Newbie intro and question about qualifying.

[r.ali]

Hello everyone, first post to the forum so please be kind!

I'm posting to request some advice some guidance in regards to qualifying as a domestic installer. Apologies for the long post but I wanted to provide as much info as possible so as to get the best advice as possible.

Firstly a bit of background, I've been graduated for a couple of years with a degree in software engineering and I am running a start-up which specialises in point of sales software as well as providing AV, networking, structured cabling, CCTV, security & access control systems services to my clients in the hospitality trade. I'd now like to diversify my business to include home automation including building a smart/intelligent home concept.

In order to diversify I was thinking of gaining the required accreditations to become a domestic installer. I've always had an interest in electrics and if I wasn't involved with computing an electrician might have been a likely alternate career path. I've been helping out experienced electricians on jobs over the last 3 years as my family are involved in property development so I have some hands on practical experience already and good theoretical knowledge of basic electrical concepts although these will to be improved.

As well as gaining qualifications for my business it would also be a proud personal achievements and I would be able to put the skills to use in different ways such as doing jobs for the family on various property developments.

I've been looking at what way would be the most efficien to gain the accreditation(s) given my situation. My research suggests to go down the following route:

1.City & Guilds 7202 Level 1 Diploma in Electrical InstallationsLevel 1
(may not be required and may be able to skip straight to level 2?)

2.City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation: 10 week fast track for students 19+Level 2

3.City & Guilds 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations: 10 week fast track for students 19+Level 3

4. City & Guilds 2391-52 Electrical Inspection & Testing (10 weeks)Level 3

5. Join a competent persons scheme.

I am waiting to hear back from my local college with advice but may consider a private tuition firm is anyone could provide advice about this too that would appreciated.

I know that most will say that the traditional apprenticeship and college route would be best to become a qualified electrician but given my situation and end goal (which is not be be employed) would the above route allow me to do what I would like and become an approved competent electrical domestic installer with the ability to carry out my own works, test and certify them lawfully?

Any feedback and suggestions would be great, is this a good idea at all? Will it be worth the expense and effort? If so is my proposed route the best or even correct with the courses listed?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[telectrix]

2365 level 2 then level 3. you are correct in saying skip level 1.

then you could join niceic or similar .

to be fully qualified though, you'd need AM2 and NVQ3 to be fully qualified as an electrician to obtain a JIB gold card

 

[Madocks]

Sounds good, but cramming all that into 10 weeks. Dont expect to be ready to work at the end of it, will be a good basis but they have crammed all theory and practical of 4 years into a 10 week course.

Sure it will be beneficial and educational, however dont believe all they say

 

[r.ali]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, appreciate your time. It's a minefield out there and finding the right info can be difficult, with so many courses etc an everyone claiming all these magical things!

I understand the requirements for obtaining a JIB gold card, thanks for confirming.

I don't expect to be going straight into the deep end working after completing the course and I know its a lot of content for 10 weeks, but the short course is the only viable way for me to gain accreditation given circumstances, but I know what to expect and am not expecting any miracles.

Am still waiting to hear back from my local college to see what they can offer me but what are peoples thoughts on these private tuition firms?

 

[telectrix]

look on the right of your 1st post. 2 forum sponsors. XS and Trade Skills 4U. contact them for advice.

 

[r.ali]

Will do, thanks