How much should I know before applying for jobs

[OCEANO]

Hi,

3 months into my college course and am considering applying for some improver/mate jobs to gain experience on the tools.

I'm not doing too bad at college and there are people on the course who work in this role and seem to struggle to draw a basic wiring diagram.

How much should you really know before applying for an entry level role, should I wait till i have finished my level 2? + they have changed the rules on the ECS card and i need an employer to get one, but a card to get employed so Advice there would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

In terms of knowledge you need sufficient to be able to carry out your job so that you arent a danger to yourself or other people and importantly meet the requirements of bs7671 . You arent expected to know everything but should know enough so that you can start to do more over time on your own by building and gaining experience.

 

[Madocks]

Get yourself an ECS labourer card, you will have to sit basic health and safety questions to get the card. If your only 3 months in I imagine youve covered a lot of H&S so far......

Then using facebook look for companies local to you, active facebook pages tends to be smaller companies. Offer to labour for them when not in school. Weekends, half terms etc

Dont discuss money, perhaps offer a day free to see if you get along then discuss what you both feel your worth.

 

[The Ghost]

I think anyone employing someone who has no experience will take them on that basis irregardless of what they "Know" If you go in knowing everything it will be difficult to teach you. You are there to learn in reality and must assume you know nothing in order to learn. What is most valuable is someone who knows how to use tools well. Can drill a placement hole accurately, can follow instructions precisely, keeps good time, is willing to walk the extra mile and is honest.

 

[OCEANO]

Thanks for all the reply's
I have pretty good time management and most of my own tools, I know I am there to learn and I am really keen to learn off the longer serving guys on site I just don't want to apply for some jobs and waste an employers time if I'm miles off from what they will need for a laborer.

I can't get an ECS card because I need an employer sponsor/job in the industry, So i was going to get a CSCS card to be more of a viable candidate.

I will follow your advice and look for more local firms as I have been looking on job sites and can already tell they're going to expect me to be basically as good as a spark, which is where my confusion came from.

I learn quickly on the job, I just don't have a lot of experience at all. I am picking up the book stuff and the practical stuff pretty well at college I just feel 2 nights a week isn't enough and if I'm working in the industry i will be able to get much better results at college, maybe.

Thanks again

 

[Greener]

I spoke to ECS about the issue you mention Oceano as I was in the same boat i.e. not being able to get a card without employment. They told me it was to stop people not in the electrical industry, and not planning to be, from getting the ECS card. If you provide ECS with proof you're studying towards your level 2 they should issue you an ECS labourer card.

 

[OCEANO]

I spoke to ECS about the issue you mention Oceano as I was in the same boat i.e. not being able to get a card without employment. They told me it was to stop people not in the electrical industry, and not planning to be, from getting the ECS card. If you provide ECS with proof you're studying towards your level 2 they should issue you an ECS labourer card.

Thanks mate that helps a lot I will call them on Wednesday and book my tests