I decided at 36 that i wanted to change career and become an electrician, first decision, short course (Electrical Trainee) or 2330 at college. I took the 2330 at college because if i didn't like it, then i would have only lost ÂŁ500 for the first year. I really enjoyed it and quickly realised that i had made the right decision. I read lots of books and asked questions on the forum. I soon realised that that the electrical world is vast and college was the right route for me. The start of my third year, i built an electrical test rig in my garage and purchased a tester. so i could study testing, create faults etc; I also decided to work a few days a week for an electrician free of charge to learn the trade and obtain my nvq 2356. Before the end of my third year i completed 17th edition and the AM2, after completing my AM2 i actually started to feel like an electrician. Every exam i took i passed with a distintion and won an award from the college for scoring 99% in the am2. I feel i only achieved this through study, reading, and this great forum. I sat the 2391 in december 2012 and passed. I have since set up on my own and love it, doing domestic and small commercial. It's true everyday is a learning curve. I find that electricians are quite happy to give you the information and steer you on the right track. I dont believe you should stay within your comfort zone as you wont learn anything, for example i rewired new lighting within a gym which took me down the path of cable calcs, grid switches and contactors. I had never used a grid switch or a contactor. I always made sure my calculations & method of doing things was checked. Whenever i go into a customers property the first thing i ask is, Where is your gas meter and water stopcock. I always check any circuit to be worked on to ensure it complies. I have since sold my other business (non electrical) and working full time as a self employed electrician. I would have liked to work for another electrician to build more experience, but i got no replies from anyone, so self employed it is. I do have one regret that is i didn't do it sooner. i would have loved to worked in industrial & large commercial. motors etc; I feel i have worked hard to get where i am, i do call myself an electrician, i sometimes feel that i shouldn't because of lack of knowledge, then i go into a customers property and see what the last electrician has done. Sorry a bit long winded and i have no doubt that i will still post silly questions and ask for the incorrect part at the suppliers. Cheers
