Need some opinions

[FreshSpark]

I've recently completed a domestic electricians course over the past 6 weeks and have C&G 2393,2382 & 2392. My knowledge of circuit design is good (Ib,In,It , volt drop etc). I've pretty good construction skills also.

Having completed a basic rewire of my small 2 bed home (tested (loop continuity on the rings and r1-r2 on the radials, and insulation tests on the lot) I feel I could do this for someone else, and charge for it.

Obviously there are some gaping holes in my experience but would advertising as a domestic electrician be biting off more than I can chew?

Has anyone here followed this (or a similar) path? Any opinions?

 

[stuartcourt]

yes I did the same last year and now I am a millionaire and only work because I am bored

 

[telectrix]

if you are competent to do it, join a scheme and go for it.

 

[trev]

Should there be a comma between loop & continuity? I note there's no mention of IR or the correct sequence of tests, is this a wind up?

 

[snowhead]

To compare it to working in a office;

You are able to pick up a pen and put marks on paper.

You are NOT able to spell or construct sentences or write stories in any form that anyone could understand.

That doesn't mean you are not able to learn very quickly, but to expect others to pay you whilst you learn is too much to expect.

 

[dcelectrical]

in my opinion, now that you have peices of paper to say you can do the job you need to learn how to do the job, the only way to learn is to be shown, in short you need to get a job and do an apprentiship, there is no shortcuts it take 30 years to make 30 years of knowledge. if you advertise and get called you are likely to be dealing with things you know little or nothing about and customers do not pay nowt for nowt, in fact the often don't want to pay

 

[FreshSpark]

Sorry my terminology was wrong, I meant L-L, N-N, cpc-cpc, L+N, L+cpc for the ring and r1+r2 for radials and I said insulation tests which I take it you mean by IR?

 

[Adam W]

Remember not everyone who calls an electrician wants a basic rewire of a 2 bedroom home.

 

[trev]

Sorry I missed that bit. Bottom line is mate, you've done 6 weeks. Would you let a dental student with 6 weeks experience take a tooth out?...I don't want to pee on your fireworks but the course that you did is merely an introduction to the vast and complicated world that we operate in. My best advice is for you to realise that there's a shedload that you don't know, try to get a mate's job with a local spark who can teach you how to go on. Please note, I'm not having a pop at you. I hate the game, not the players.

 

[FreshSpark]

To adam W - That of course is very true, but is not a lot of work things that require a similar set of transferable skills. Replacing accessories or faulty/damaged wiring etc I'm sure I can do these things also. I'm not a complete novice I have some DIY experience also.

To Trev - No worries, I understand what you're saying. I'm not friendly with any electricians, otherwise i'd jump at a chance to shadow their every move! What I was thinking is that there is no harm done in taking a look at a job and if it's way out of my league I could simply apologise and say Iit's beyond my skill level.

What would you guys think of this as an idea: I advertise for work, take a look and quote, offer my best advice. I then speak with a local spark and put the work their way but with me tagging along? Kind of sub contracting? Any opinions?

 

[stuartcourt]

you dont need any other skills mate just get a t shirt with your name on and count the money

 

[dcelectrical]

I have a green house and am doing really well at growing stuff, and I also buy flower for my wife occasionally so next year im entering the Chelsea flower show - you read this and you think **** maybe I should set my heights a little lower and maybe you should start by getting a job and learning how to be, I know all about the short courses, I employed someone last year who had just completed one

 

[Sintra]

That says it mate "DIY experience"

Not having a pop at you mate but this trade takes years to learn not weeks. As stated before get some practical experience. IMO it's these stupid 6 week courses that has ruined this trade.

Truthfully what can you learn in 6 weeks.

 

[trev]

Credit where it's due, given a rewire or an extension to a circuit or adding a light, you'd probably be fine. How would you handle fault finding though? There's a guy at my local who is a good DIYer, would you trust him to wire your house? I wouldn't. I'm willing to bet you've got a good head on your shoulders, and you're probably a good bloke but do you seriously think you're ready to be unleashed on the unsuspecting public?....Take the quals you have earned so far and get yourself a mates job with a local spark, you'll learn more in a week than you learned in those 6 weeks that you (no doubt) paid handsomely for

 

[robbalaar86]

Do they do 6 week courses to become a doctor? I have some experience, I give my little boy medication from time to time...