I could do with your opinions,

[CooncilSpark]

Hi Guys,

I've got myself worked up and I'd like your thoughts. I had to leave my sparks job of 9 years 4 years ago to look after a family member and as such haven't had an "official" spark job since although I've kept my hand in with private works.

I'm now in a position where I'm able to re-enter the job market and I'm currently doing my 17th and getting the money together for the 2391 and the ECS.

I've got a wealth of experience in pretty much all that your average installation electrician does and I'm willing to relocate but my worry is this: will anybody be willing to take me on given the employment gap?

I pretty worried about this and would appreciate your thoughts or if you know of any similar stories. Be gentle!

Cheers

 

[Jason Smith]

My attitude is that there are probably a milion homes for every commercial or industrial property, so I am very happy to be a domestic installer only. To get that, The EAL domestic installer course would re- qualify you, then theres registration as a competent person another £400 quiid. You may already have quals that will allow you to short circuit all of this. All I am suggesting is one way forward for you others may suggest better. I will say you will obviously eat the theory sideof these courses, I would suggest a distnce learning package as then you would only have to attend the practical assesments over 5 days, you could be re- qualified in a jiffy. good luck .

Sorry mate answered wrong thread.
You would be a qualified sparky to the new regs, with experience and tools, and a good reason for being out of the job market for a while. You are an excellent prospect, I would take you on if I was an employer.

 

[CooncilSpark]

Thanks mate, although I was a bit confused when I read the first part of the reply! I just needed a 2nd opinion as it's no joke looking for work nowadays and returning after a while ramps up the uncertainty a few notches.

All the best

 

[Bobby B]

good luck it's tough but theres always work for good hard grafting sparks

 

[billy110]

Have you thought about going solo? There doesn't seem to be a lot of jobs going and I think there is strong competition for the few jobs that are around. My gut instinct tells me having 4 years out may put you at a disadvantage, it shouldn't but I think it will. No harm in getting registered and looking for your own work while looking for a job. Good luck with it all.

 

[CooncilSpark]

Yeah mate, I'd considered that and I'll be registering as a 'sole trader' as soon as I've re-newed my grade card etc... but it can only really be a stop gap as my financial situ' isn't great and I could do with the security of steady employment. Mind you, who wouldn't?

You're right about the disdvantage though, that's something I'll have to live with but I'm hoping I'm not going to be frozen out. I'll have the proper qualifications and some really good references though so here's hoping.

Cheers for the good wishes.