Hanging up my toolbox

[jellen]

Well as we are all aware the economic downturn has hit us sparkys hard

I haven't had any proper work in the last two months, and as a result im considering leaving the trade all togather. It knocks me sick seeing adverts for 'electricians required' and the hourly rate is £5.50...WTF

I was on more than that as an apprentice 13 years ago..

Anyways rant over, I hope you guys are having more luck than myself.

Stay safe.

James

 

[acat]

Soy to hear you are in that situation why not get another job and work part time until things pick up again thats what I have done




Chris

 

[jellen]

was thinking of that, but the current situation has really knocked me, i've kind of lost faith in the trade

Will have to see waht happens

 

[Mr Brady]

Hey, Jellen, chin up! people will always need sparkies. 13 years of experience + quals. are not to be sniffed at, don't forget they are just cables they all need terminating at both ends, so what about data wiring, meter installs, security alarms etc. think of it as a sideways move, and the question that's often asked when you're in an office or house "Do you know of a good electrician"! and you say yeah, my identical twin I'll give him a call.

 

[jellen]

Hey, Jellen, chin up! people will always need sparkies. 13 years of experience + quals. are not to be sniffed at, don't forget they are just cables they all need terminating at both ends, so what about data wiring, meter installs, security alarms etc. think of it as a sideways move, and the question that's often asked when you're in an office or house "Do you know of a good electrician"! and you say yeah, my identical twin I'll give him a call.

LOL...., The problem is that i do data and telecom installs, intruder alrarms, fire alarms. Not sure how the rest of the country is doing, but the other contractors i know in the liverpool area in the same boat.

I might become an escort....seeing as im a handsome

 

[bazza2541]

I know exactly how you feel, Brother Jellen.
There was a time when this trade was something to be proud of, when a spark could go into an empty room with a few lenghts of trunking, a hacksaw and a file and make magic, now with the dumbing down of the trade, 'be-an-electrician-in-three-days' courses, and apprentices more intrested in making text messages than good looking tray, there really isn't a whole lot to proud of anymore.
I'd follow your lead out of the trade, only it's all I know.
You have my sympathies.

 

[deakin09]

Hi James
Ever thought about being a electrical maintenance engineer in automation it’s not that much of a jump, and when the trade picks up again (which it will ) you can get back in to the trade again

Regards
chris

 

[Mr Brady]

I might become an escort....seeing as im a handsome

Hey don't waste that toolbox.... be a sparkie strippogram hard hat, toolbelt, quick release overalls, was'nt the "full monty"
filmed in Liverpool?

 

[jellen]

Hi James
Ever thought about being a electrical maintenance engineer in automation it’s not that much of a jump, and when the trade picks up again (which it will ) you can get back in to the trade again

Regards
chris

haven't thought about that, what sort of exta quals will i need

Hey don't waste that toolbox.... be a sparkie strippogram hard hat, toolbelt, quick release overalls, was'nt the "full monty"
filmed in Liverpool?

FPSML....Mr Brady you might have an idea there, striposparks

 

[deakin09]

Most of the places I’ve worked like to see that you having some sort of electrical qualification and more than 2 years experience in electrical applications, whether it be domestic, commercial installs or panel building so long as you no and understand the principals and that your not going to blow your self up . If you have 17th edition would be an advantage as most maintenance engineers only have 16th edition.

And to be honest that’s how I became an electrical engineer I started on domestic installs but liked the Idea of automation, and I must say I love it and most place work a 4 on 4 off bases and up till recently I was doing some shop in stalls in my days off and a bit of pat testing.

chris

 

[Andy Smith]

Well as we are all aware the economic downturn has hit us sparkys hard

I haven't had any proper work in the last two months, and as a result im considering leaving the trade all togather. It knocks me sick seeing adverts for 'electricians required' and the hourly rate is £5.50...WTF

I was on more than that as an apprentice 13 years ago..

Anyways rant over, I hope you guys are having more luck than myself.

Stay safe.

James

Dont quite, adapt. The trade will pick up as will all other trades. I believe being an electrial Engineer/sparky call it what you may is a top trade. Hard to get qualified, be proud of what you have achieved, dont let the likes of dodge bankers and politians get the better of you because of the situation they created. Either way mucker best of luck in what you decide. Chin Up

 

[scotsparky]

Any "spark " and i use that term loosly that is willing to work for £5.50 is going to be found out very quickly as it will cost companys too much with legal action after he/she buggers up and it ends up it court

The real tradesmen will stand out! bide your time ant the employers will come running.

 

[Phaeton]

Well as we are all aware the economic downturn has hit us sparkys hard

I haven't had any proper work in the last two months, and as a result im considering leaving the trade all togather. It knocks me sick seeing adverts for 'electricians required' and the hourly rate is £5.50...WTF

I was on more than that as an apprentice 13 years ago..

Anyways rant over, I hope you guys are having more luck than myself.

Stay safe.

James

How much do you want for your toolbox mine broke today when I stood on it
Seriously though, I haven't worked for 2 weeks & am just trying to get into domestic because all my data & CCTV work has dried up, you're getting out & being advised to go into my line, are we both going the wrong way?

Alan...

 

[bazza2541]

Keep an eye out for the oil sands work.

 

[jellen]

Got a call today from a rewire priced 5 months ago, 3 bed semi, occupied, £2980.00 all in, she phones me and says she has recieved another quote for the same work but it come in at £1000.00, including materials

The material costs alone were around the £800 mark.

Why do i get the feeling im gona be going back to sort things out

Keep an eye out for the oil sands work.

I will google that and keep an eye out. thanks

How much do you want for your toolbox mine broke today when I stood on it
Seriously though, I haven't worked for 2 weeks & am just trying to get into domestic because all my data & CCTV work has dried up, you're getting out & being advised to go into my line, are we both going the wrong way?

Alan...

Hi Alan

I dont think it makes much difference what area your in. I cover domestic, commercial and industrial and its all dried up mate

4-5months ago i was turning work down on a weekly basis, Shows how quick these things can happen.

Im now wondering if i can put loss of earnings down on expenses