need some help - first steps in becoming an electrician

[alexRomanian]

Hi
I read some threads about going to the college instead of 5 weeks courses. But (big BUT here), I'm 34, I work as a driver now, the college courses starts in september, I really want to do this courses as fast as possible, full time ( I will quit my driving job).
I have no experience at all in electrical related jobs but I am willing to learn.
I live in East London, Walthamstow E17.

Now, what options do I have ? What I should do the next day or week?

Regards, Alex

 

[imago]

I would honestly advise you to have a look at other trades. Brick laying, plastering, tiling etc. They can be learnt relatively quickly you can work while you expand your experience of the trade, and you will earn more money than you would as an 'electrician' with qualifications but no experience.

Most single skilled trades will pay better than the electrical trade.

 

[ste77]

why is the OP saying he needs to "do these courses as fast as possible"? oh i know why.....hes heard about the large influx of romanians and bulgarians that will be heading this way soon with their tool kits in one hand and a copy of the big issue in the other..

 

[VoltzElectrical]

I re-trained at the age of 29 but i was extremely lucky to get offered a start as a subby with my brother-in law when work was plentiful, and the contracts were all signed and lined up for the next few years. Also, the colleges were still offering the 2330 at evening class.

7 years on, the qualifications have changed, and we're in the middle of a triple dip recession with inflation rocketing and wages plummeting.

With no contacts, little work, lots of competition, and a family to feed, it's closed doors to you unless you are extremely lucky. There are plenty of people posting on this forum recently who blatantly state that they want to re-train in their 30's with a mortgage and 3 kids and need to earn circa 30k right out of the box.

What do you want us to say? Crack on, there's plenty of work waiting for non qualified, non- experienced wannabes with no contacts in the trade? That would just be misleading.

 

[alexRomanian]

Ok, thanks for the advices. I was expecting replies like 'ste77'. But I am ok with this. Thanks for you time and have a nice evening.

 

[telectrix]

alex, even in a bad recession, people don't want to spend on their electrics. they want their flat screen LCD TVs, beds, bathrooms, kitchens. the womenfolk want dishwashers, tumble dryers, shoes, dresses, handbags, etc.,etc. these all get transported to the shops in lorries. there'll always be lorry driving jobs.

 

[Marvo]

why is the OP saying he needs to "do these courses as fast as possible"? oh i know why.....hes heard about the large influx of romanians and bulgarians that will be heading this way soon with their tool kits in one hand and a copy of the big issue in the other..

Please keep comments constructive and not about other members circumstances or nationalities.

 

[Octopus]

Please keep comments constructive and not about other members circumstances or nationalities.

I would agree BUT the forum needs a heading to cover this subject. It comes up at boring regularity and people need a reality check!

 

[guest119]

alex, even in a bad recession, people don't want to spend on their electrics. they want their flat screen LCD TVs, beds, bathrooms, kitchens. the womenfolk want dishwashers, tumble dryers, shoes, dresses, handbags, etc.,etc. these all get transported to the shops in lorries. there'll always be lorry driving jobs.

Missed out stuff for the man cave Tel .:auto:

 

[Marvo]

I would agree BUT the forum needs a heading to cover this subject. It comes up at boring regularity and people need a reality check!

I agree that honest advice should be given even if it is a reality check and it isn't what the OP wants to hear but play the ball, not the man.

There already is a forum for NVQ and short course feedback.

 

[telectrix]

that's easy. any old TV as long as it'll get top gear and discovery channels , and a shed load of beer. ( that comes by lorry as well. used to be shire horses but findus nicked all them )

 

[ste77]

Please keep comments constructive and not about other members circumstances or nationalities.

Im purely stating what is all over the news, this recession is hitting us all hard and allowing the eu floodgates to open and nationalities to come over here and work for less is a worrying trend, for one, they are all looking for quick fix solutions to venture into trades they know nothing about and expect us to give them an idea of how to do it.

 

[Octopus]

Im purely stating what is all over the news, this recession is hitting us all hard and allowing the eu floodgates to open and nationalities to come over here and work for less is a worrying trend, for one, they are all looking for quick fix solutions to venture into trades they know nothing about and expect us to give them an idea of how to do it.

110% agree. The UK is struggling big time, the last thing we need are more chancers. We are all earning less too.

 

[alexRomanian]

The UK is not struggling big time because of the romanians, polish or any other nationalities. It's because your politicians. You wanted to be in EU, so you have to accept good and bad things from EU. I am not happy to be here, away from my family but what can I do? You will say 'go the hell back'. Can't do it. Because our politicians. We voted our politicians as you voted yours. So we have to accept it like it is now and hope it's gonna be better in the future

 

[VoltzElectrical]

The advice I have given has absolutely nothing to do with anyone's nationality. I agree with you Alex. I'm not trying to put you off because of your nationality, it's just simple economics. I can guarantee you that if you give up your driving job, in 5 weeks time after you have been fleeced for £6000 you will be begging for your driving job back when those knockbacks from job applications start coming in.

 

[Octopus]

The UK is not struggling big time because of the romanians, polish or any other nationalities. It's because your politicians. You wanted to be in EU, so you have to accept good and bad things from EU. I am not happy to be here, away from my family but what can I do? You will say 'go the hell back'. Can't do it. Because our politicians. We voted our politicians as you voted yours. So we have to accept it like it is now and hope it's gonna be better in the future

The Polish think its acceptable to install sockets in bathrooms. UK regs say no but they still think its OK. The situations is beyond a joke.