Getting started

[adeystevo]

Hi guys,

My name is Adrian and I have decided I am going to do everything I can in my power to become a fully qualified electrician, here is my story:

My dad was a fully qualified electrician, I went on to college and studied IT to then become an IT network engineer, after 4 years realised I hate IT. Fell into sales roles and had a baby who is now 3, own my own home and work full time.

3 years ago I moved back home to hopefully enroll on an apprenticeship but after being successful the company I applied with pulled the plug on the operation due to lack of work etc, had to get a job and ended up in a Business development manager roll with a telecommunications company.

I have been doing this now for 2 years and I have decided that I want to do what I have a natural interest in so hoping to gain some advice, so I work full time Mon-Fri 9-5:30 and have my daughter every other weekend. My initial thought would be to pay for a course and try and obtain some weekend work with a local electrician company and offer my laboring services for free?

I am hard working, very organised, punctual and don't mind getting my hands dirty, live in Nottingham and have a full clean UK driving license and my own transport.

Completely new to this so any help would be greatly appreciated, this is a job I have wanted to do for years so please help guys.

 

[trev]

but that little lot would...should he start loadin it up..lol...

Ooo it's a bit chilly, get those elctric heaters out. No no not those ones the 3 kw jobbies

 

[sparks1973]

Ooo it's a bit chilly, get those elctric heaters out. No no not those ones the 3 kw jobbies

yes...either that or some lamps..lol...

 

[oldtimer]

The trade has been diluted to a very low level I was called out yesterday evening to a 10 year old flat where I found
The bank of switches for the fridge,washing machine, cooker hood had been wired incorrectly as the washing machine has never switched off via the switch since he moved in thats because the cable was swapped over with the ring circuit.

He asked why this could have happened and I said well they build these schemes and get agency sparks in on the lowest wage they can and treat them like dirt because they wont be there after the scheme is finished but the spark may not be a spark he could still be learning plus he treats them with the same contempt they treat him resulting in a cock up and before somebody says well that work would have been signed off mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm get real this is the state we are in

 

[sparks1973]

The trade has been diluted to a very low level I was called out yesterday evening to a 10 year old flat where I found
The bank of switches for the fridge,washing machine, cooker hood had been wired incorrectly as the washing machine has never switched off via the switch since he moved in thats because the cable was swapped over with the ring circuit.

He asked why this could have happened and I said well they build these schemes and get agency sparks in on the lowest wage they can and treat them like dirt because they wont be there after the scheme is finished but the spark may not be a spark he could still be learning plus he treats them with the same contempt they treat him resulting in a cock up and before somebody says well that work would have been signed off mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm get real this is the state we are in

well i understand the concern Old...i know a few guys who have recently been on the agency roundabout.....but their good sparks.....but yes i can imagine some of the dross that must be working in a role their not suited to as well..

 

[Stuuk1]

In reply to the OP.. With a sensible reply!

i believe the course you need to be doing is the C&G 2357 or C&G 2365. Have a look at the following link: City & Guilds 2365 Course Level 2 & 3

Becoming an electrician is what you want to do, so go and do it!

Whatever industry you go in to, people who work in it will say 'Its not what it used to be' and 'stay in you safe job' etc etc etc. it's all crap.

Yes, we are in a recession but that doesn't mean all companies suffer.. The company I work for certainly hasn't and in fact recently won a 3 year contract and are recruiting like mad.

Its a shame you want to learn so late but the past is the past, if you can happily afford the course then do it. Don't think about it too much and go get stuck in. However don't jeopardise you little'un future by spending all the available funds.. Perhaps check out if there are government funding for it?

How old are you exactly? Apprenticeships are offered up to the age of 25, although I'm guessing you are older!

Keep us informed!