Interested in becoming an Electrician....

[JxMxT]

I am stuck in a crap office job and want to become an electrician. I need advice on how to go about it such as what courses to take and whether or not there are specific qualifications I need to have to be able to work on peoples homes/industrial estates/building sites.

I'm only 22, ( so I feel time is on my side ) and I'm currently in an office job which is rather dead-end to put it bluntly. There isn't much it can lead into.

I know there is a college near me ( College of North West London ) that have a number of courses to become an electrician, so thats okay. It isn't too far from where I live so getting there won't be a problem.

and Money for the course ( £1,800 ) I believe, won't be a problem either.

I'm just overly eager to know what to do and how to do it.

ANY replies are much appreciated.

Electrical Installations - Level 1 - College of North West London (CNWL) - Course Search This is the course I'm currently looking at.

 

[Des 56]

I dont know much about best courses to take,but others will give good advise on that soon

Becoming an electrician is a very worthwhile aim
You may find the subject is very interesting and once interest is there it could become a very varied and satisfying career
I have had the odd occasions working in an office environment and would not personally do so in a hurry again
It cant compare in my opinion with the satisfaction that can be had performing and continually learning in this trade
I have been at it 43 years and still retain the interest in the trade

It is a worthwhile occupation.that is also to a certain extent,recession proof,there will always be electrical work required though the demand will vary
Good luck with your choice,however,be sure the subject interests you before paying out for something that you may find not to your taste

 

[JxMxT]

performing and continually learning in this trade
I have been at it 43 years and still retain the interest in the trade

That's exactly the sort of thing I love. I can envision myself doing the same thing in the future.

I've always been searching for something to catch my interest.. and then I'd put my all into it and learn everything there is to do with it.
From electrics in a property to the electrics that run the wipers on a car. I wana know what to do and how to do it... then knuckle down and study/practice everything.

Although, need to know where to start. Nothing worse then entering the wrong course etc. I've emailed the help desk at my college so I'll wait for a responce from them, hopefully soon.

*Also another thing .... I know electricians go to private properties... however, I only hold an automatic licence. Does anyone feel this would be a problem at all?

 

[Des 56]

*Also another thing .... I know electricians go to private properties... however, I only hold an automatic licence. Does anyone feel this would be a problem at all?

Before I nip off to bed I felt I had to respond to that quote

Are we talking car license or lethal weapon

I think you find we dont carry any weapons, for protection or otherwise
My names Spark, James Spark



Sorry for taking the pee,but it was an amusing line,couldn't resist

 

[JxMxT]

hahaha - that was funny. lol

and I mean a car licence * lol

as I know electricians will be called to peoples homes from time to time, and they will be given a van.

 

[brucelee]

hi mate and good luck
concentrate on the study first mate but always good to have a full uk driving license

 

[JxMxT]

......... but it isn't essential is it?

If I'm a fully qualified Electrician, and I only have a automatic licence, that won't work against me will it?

There are thousands of vans in automatic.

Another thing, what specific qualification do I need before applying for big firms.

 

[Adam W]

Someone else asked the same question about an automatic driving licence a while ago.
Basically it's not a problem because you can get a full licence, but it's highly unlikely you'll finish the course and be given a van the next day - more likely an employer will expect you to provide your own transport.

 

[ukpablo]

dont worry about the liscence yet bud, it will take about 3 yrs to be qualified down the C&G route which i would look into both part and full time. if u have time on ur side due to ur age, no mortgage, kids etc i would go full time and get the local education authority to pay.......................full time education is not just open to school leavers, keep ur own cash tucked away for when u need it. call the college and find out what they will offeer including the local education authority. I did this bak in 1997, went bak to college full time and the goverment paid for it, even left a job to do it so get in their if u really are serious about becoming a spark because work is scarce at mo, so education is a good thing and when u qualify the industry may have picked up in 3 yrs from now and bingo!!

 

[sparky1502]

try the apprenticeship website and see what available in your area..its important to remember there is no upper age limit for apprentices now

 

[ukpablo]

i agree sparky1502, but u may find every man and their dog will be doing this and with current climate, not many apprenticeships about, but worth a try all the same!

 

[JxMxT]

Hi guys I'm back, thank you for all your replies....

I'm think I'm reading to step up to the plate and attending a local college full time. However, does anybody know the exact qualification I need to be able to become an electrician.

I got the prospectus from a nearby college and it has many options, for eg;

Level 1 - Electrical Engineering
Level 2 - Electrical Instillations
Level 3 - Higher National Certificate
Different types of Levels and Certificates and Courses.

What specifically do I need?

ELECTRICAL
BTEC National Certificate
Foundation Level 1
Starts September

Electrical Engineering. Electrical Installations.

 

[Dean182]

C&G 2330 Level 2
C&G 2330 Level 3
NVQ Level 3 (2356)
C&G 2382 17th edition
AM2

C&G 2381 Inspection & Testing (To be approved)

Are the qualifications to become an electrician, It takes a few years to complete the above. In an apprenticeship form, 4-5 years.

 

[JxMxT]

Sorry to be a nuisance... but College of North West London (CNWL) - Courses for School Leavers, Adults, International, Employers This is the website of the College I want to attend.


When I type in Electrician, this is the only options I find. These two;

Electrical Installations - Level 2 - College of North West London (CNWL) - Course Search

Electrical Installations - Level 3 - College of North West London (CNWL) - Course Search

 

[Dean182]

Yeah there the right courses. Basically. You'll start on level 2, which takes 2 years, some complete it in one. Then you move onto level 3 which is a year. They are only part of the qualifications needed. You'll need to obtain on site experiance to complete a portfolio (NVQ Level 3) then there are various short courses such as regulations and inspection and testing. AM2 is part of the apprenticeship frame work. So you might not need to do that, others choose to. Take a look at this http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...vqs/396-becoming-electrician-information.html