help with qualifications + work

[amckay]

I did my 2330 in 2011 and did bits of work for myself for a while as despite writing to hundreds of employers in the Manchester area (where I'm from) I had no joy. (Maybe I was too old at 25) I'm now 28 and about to do 17th edition in may along with part p and doing pat test course next week. I can not to level 3 nvq unless I'm employed (catch 22) and an employer won't take me on coz the government will only throw money at them if I'm 16-24.
Can't afford to do 2394 + 2395 yet but will be doin those within 18 months.
Once I gain the quals listed above except test n inspect, what chances are there of someone taking me on?
I was thinking of doing HNC just to make me look more prospective but also worried about it making me look rather academic (I'm far from that)
Any help or advise is well appreciated guys

 

[shanky887614]

A lot take on around september

 

[Plonker 3]

Have you looked at the forum sponser in regards to your NVQ? You don't need to be employed just work along side someone who can verify you did the work

Electrical Online Courses at XS Training - NVQ 3 Electrical at XS Training

 

[amckay]

Sorry I neglected to mention I'm working p/t as a driver and also doing pat testing (boring as hell) I'm thinking once I get 17th and part p I've more chance of employment. (Already got tools and test equip). Its pretty hard to go work for someone for peanuts while I get nvq with a wife and a baby to keep, I just thought there might be an alternative route I dont know about

 

[Andy78]

I know this has been repeated on here many times but.... Part P is a building regulation, not a qualification, don't bother with a course that calls itself such, it will just be a waste of money.
Just get your 17th edition qualification (2382) and try to gain employment as a mate. This will gain you valuable experience and maybe enable you to complete your NVQ3 with the work you do.

 

[amckay]

I know this has been repeated on here many times but.... Part P is a building regulation, not a qualification, don't bother with a course that calls itself such, it will just be a waste of money.
Just get your 17th edition qualification (2382) and try to gain employment as a mate. This will gain you valuable experience and maybe enable you to complete your NVQ3 with the work you do.

I am aware that part p isn't a proper quals but it is a qual offered by C&G basically telling you to fill any holes you bore to prevent spread of fire etc. I am also aware that the 17th edition qual does not by any means make a person competent in electrical installations.
For some daft reason a hell of a lot of employers inc local authorities, want to employ "electricians" solely with that qual. Its fu@£ing ridiculous.

 

[amckay]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

 

[Englishman]

Have you looked at the forum sponser in regards to your NVQ? You don't need to be employed just work along side someone who can verify you did the work

Electrical Online Courses at XS Training - NVQ 3 Electrical at XS Training

An online nvq? Am2?

 

[northstar]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

where you doing your courses at ?

 

[amckay]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

where you doing your courses at ?

Erudite training ltd in tameside greater Manchester. Quite good prices really and I asked for discount. Got 17th part p and pat for £580 inc vat. A hell of a lot better than any mainstream college

 

[Des 56]

You are correct,there are many advertisements for jobs that seem to consider the 17th ed qual as the one that maketh an electrician,but the probability is that the core qualifications would become very relevant in the recruiting process where none may be mentioned in the ad

If you want employment,it will almost certainly require you to have a Ecs card
Take and pass a boots and helmet exam first and then you can apply for a card from the Jib,even a trainee or labourer card would assist greatly in finding employment as a mate,your employment scope would be a little narrow otherwise

 

[cmac70]

Walking round in circles is what most companies expect us to do. Always catch 22. If born in this country. The government seam to the 16-24 or foreign nationals better. It makes me feel like squire peg in round hole.

 

[amckay]

If you want employment,it will almost certainly require you to have a Ecs card
Take and pass a boots and helmet exam first and then you can apply for a card from the Jib

I've got a cscs green card which I've been told numerous times is quite adequate. How long is a jib card valid? Also am I right in thinking to get jib grading as an electrician you just need nvq level 3 but approved electrician grading requires 2391 as well?

 

[shanky887614]

I've got a cscs green card which I've been told numerous times is quite adequate. How long is a jib card valid? Also am I right in thinking to get jib grading as an electrician you just need nvq level 3 but approved electrician grading requires 2391 as well?

The jib call it different things.

Contrator is nvq lvl3

Approved cotractor is nvq lvl3. 2391/2494 and 2 years+ on the tools.

The problem with these domestic installer courses is you can only sign off your own work.

So no fault finding etc

 

[amckay]

I never ever intend on doing a Dom ins course as it only opens the door to domestics, I'd rather do nvq3 in elec installations (gen course) as that opens more doors.