I want to become a spark. Where do I start?

[Kauto Star]

I'm currently 31 year old out of work shuttering carpenter but have been wanting to move into the electrical game for a couple of years. The thing is this game seems harder to get into than Formula 1. I was just hoping someone could give me some advice. Do I ring round electrical firms asking for work/college apprenticeship? Do I go to a college like OLCIA or trade for skills? What's the first step to becoming an electrician NVQ? 2391? Or am I to old to change trades?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Specialist]

No mate: Your not too old to change trades, but be warned the Electrical trade is no bed of roses nowadays. Might be a daft question but have you been to your local Job centre to see what re-training opportunities they can provide ?

 

[Kauto Star]

I'm ashamed to say I havnt been to the job centre specialist. Didn't think about that as an option. I'll have a walk down there today. Worth a try you think?

 

[1shortcircuit]

Definitely not too old mate. I started my career change at 32 and have not looked back since.

I have been lucky though as I was able to get hands on experience before making my decision to start the course AND I managed to keep working for a lot of the time whilst studying.

You will meet A LOT of people who will try to put you off or say bad things about you doing it through the channels available... IGNORE THEM! If it's what you really want to do now then do it and don't delay it any further!

You will need to sift through all the companies/colleges offering routes and choose the right one that suits your needs. It will not be cheap!

If you're lucky you may get a college position, if that is something you can consider? I wish it was the route I could have taken.

Remember, at the end of all your mind blowing studying and endless payments that lighten your wallet you will then be entering a trade where there is little work, you may not make any friends along the way but things have to get better eventually.

I love doing what I am doing now and despite work being slow I don't regret making my decision to go for it.

Think hard, work hard, play harder and stick your fingers up to ANYONE that chooses to work against you

Good Luck :thumbsup

 

[Kauto Star]

Thanks 1shortcircuit

 

[Specialist]

I'm ashamed to say I havnt been to the job centre specialist. Didn't think about that as an option. I'll have a walk down there today. Worth a try you think?

As far as I know they still have this sort of Facility, it's gotta be worth a punt & may help you on the way to what you want.
Good luck & let us know what happens.

 

[manda]

Go for it, I'm in the process of working towards becoming a Spark and started at 33. You're never too old. Stick around on the forum, it's a great resource and some very helpful people. I'd ring round your local firms,though be prepared for a hard slog in finding a place, it can be disheartening, but keep at it. Try and get on with local college as a first option, if that's not possible then there are the training providers. Just be sure you research as much as possible first before you part with any cash. Good luck!!

 

[1shortcircuit]

You'll also need to read various other threads discussing changes to qualifications that can be achieved.

There are still training establishments out there offering courses such as the 2391, however there is a big shake up due regarding this qualification and others so it will be in your best interest to find out how it may or may not affect you. :thumbsup

 

[Knobhead]

The job centre paid for me to take my 17[SUP]th[/SUP]. You’ve got to ask otherwise you’ll not get, they won’t fall over their selves to offer the information.

 

[1shortcircuit]

The job centre paid for me to take my 17[SUP]th[/SUP]. You’ve got to ask otherwise you’ll not get, they won’t fall over their selves to offer the information.

Weren't they on strike yesterday too?

Get in there I'm sure they'll be only too pleased to help lol

If nothing else, it will be another route to cross off of the list of all possibilities

 

[Kauto Star]

I'll get down there today and let you know how it went.

 

[Big n Daft]

Persue your career as a joiner, the leccy games stuffed and domestic customers want to see summat for their money. Hours hiding cables doesnt do it for them.

 

[Knobhead]

Hiding all your careful work doesn’t work. It’s about time they were given something they CAN see.
View attachment 8952

 

[sbrown2]

Hi Tony

Im in nottingham, how did you manage to get your 17th edition paid?

Cheers

sbrown2

 

[Specialist]

Hiding all your careful work doesn’t work. It’s about time they were given something they CAN see.
View attachment 8952

Lovely.:biggrin5: