My first weeks practical

[Virtualcom13at]

I started my first weeks practical last Monday and must admit I am a little disappointed. me and around 10 others arrived at Watford centre and within 30 mins of talking we got given paperwork of 2 lighting circuits (Pretend upstairs and downstairs) and had to start from scratch straight from the consumer unit in separate bays. none of us have had any experience before so as you can imagine we were staring at the ceiling scratching our heads. the tutor was about as helpful as a fart in a space suit. Hardly around to ask questions and when we did manage to ask something we might as well of not bothered. for example I got to the point of running a continuity test and not having a clue how as we have not got to that stage I asked him and all he said was go to class room and look in the book then come back and tell me how you do it. I could of done that at home. granted I feel I could repeat the 2 circuits this time around with much more confidence so I have learned something but I feel it was at no help of the tutor. each person on this course has paid around £7500 and all the practical felt like was that we could use there facility's to give it a go. Sorry but I had to get it of my chest and don't really feel that we was getting our moneys worth. after all I do actually want to understand this subject not just pass an exam.

 

[Engineer54]

Thanks mate, much more understanding.
Even if I could find someone wiling to give me an apprentice as I am 30 there is no way I could afford to. 5 kids mate lol. This is the only route I am able to change my career to an electrician from a decorator. the way I see its a foot in the right direction, an expensive one yes but its the only direction I am able to go in due to circumstances. I am sure once I get into the job there will be many other things I will have to do to reach my complete goal.

Sorry if I came across a bit pi**off to any of the reply but I was and am still very happy with my choice and cant wait to actually be working as an electrician so please don't burst my bubble.

I get I wont be fully qualified but I will become qualified enough to start my career as an electrician and be able to get employment so its all good for me.

I would never try or intend to Burst your Bubble, This is a great industry to be a part of. ....Just trying to make you aware, there is a lot more to becoming an electrician, than these training centre's will have told you, or have you believe, ....That's all mate!!!

 

[Mark_Burgess]

outcome qualifications
17 Th edition of the IEE wiring regulations C & G 2382
electrical portable appliance testing C & G 2377
Appointed first aid HSE certificate
EAL certificate domestic installer scheme


Plus local to me work experiences and full time job and 5 Weeks practical and basic tools plus all books included

Please say you forgot to add training and the exams for the C&G 2391 to that list, at the price you are paying!!

 

[brucelee]

Mate i started looking for courses around 2004 -5 and looked at every provider etc but all the private ones are limited in quals experience etc

able skills give you the most for your money but as i live up north would have been added burden of travel and paying etc for digs £20 a night so chose one closer which gave the bare minimum

I learned more than i did in a year at college but still not enough the did the 2391 studying for this myself taught me far more
and now hoping 2330 will teach me more

if there was a sparky that needed a lacky i wouldnt be to proud to jump as the experience he would give you is priceless mate i would even consider working for free

as at the minute i am a full time carer for the mrs and part time semi spark lol think i will be still learing when i retire lol at this rate jsut hope one day to have the quals ad experience etc to be a fully qualified spark which i would have been if a had fiished my apprenticeship which was all paid for
what a Idiot 16 -17 yr old i was

 

[Virtualcom13at]

Please say you forgot to add training and the exams for the C&G 2391 to that list, at the price you are paying!!

C & G 2392 level 2 and logic Photovoltaic trade installers card also. and yes training is practical and theory for all.

 

[Virtualcom13at]

if there was a sparky that needed a lacky i wouldnt be to proud to jump as the experience he would give you is priceless mate i would even consider working for free

what a Idiot 16 -17 yr old i was[/QUOTE]

mate at least you tried at 16-17. More than most of us can say.

I have thought from the begging that I will ring around for work experience and obviously not expect a penny unless they want to pay me something of course lol.

 

[Virtualcom13at]

This is my course then.

NCS new career skills
Watford centre

18 - 36 months depending on time put in.

740 hour theory
5 weeks practical

work experience when 50 % complete
job when 100 % completed if chosen to be employed or
Help setting up if wanting self employment
Tool box, starter tools and continuity tester
All books included

Qualifications are

17 Th edition of the IEE wiring regulations C & G 2382
electrical portable appliance testing C & G 2377
Appointed first aid HSE certificate
EAL certificate domestic installer scheme Part p compliant
C & G 2392
logic Photovoltaic installers course Photovoltaic trade installers card

Cost £7295.00

 

[brucelee]

I have looked into that course mate and every other in last few yrs distance was a factor in that one as i said mrs carer so wasnt really a option at beginning

yeah get some experience when and how you can as then you will learn the theory and the practical on the course and leanr how to put into practice in the job

A good electricain will teach you things you would have took an age to figure out and what books dont tell you

GOOD LUCK mate you look committed its the providers and the people who dream all this up who are at fault there should be 1 set of quals for all and no matter what age a way to get in
think the new QCF framework addresses some of this but the downside you have to be employed in industryu to get on them courses unless they change there minds again at the C&G and whoever else decides

I was told 2391-10 inspection and testing 2391-20 design course was for life but now been told after december it ends and in 5 yrs we will have to take new 2394 initial verification 2395 PIR?eicr 2396 Design and verification and then every 5 yrs i think
2382-10 and -20 end replaced with 2382-12
all quals are ending either december and 2330 and 2356 last registration july 2012

the new diploma 2357 will replace these and is nvq and 2330 in one with a new renewables unit i believe well read lol

Its a money grabbing scam when people are struggling the most they are fighting to take your cash from you mate