Mature student saying hello and going for advice...

BigMac73 · Apr 22, 2013

Hi guys, my name is Austen and I'm a 39 y.o. Mature student just starting level 2 of my PEO Electrical Installation course.
I've been wondering about getting out there and starting to gain some practical experience 'on the job', I've already rung round a few firms already and registered with the agency that runs in conjunction with our college so am wondering what to do next...? I suppose it's best to just to keep in touch with these firms and also network people in the trade as much as possible?
I'm loving the course and really regret not starting out years ago and look forward to eventually becoming a qualified spark.
As an aside, does any work ever come up as a result of being on here? I've noticed there's a 'job vacancies' section but it seems full of people in the same boat as me and just starting out or looking for work experience as I am, I'll remain optimistic anyway.

Sorry if I've just asked the same questions a thousand previous posters have before me but like I say I'm new! If anybody has any advice or tips for me I'd greatly appreciate them.

Thanks very much for your time,

Austen.

telectrix · Apr 22, 2013

just keep plugging away till you get someone to give you a break. it's bloody hard finding work if you speak fluent english and want minimum wage +

Adam W · Apr 22, 2013

Hi Austen welcome to the forum!
Just out of interest what is a "PEO Electrical Installation course" and how does it differ from City & Guilds?

markc123 · Apr 22, 2013

Adam, you've asked the exact same question i was just about too.

I've literally never heard of PEO. Theres so many bloomin exams now'a'days that i can't keep up.

OP in all honesty and not trying to pi$$ on anyones bonfire but alot of firms look for either C&G or EAL. (although EAL are pathetic for letting the testing exams be open book)

Welcome to the forum & good luck.

Adam W · Apr 22, 2013

Even EAL are less well known than C&G. They might be perfectly good qualifications, but I wouldn't want to have to keep telling people that my qualifications are 'just as good as C&G' and leave them wondering why I didn't do C&G like everybody else. That's if I get the opportunity to explain and don't just get my application thrown in the bin because I've got qualifications that nobody's ever heard of.

cmac70 · Apr 22, 2013

From what I have googled it's stands for performing engineering operations. The exam is EAL it is combined plumbing and electrical.

markc123 · Apr 22, 2013

Combined plumbing and electrical.

Dear oh' Dear.

BigMac73 · Apr 22, 2013

Hi chaps, PEO does indeed stand for performing engineering operations but I can assure you mines in electrical installation, which then turns into an NVQ (that's as much as I know). Thanks to all for replies and kind words, I guess it's all about persistence and keeping looking for a break.