Looking to be an electrician - no experience.

Carl21 · May 5, 2011

Hi all,

I've come here because I think I need a big change in my life, im 24, my job has always got me down, I've been stuck doing helpdesk IT since I was 18... I've never been sure what I wanted to do, electrican has always been something which I've thought about but never really followed through since I've heard how hard it is to get a apprentiship and how the courses are good but employers don't rate them very well, comparred to someone with real experience.

So, I'm just looking for advice. I would probably need to keep my current job as I have bills to pay, car etc, I could probably survive on part time work if I changed my job while studying or if my currentl job would let me go part time.

I Just want to get into this as fast as possible, I don't fancy the 1 night a week course that I've hard about and takes 3 or 4 years.

Is it possible for me to get into this at my age, in my area? Watford (NW London).

Any advice is appreciated - thank you very much.

Carl

1shortcircuit · May 5, 2011

Hi Carl,

I'm now 33 and been studying a "short course" for the last nearly 18 months now. Yes this is one of those frowned upon routes that many of the "Proper" Electricians slate so badly lol

Since the age of 13 I have had umpteen different kinds of jobs ranging from washing dishes in a restaurant, Maintenance of cricket pitches/ground works, telesales, Insurance sales (cold), Progress chasing in the aircraft industry, Manager of several fast fit centres, Door Supervisor, other work in the Mechanical industry... blah de blah de blah. The list is awful really.

I sat down just the other year after I had just been laid off as a Slinger/Signaller (cranes) and Telescopic Forklift Operator and thought "I need to get qualified" All of my jobs I did well and that's not me blowing my own trumpet. Unfortunately ALL of those jobs just weren't satisfying or challenging enough or paid little money.

I started looking at Plastering Plumbing Electrics etc and narrowed it down through considerable thought to becoming an Electrician. Lucky enough a friend of the family was an Electrician so I went working for him as and when he needed me. Some days he even paid me for it. Things have progressed from there really and I enjoy this more than any of the other jobs I've had. I think mostly because it is challenging, especially the theory side of things which keeps me on my toes and keeps me referring back to the literature I have been learning from.

If you get the opportunity to get out and experience the job before committing then I would say go for it. It may just be for you, be warned though it doesn't matter where you go or what you do there is very little work about AT THE MOMENT

Good Luck