help and advice needed please

leespark · Sep 6, 2011

Hi I am after becoming a fully qualified electrician. I served an apprenticeship where i got made redundant when i was 20 and stupidly never carried it on, as i had a young child to feed then. I did various jobs in all areas of work for a few years and managed to blag a job as an electrician not approved 5 years ago where my friend worked.
I worked my way up to an electrical foreman, running jobs in hospitals,schools,and anything between from new builds to refurbs with up to 8 lads under me.
Last year with the way things was going i got made redundant with another 10 lads.
My qualifications are level 1 and 2 city and guilds nvq i also have my am1 practical.
I have also a level 3 city and guilds which is the 17th edition.
Now for the bad part i have been told my apprenticeship is worthless now and i would have to resit the full courses again as i cant tag onto the nvq's and finish it.
Is this the only way i can become a qualified electrician or are there other routes,I know im fully capable of doing the job its i just want to be legal and above board now.
Any help is appreciated many thanks.

ackbarthestar · Sep 6, 2011

Unfortunately, what you have stated may well be the case.
However, It would be wise to sniff out anybody who may be able to fast track you through the NVQ3, with your experience you will enough evidence to demonstrate practical competence. Then, as you will know, competence is made up from underpinning knowledge as well as practical application. So you will need both parts.
There used to be a chap from Cornwall, I can't remember his name but he used to be the chief Electrical verifier for C&G who started up his training academy and was able to fast track guys who had a high level of practical experience.
You could ask the Guilds directly and explain how it might affect your job not having the full quals.
Good luck matey.

leespark · Sep 6, 2011

Thanks I had heard of being signed off so to speak but you have to be in an electrical job, as it stands i cant find work due to my qualifications. I have even looked into being a sparks mate but its not what i want but may have to bite my lip for a while.
Thanks once again.