Need help, advice and everything in between

[ajtaylor09]

Ok, so i dont want to turn this into a "these companies shouldn't be allowed to do this" thread, i am simply looking for a bit of help, advice and a general direction.

In April 2010, i undertook a training course, "fast track" with access training which i know probably is not the best way to get into the industry, but with a good job, my own house - its a bit difficult to drop everything and start something i should have done upon leaving school.

Since then i have passed the exams included in the course and walked away with:
EAL Domestic Installer Certification
City & Guilds 2393
City & Guilds 2392 17th Edition Qualified (C&G 2382)
Part P Qualified
CSCS Card (Have since applied for this)

I have been desperately trying to get a job, applying for everything, even sending emails to loads of companies with only one coming back. (Which was house-bashing and self employed, meaning i would have to drop everything and risk being laid off within 2 weeks if i wasn't quick enough - likely to happen as i lack experience)

What im ideally looking for is a company/permanent job in which i can ask a few questions (just to re-affirm my knowledge and for some one to say "thats right" - as im comfortable with what i am doing, just want a helping hand for a few weeks)

So after all this applying and no luck or opportunities im stuck as to where to go next, what to do, would any other qualifications or tests help me out. What jobs do i am for?

I am in a good job and understand ill have to take a paydrop untill i manage to prove myself etc.

That doesnt bother me, i have started buying my own tools and equipment.

I am located in South Wales and just havent got a clue whats next, can someone please help.

Even with just a guide of:

1: go and get C&G XXXX
2: yellow pages etc...
3: give up...

Your thoughts?

 

[johnboy6083]

hi mate.

1. go and get city and guilds 2330 levels 2 and 3.
2. when youve done that, get your local business directory out, and ring every electrical conmpany there, until you get results.
3. follow the above steps,but dont give up.

 

[RWJ]

Since then i have passed the exams included in the course and walked away with:
EAL Domestic Installer Certification
City & Guilds 2393
City & Guilds 2392 17th Edition Qualified (C&G 2382)
Part P Qualified
CSCS Card (Have since applied for this)

What type of CSCS card have you applied for?? JIB? or is there any alternative route?

 

[ajtaylor09]

The CSCS card is just the general labourers card.

 

[RWJ]

The CSCS card is just the general labourers card.

OK No Worries.

I would also suggest doing a 2330 (2357 or what ever they're gonna call it now) your currently a bit limited to house bashing, get your self a 2330 and you can do Commercial and Industrial. Plus more companies are likely to take you on as a labourer while your doing the 2330 so you gain more experience. The more experience you have the more likely someone is to employ you.

Yellow pages..... They're a joke... but a monopoly (and they know it)... Word of mouth is ALWAYS the best way to get business.

Give up???? Not if it what you really want to do.... Stick at it!

 

[One_of_them]

whatever you do dont give up. It will be hard to find work cause tbh there aint much out there anyways!!

I would suggest getting your local yellow pages, papers etc and start at the beginning of the electricians section and ring everybody offering a free pair of hands on evenings/weekends etc. Maybe even take holidays from your job if they have a full rewire etc.

Also I dont quite understand your quals:

City & Guilds 2392 17th Edition Qualified (C&G 2382)

Does this mean you have the 2392 or the 2382??

 

[Welchyboy]

what role would you be applying for? trainee, mate, electrician??

I am just a sole trader and the only advert i have is one tiny free line in the yellow pages at the end of about a hundred or so proper adverts and i get at least 2/3 applications/CVs/phone calls a month from people asking for work, ranging from apprenticeships to electricians, (Not 1 call about an actual job....in three years). so you can see the balance of things.

I hate to be negative and its not what you want to hear but without actual experience in the trade those bits of paper dont count for much in an employers eyes, you are in the same catch 22 as so many others, the best thing you can do is stay at your current job and offer your services for free on the weekend, to get some experience and you may get some luck but until the economy picks ups its gonna be hard work im afraid.

 

[RWJ]

As I've posted before we get 20+ CV's a week (100's of phone calls and emails)..
The shame is they dont even get through to the HR girl the front desk filter them out.... straight into the shredder

 

[colin durning]

I get loads of CV's and calls looking for an apprenticeship, no-ones ever offered to help me out for free.
I would deffo take someone up on that. And dont think i'm just looking for free labour cos i would pay em summit. Get's yer foot in the door..show's a bit of willingness etc