordie Spark · Mar 22, 2013

:welcome:

johnboy6083 · Mar 23, 2013

A mate can earn from £8 to £11.50 an hour. On heavy industrial jobs, mates were on approx £13 an hour.

andyoneil703 · Mar 24, 2013

Thanks everyone that really helps to give me some idea. I'm hoping my engineering quals will help me not to start right at the bottom, ill also have some leave fore i will be looking for work so might be able to get on a work placement (work for free) to try get a foot in the door.

markc123 · Mar 25, 2013

Just too add, i'd focus mainly on getting the 2395 and 2394 more than the 2392. By all means do the latter, but don't make it your priority.

Welcome to the forum & good luck with the transistion.