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

 

[SirKit Breaker]

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.

City and guilds (and other awarding bodies) will gladly take cash of you for worthless qualifications, and any Part P "qualification is just worthless!

No matter what you install and where you install it, if it is installed to the requirements of BS7671 (17th edition) then it complies with all relevant laws, regulations and acts, this includes ALL locations covered under Building Regulation Part P. There is nothing in Part P that isn't covered under the 17th edition. The 17th edition will tell you all you need to know, and the Onsite Guide and Electricians guide to the building regs does the same with pictures. Note that i said installed to the requirements, not that you must hold the qualification, in the absence of a qualification, you must deem yourself competent. Take the 17th course and exam, and tell whoever to shove the Part P where the sun don't shine, and save that cash for the 2394/5 course.

Cheers…………..Howard

 

[Englishman]

An online nvq? Am2?

Can somebody clarify this as i don't understand how JIB will grant you approved status with this eal nvq3 which doesn't include an am2....

 

[amckay]

null

Thanks Howard I did already know that the part p qual was mutton dressed as lamb but some employers require this, the same as the 17th, but for what reasons I do not no. I'm trying to be a good boy by getting all the quals under the sun (and experience) so when I approach an employer with those quals on my CV it would impress them (espesh big contractors).
Its just the nvq3 and am2 I'm worried about as mainstream colleges will not take you on unless your employed and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

 

[Badged01]

..... and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

Yep, if you want to get into the profession thats where you start ..... though the pay is higher than being an apprentice!

 

[amckay]

Just to add, it was possible prior to 2011 obtain an nvq level 3 without having a job just full time in college but for some strange reason they changed it presumably to get more hands on experience...

 

[Badged01]

Rules, like the regs. are always changing, hopefully for the better Doesn't help you I know but if you are really serious about the profession bite the bullet and accept you're not going to make your millions in the first couple of years whilst getting qualified!!

 

[Badged01]

Infact, if you are driven by money and thinking of making your millions dont get into the trade ...... you will be disappointed!!

 

[Plonker 3]

Its just the nvq3 and am2 I'm worried about as mainstream colleges will not take you on unless your employed and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

No you will be paid what you are worth, like in any job. Why would you be paid more just because you have more financial commitments than someone else?

 

[Mark1985]

Get some tools together and get on site as a mate. Sign up for the nvq with xs training. I wouldnt worry about the other courses too much at the mo. This is what i done after finishing C+G 2330 at college. Good luck

 

[jaypp]

if you have a family and are worried about taking work that pays less, have you looked into government help such as working tax credit. i don't know personally, but have heard it can help make ends meet. it's there to help people like you, who want to work or better themselves, but 'can't afford to'.

 

[amckay]

Thanks for all the advice guys I'll look into it