Great forum guys!

[AlphaMale]

Hi guys,

A bit about me:

• Finished school (A levels in Maths & Physics and a GNVQ Advanced in IT)
• Studied Multimedia Tech & IT Studies at the School of Electronics @ Glamorgan University.
• Joined a company (20 miles away) where I am used for a number of duties such as Graphic Design, Web/intranet development, IT Support, IT Trainer (ECDL) as well as being the training co-ordinator for over 60 employees.

Hobbies include:

• Flying (Private Pilots Licence)
• Kitesurfing
• Rugby (both codes)

After 3 years of working at this firm I decided that I needed to move on but the recession hindered this. Now 4/5 years have passed it's actually dawned on me that it's not so much the firm that is dragging me down but the 9-5 office job, working in a cubicle with a Manager breathing down my neck.

I studied I.T. as it's something that came naturally to me and I really enjoy electronics - many an hour spent in Maplins.

I've decided to bite the bullet and get out of the IT industry. Although I may carry on as a freelance Web Designer/SEO.

I am looking at

• 'Domestic Electrician Course' with ET4U
• 'Domestic Electrical Installer - Bronze' with TS4U
• 'Complete Electrical Domestic Installer Course' with Trade Teacher

As well as Able Skills & Clarkson Evans Training programs.

But I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial to get a job as a Electricians Mate in the New Year then enroll on a City & Guilds 2393 at my local collage (£183 over 12 weeks).

I'm sure it would be more beneficial and more cost effective to to work 40hrs a week as a electricians mate for 12 weeks while doing the City & Guilds 2393 then a quick 5 day course?

If so what qualifications will I need to become an electricians mate?

• Safety Passport card?
• CSCS Operatives card?

Glad I came across this forum - Keep up the good work guys.

 

[Guest123]

Welcome along.

 

[CRAGS]

Hi and welcome

 

[Phil]

welcome along

 

[malcolmsanford]

Please forget the get qualified quick schemes as they are not what you want. I wish you luck with the job hunting for a mate's job but you will have to find a compnay that will employ you as a mate and then give you time off to go to college, they I'm afraid are few and far between, though would you be able to do it at night college?

The industry is struggling and you only have to look through the forum to see how many guys are trying to get a start in it. You seem a sensible lad and for me I would stay where i'am and look for a mates job, as it may take a few months to find one.

 

[telectrix]

re CSCScard. wthat yo need is an ECS card, this allows you to do electrical work on site, whereas the CSCS is more general site safety. look on the ECA site. it's a 1 day course with exam at end. you can buy the Q/A book for £15. then you need to research courses to qualify as electrician. as malcolm says, there is no quick route. it may be more beneficial for you to diversify into an IT related field, as you seem to be well qualified there already. i know one or two self-employed web designers who are doing very well.

 

[AlphaMale]

Thanks Malcolm.

I was looking to enroll on the City & Guilds 2393 at college. It's 6-9 on a Tuesday night, but I think a pre-requisite is to have a sound understanding and experience as an electrician?!?

The other issue that has really kicked me into gear is that I had a letter hand delivered to me on Friday saying they've decided to base me at a different office. Where I currently travel 20.4 miles to work (35mins) they are putting me in the office that's 29.7 miles away (1hr 15mins). With no extra benefits and being on the road for an extra hour and a half a day commuting it seems time to move on.

I wasn't aware there was a lack of jobs in the industry, I am researching this at the moment and as you've said "Good luck in finding the job" I'm finding very little on the net regarding posts for inexperienced electricians / apprenticeships.

I have an interest in Solar PV but also think my IT knowledge could be a benefit in other areas of the industry.

It has crossed my mind about these 'get qualified quick schemes' as I am in the same situation in IT. I've studied IT for over 10 years and when a client says to me "Joe Bloggs down the road did a 5 day course in web design and can build me a website for half the price that you're quoting". My answer is that it's an art that can't be taught in 5 days, I don't doubt you could get a website up and running having done the short course ... but it's Amateur v Pro.

You're advise is much appreciated.

 

[AlphaMale]

Thanks Telectics,

It may seem like an option re moving into a different part of IT - Or at least for the time being.

It doesn't get me away from the 9-5 but a different scene may be what I need while I study the C&G's to become a qualified Spark. Most of my team mates are tradesman and all are happy with their jobs and finding it rewarding. We have brickies, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters, roofers etc accept for an electrician that I can ask advise.

I'll take a look at the ECS card. Even if it enables me to grab some work on the weekends it'll gain me valuable experience toward studying for the C&G's.

PS Nice dog, I love rotties.

 

[Sintra]

Hi & welcome.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Hello there.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks Telectics,

It may seem like an option re moving into a different part of IT - Or at least for the time being.

It doesn't get me away from the 9-5 but a different scene may be what I need while I study the C&G's to become a qualified Spark. Most of my team mates are tradesman and all are happy with their jobs and finding it rewarding. We have brickies, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters, roofers etc accept for an electrician that I can ask advise.

I'll take a look at the ECS card. Even if it enables me to grab some work on the weekends it'll gain me valuable experience toward studying for the C&G's.

PS Nice dog, I love rotties.

almost, but only almost, i'd swap you the rotty for your pilot licence. been ages since i flew, Folland Gnat, 1963 ( Dual)

 

[AlphaMale]

A flight in a jet can't be bad (in command or just for the ride)! I guess you did time with the RAF.

Think I'll let you keep the dog and myself the licence. If you were closer down south I'd take you up in the PA28 at Cardiff.

 

[jpmiff]

Hi

welcome on board and good luck

 

[brucelee]

hi mate and welcome