Looking to qualify...

[toibs]

Hi guys,

I'm currently employed in a non-electrical field (Telecoms), however would like to be able to train as an electrician as a fallback to my job (just in case). I would like to be able to carry out install (and possibly maintanance) work, and be able to certify at least domestic (and preferably commercial if it doesnt cost too much!). I'd also like to be able to train ether distance learning (Preferable) or part time, since i obviously work. I am more than keen to "bust a gut" and put up with hardship for a few months to get the back of it broken - i would rather do this than drag it out for years...

So - where to start? By the looks of it and what people are saying, 2356 is the way to go (whilst i would love to do the 2357 i can only guess it would cost way too much as i'm funding this out of my own pocket), however from what i can see it requires a reasonably large amount of practical on site, something that would be difficult to do.

However, i currently have an HNC in Telecoms and electronics, and have been a field engineer for over 15 years.

Any suggestions where to start??

Many thanks
Paul

 

[toibs]

In fact (since i have limited funds) i'm starting to think that it may be worthwhile to build up part by part.

So what exactly is Part P, and can it be done on it's own or does it have to be done alongside a 17th Edition?

Remember - you;re dealing with a newbie here

 

[johnboy6083]

to be honest mate, to be able to work competently in commercial work, is not something that can be done in a time period measured in months. it will take at least a few years, if your smart and have the aptitude for it. thuis is why apprenticeships are 4 years. Your HNC willhave only covered the theory aspect, and even then you may have taken the polar opposite modules to the ones that may be suited to normal installation/maintenance work.

Part P is a building regulation. there is no course other than a familiarisation, and no qualification that will be useful to you.
"Being Part P" as people put it, means that you have been assessedby a govening body to be ablwe to work competently to that building regulation, whichby extension means that you must hold electrical qualifications to level 3 (as of 2012).

there isnt an easy and quick road to becoming an experienced, versatile and confident electrician. the people that do these quick courses probably make many mistakes before they get to a level where their work is to a reasonable safe standard. I made lots of stupid and silly mistakes on the road to becoming a spark, and i was under the supervision of an old boy who really knew his craft, and i was doing the job very day.

of course there are probably a few people who have done quick courses to consolidate prior experience, maybe "career mates" ect, who are good versatile sparks, but these will be few and far between.

 

[Guest123]

Electrical Qualifications - Qualifications needed to train to become an electrician in the UK

 

[toibs]

Part P is a building regulation. there is no course other than a familiarisation, and no qualification that will be useful to you.
"Being Part P" as people put it, means that you have been assessedby a govening body to be ablwe to work competently to that building regulation, whichby extension means that you must hold electrical qualifications to level 3 (as of 2012).

From the website that Lenny has put above :

The industry bodies represented on the EAS Management Committee have agreed the requirements for new Qualified Supervisors that will be introduced in January 2012. On January 1st, Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings will be the minimum qualification level for Qualified Supervisors responsible for electrical work carried out in domestic properties which comes under Part P of the Building Regulations (for England and Wales).

So out of interest what about those that are part way through their P or have a P if they want to practice after Jan 2012??