I'm after some electrical design career advice

[Benjamin]

I've not long qualified as an electrician and have achieved my NVQ level 3 in electrical installation, i also attained my 17th edition wiring regs a few months ago.
Since qualifying i have been looking for new jobs all over the electrical trade as i don't get paid enough in the job I'm in now even though i enjoy the work.
I have been looking into electrical design jobs and i would really appreciate some advice on how to go about finding a job in this career choice with the qualifications i have
Thanks

 

[IQ Electrical]

Well, the best route if you've just qualified would be 2391-10, 2391-20 then HNC/HND.

The 2391 qualifications (more so 2391-10) will assist greatly in finding site based work whereas the HNC/HND path will open doors to good project management/design opportunities.

 

[Dean182]

I'm going the same way. Starting 2391-20 design and verification course next month. You will need to complete 2391 first.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Guys, just remember that these qualifications are going to set you slightly apart from your average electrician in the eyes of an employer and in the current climate, you need every bit of help that you can get.

When you work it out, for a few hundred pounds and a few hours of study, it's a great investment in your future, go for it!

 

[southwalesspark]

Currently looking into the same area, am currently studying my 2391-2 and will say its an interesting course to be honest. Hoping to start HND next spetember

 

[malcolmsanford]

The only advice I can give is you actually never see a job advertised wanting the 2391-20, it's a good course but it is just a stepping stone. It will be the first step onto the path of HNC/HND and perhaps a degree, a bloomin long one as well in some cases.

So like southwalesspark by all means get it but if you do decide to take it then it's a begining not an end. Exam not so bad but the project ..................

 

[KINKY]

Other thing you can do are familiarise yourself with the likes of Amtech & lighting calculation software, It will be a MASSIVE plus point if you can use these.

Also it would be beneficial if you knew the basics of AutoCAD, even designers/engineers these days tend to plot their own drawings and make minor mods.

 

[Risteard]

The only advice I can give is you actually never see a job advertised wanting the 2391-20

Whilst that's entirely true it can certainly help you to get the job advertised ahead of other applicants.

Agree also that the project is a bit of a pain in the goolies. Like you say written exam not so bad.

 

[B6 7BU]

I'm going the same way. Starting 2391-20 design and verification course next month. You will need to complete 2391 first.

Have you seen this?


[video=youtube;wHidlxvO0pg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHidlxvO0pg[/video]

 

[IQ Electrical]

Not strictly true, the practical element is identical but there is no rule on which you do first, 10 or 20.

 

[Guest123]

Is it still the case that a pass in the 2391-10 means you are exempt from the practical testing element of the 2391-20??

 

[IQ Electrical]

Exactly and vice versa

 

[Guest123]

Exactly and vice versa

Really.....I didn't think the -20 practical would excuse you from the -10 practical??

Learn summut everyday.

 

[IQ Electrical]

They are one and the same, exactly the same 4 components.

 

[Risteard]

2391-301 and 2391-302 make up 2391-10. 2391-302, 2391-303 and 2391-304 make up 2391-20.

As IQ Electrical says, it would be irrelevant which course you were pursuing when you achieve the 2391-302 component. No unit credits are given and in the case of either of what are now numbered as 2391 qualifications you need to achieve all relevant units before being issued with the certificate.