New career

[Robbo007]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post so please go easy

I've decided that I want a change of career and become an electrician.
I currently work 9 to 5 in an office, but I feel that now is the time to move onto something more hands-on and challenging aswell as enjoyable and lucrative.

Im hoping to get pointed in the right direction of where to begin in and which course to take. I've heard that the C&G qualifications are the main ones to take, so if anyone can advise me on how and what then I'd really appreciate it.

I live in Essex, so a course somewhere in the county would be ideal as well as part time and in the evening.

Thanks!!

 

[Dan R]

Not sure im thinking london knowledge

 

[Freshstart]

So its not a good idea to become an Electrician ?
I'm 17 and i believe it takes 4 years of apprenticeship to become qualified ?
Is it worth it
Thanks

 

[Guest 004]

If I was 17 I certainly would NOT choose sparking as a vocation

 

[Dan R]

I second that I started at 16 im now 27 and I hate it the rates get worse as the years go by
If i did it all again i would of done the university thing and got a job in banking my younger sister started here first year in an office after uni on 40k with bonuses aswell

easy go to work come home no worrys holiday pay sick pay and she says its easy

 

[rmc86uk]

Most people go to uni and end up working in a dead end job unless its a good degree for something in the public services.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

 

[Freshstart2]

I second that I started at 16 im now 27 and I hate it the rates get worse as the years go by
If i did it all again i would of done the university thing and got a job in banking my younger sister started here first year in an office after uni on 40k with bonuses aswell

easy go to work come home no worrys holiday pay sick pay and she says its easy

i Cant afford uni especially with it being 9 k a year from 2012
My mums on benefits and my dad is homeless so , college / apprenticeship is my only real option for now.

 

[Splitz]

Hi Robbo007 - Sounds like you were me about 2 months ago. I have trawled through just about every training company there is and I can tell you it's a bit of a minefield for someone like me, or you, that has no previous experience or qualifications in the electrotechnical field. The electrical training industry is very sales driven, I know as my background is sales and sales management so I know all the sales techniques and tricks of the trade. There seems to be a big differance in cost between companies and price comparison is difficult as there are so many elements to the qualifications. Lots of wierd and wonderful titles like 17th Edition this and EAL Level 2 Part P that and so on. However, I wasn't deterred as I was determined to get out of sales as I really don't like it! I originally looked at becoming a Domestic Electrical Installer but in the end plumped for becoming a fully qualified electrician. This is a much more expensive course and takes longer but it opens up the commercial sector which means you can get into just about anything. Domestic Installer is just that, rewiring peoples homes and not much more. That said I think it is a worthwhile course and can be done relatively quickly.
The new Photo-Voltaic systems (electricity from solar panels on your roof) are really taking off at the moment as there is a massive government incentive scheme whereby householders can, quite literally, have a FREE solar array fitted to their roof and benefit from as much free electricity as the array will produce. Reports that I have read say as much as £1,200 pa for 25 years. Even if it's less than that it's still worth it! Google 'feed-in tarrif' and see what comes up.
I've enrolled with a company called OCLI, they have training centres nationwide but there is a hell of a lot of home study to do. I've quit my job to do this as there is so much syudying to do. I haven't actually attended the first course yet as you have to be competent in the basics before you can attend. If you haven't studied enough there is a chance you might fail the exam. Re-takes ahve to be paid for again!!
Anyway, I've rambled on a bit, hope this helps!

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

 

[DNS1]

I'm looking at a new career right now, doing domestic installation work.

Not a "proper electrician" initially, just a person who has studied hard, got the basic qualifications and got registered with an approved scheme.

My intention is to do the simple, boring jobs, including a lot of PAT testing (urgh) to make ends meet whilst I go back to college and get the 2330.

Might not be the best career path in the world, but my current job is going down the toilet anyway thanks to new people being willing to work for pennies (I'm currently one of the well publicised cabin crew at British Airways!)

 

[Splitz]

Wow guys, a lot of negative vibes regarding the electrotechnical industry!! There is always lots of competition in whatever area of business you happen to be in and don't forget that we are in a world recession so business is going to thin on the ground for everybody.......for now! My view is that you have to be confident that you will do a better job than the next man and so build yourself a reputation for reliability, honesty and a high standard of work. That way you can charge reasonable rates once you have built up your reputation and established yourself and your company (if you are going along the self-employed route that is) The industry is very diverse and providing you qualify as an electrician and maybe not just as a Domestic Electrical Installer then your options are broad. I have just embarked on my course and have a fairly clear idea of what area I want to go into which is Building Management Systems.
Watch out for slick salesmen, do your research, NEVER make a decision on the same day. If companies offer you special 'today only' deals view them with caution, don't right them off though, everybody has to earn a living and the salesman is only trying to close a sale. Check out OLCI, they've just taken a large chunk of my savings and so far they seem pretty professional, time will tell. Everything in life is a risk but one thing is for certain....nothing ventured nothing gained! Good luck!

 

[Markshaw169]

How are you getting on with OLCI? Have just signed up with them for NVQ level3 course? Have you had to buy any further text books

 

[Splitz]

Hi Mark, it has been slow going for me. It's 35 years since I did any studying so it has taken me a while to get back into it. I was a little surprised at the amount of home study required before you get to attend the workshops but I have completed and passed the first two so I am now booked in for UP2 1 in a fortnights time. This means I have 11 exams to go (Fully Qualified Electrician C&G 2330 level 2 & 3) I have not been able to attend any of the workshops in my locality as there has been a distinct lack of dates in Manchester/Merseyside. I live in Southport but have had to travel to Leeds, Newcastle and next week Bristol in order to attend the courses!! This is partly my fault for not being as well organised as I could be so my advice is to really try to plan your course calender as best you can. The only other criticism I have of OLCI is that the tutors NEVER respond to my cries of help on the same day. This is a bit of a pain as you generally need an answer to your question there and then when it's fresh in your mind and your head is in learning mode. I have no idea when the call back is going to come in so I may not even be home!! Apart from that they seem very good, it's hard to tell how good they are as I don't have any experience with any of the other course providors. The facilities at the workshops are excellent and the tutors there have been excellent also, so on balance I'm happy with my choice.
How's it progressing with you, any questions?

 

[Splitz]

Sorry, in answer to your question I received the On-Site Guide and BS7671 Requirements For Electrical Instaallations a couple of months back but I have just found out that they will be obsolete as of 1st Jan 2012!! I have put in a cheeky request to see if they will send me the updated versions.

 

[Markshaw169]

Good luck with the request mate lol. Only just enrolled early days yet, but see what you about the amount of study!! But then again if you at the length of time for an apprentice it adds up. Been trying to ask around for experience but no luck yet

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi Splitz,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I can see you had a few questions about your course and tutor support. I believe these have now been answered after your conversations yesterday with my colleague Fasil and your tutor.

If you have any further questions please give me a call on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with a phone number and suitable time to call you back.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox