I want to be an electrician

[Med75]

hi guys I’m new to the forum and I want some advice I’m 42 years old and I’m a taxi driver at present I’ve always had an interest in electrics and now I’ve decided I want to become an electrician I’m wondering firstly am I to old and secondly what is the best way to get qualified my local college does a fast track 10 week course for level 2 for £2660 and they also do a fast track 10 level 3 for £3330 is this the way to go as it’s a lot of money and I will be funding it myself is it easy to get employment afterwards etc thanks in advance for advice

 

[Squid]

I used to get my Lotus serviced at Morland Jones in W12 and the younger guy had, had enough as he moved out to Basingstoke way as he remarried and commuted on a scooter and as the elder partner was retiring he went on a few courses as his son was a gas engineer, got on to a BG cubbies contract with training. Reminds me I need to email him to find out how he's getting on but at least he doesn't have the shitty journey to work to deal with.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Chinook

is that a lady boy, SWD!

 

[elsparko]

is that a lady boy, SWD!

youre thinking of she-sook

 

[Devonchris]

hi guys I’m new to the forum and I want some advice I’m 42 years old and I’m a taxi driver at present I’ve always had an interest in electrics and now I’ve decided I want to become an electrician I’m wondering firstly am I to old and secondly what is the best way to get qualified my local college does a fast track 10 week course for level 2 for £2660 and they also do a fast track 10 level 3 for £3330 is this the way to go as it’s a lot of money and I will be funding it myself is it easy to get employment afterwards etc thanks in advance for advice

Don't let me put you off. It's just that wishing it does not make it so. If you are motivated enough then you can do it. At least today there are routes to take for adults and late developers.

But don't believe that holding a piece of paper with your name on makes you an electrician. There is much more to it than that. One of the often overlooked skills of many artisans is their skill in using tools. This can only be acquired with lots of time and practice. Also knowledge that may seem unrelated to electrics but is vital. Like different building construction methods, different floor material and how to lift it and get it back again, different walls and how to fix to them, timber frame and the role of the vapour barrier etc etc. This knowledge can only be gained with experience.

This post has probably not received the response you were expecting but don't let that put you off. What people are really saying is you can't become an electrician in 10 weeks but it is a start. There are plenty good electricians who have done it. But It's like driving. Would you employ someone straight from the test centre as a taxi driver just because they have a license?

Good luck for the future. Its a good profession, better that sitting on your bum all day.

 

[Squid]

is that a lady boy, SWD!

If chicks with dicks are your thing then send me a PM.

 

[elsparko]

If chicks with dicks are your thing then send me a PM.

no such thing as chicks with dicks, just guys with ----!!

 

[PEG]

got to dig through **** to unblock drains though...

wasnt there an elderly couple killed by a hot water tank that had ruptured? it was located in the loft directly above their bed.

Yes,but maybe a "spark" bypassed the immersion thermostat...

 

[Squid]

no such thing as chicks with dicks, just guys with ----!!

Thats "most" of the forum members.....

 

[elsparko]

Yes,but maybe a "spark" bypassed the immersion thermostat...

still the plumbers fault for putting it in such a position, plumbers are alcoholics and heroin abusers, thats NOT libelous.

 

[elsparko]

Thats "most" of the forum members.....

thats libelous

 

[Squid]

thats so true

;o)))))

 

[PEG]

To the OP,yes,you definitely could become an electrician,but paying an exorbitant fee,would not guarantee anything.

As a taxi driver,you will appreciate the "not going the quick route" banter

There are many threads,detailing the many ways of entering the job,but i can give you a cautionary tale,regarding a lad i know.

He has worked for me mate,for many years,in the fencing job,and signed up 8 years ago,at a training provider,over in West Yorkshire.

He was promised the moon on a stick,and a big list of hopes,dreams and contacts. His course consisted of many modules,some at the training place,some home study,with other options mentioned...

To date,he insists he is still working towards the promise,the training place sold him. He has spent nearly five grand.

He is as close to being an electrician,as i am,to Jupiter.

I have spoken to several lads,who ended up in the electrical trade,and did use the short-course route,but they seemed to get where they were,in spite of it,and not because of it.

Do not let any of this tough-love,dishearten you,but don't underestimate the additional parts of your intended journey,like time and experience.

Good luck.

 

[dmxtothemax]

 

[elsparko]

on a serious note, the OP would be best labouring for a sparky company as a mate to see if the reality matches the dream, the first 2 years are a bit hectic with block release at college, not sure how the adult trainee structure works, they seemed to be in college during the day too

nothing is impossible, getting your foot in the door is going to be your biggest hurdle

 

[Dave Rudderham]

I'm 39 and currently retraining. As you're a taxi driver and if you can work part time, or hours to suit, then do the full college course.
I've just completed Level 2 last year, cost about £1300, I'm now into Level 3 at a cost of £3500, but covered by an Adult Learning Loan.
Even then, this doesn't equip you to be competent, only qualified. You need the practical skills too.
As I have previous experience, I've found it very easy. The theory collides with my existing knowledge from 20 years ago and the practical has been very easy, but there is a world of difference between glanding SWA in a workshop and glanding SWA in a back garden at 5pm in December.
I have quite a bit of previous experience and several people (electricians) have said they'd be happy to let me work alone once my cert was through, but I'm very aware of my own lack of some experience so I've managed to provide a safety net, people to fall back on. It's not easy, and it's not a quick swap over.