now what do i do?

nick182 · Feb 25, 2011

hey guys, ive just completed my level 2 and level 3 city and guilds 2330 with Trade Skills 4U in crawley

any ideas as to where i should head next? i have no experience in the field and my grades were relatively ok throughout my exams im just wondering now that im finished what sort of work should i look for? what to expect from an employer?

thanks

nick

raustin · Feb 25, 2011

Hey Nick - well done mate. Its a great feeling passing.
I also finished at Trade Skills 4U in crawley a couple of weeks ago.
Where abouts are you?
I'm currently starting up on my own in Crawley, so although haven't any work for you at the moment, depending on the work I get, I may be after an extra pair of hands. I'm just starting off with small jobs and hoping to build it up.
Rich

nick182 · Feb 25, 2011

hi mate thanks for the quick reply

It was truly a great feeling to have passed with good grades. Considering how much time, effort and hard work that i put in.
Any help towards work would b much appreciated. As i am not sure where to go on from here. Im currently based in Brighton at the moment and am willing to travel.
I can pm my details to you if you like.

thanks again mate.

Nick

Paul.M · Feb 25, 2011

Well done and good luck to both of you.

Jabbajaws · Feb 25, 2011

I would advise doing as much as you can to build your experience up.

Ive lost count of the times i've sent spec letters and applied for jobs, being a "qualified electrician" only to be told that l just don't have the amount of experience the employer is looking for.

Of course they don't tell you that at college, because they want the money for funding these courses.

I'm adamant that i'm going to get there, no matter how long it takes, and every little job counts towards that goal of being an experienced spark.

Best of luck with the job hunting mate, hope it all goes well for you...

Mr.Si · Feb 25, 2011

Yay! some fellow sussex people in the same boat as me.

I'd suggest doing the 17th and the 2356 course (NVQ3) as if you want to go Self Employed and join a Part P scheme I found you need to get qualifications such as these. That's what Napit's and Elecsa's websites were saying.

Please correct me if I'm wrong though!

As since I've only done the 2330 courses so far, I'm struggling to understand what I can and cannot do... The course centres don't seem to tell you what you can and cannot do.

Is anyone able to clarify this? I get easily confused.

SirKit Breaker · Feb 25, 2011

Mr.Si said:
Yay! some fellow sussex people in the same boat as me.

I'd suggest doing the 17th and the 2356 course (NVQ3) as if you want to go Self Employed and join a Part P scheme I found you need to get qualifications such as these. That's what Napit's and Elecsa's websites were saying.

Please correct me if I'm wrong though!

As since I've only done the 2330 courses so far, I'm struggling to understand what I can and cannot do... The course centres don't seem to tell you what you can and cannot do.

Is anyone able to clarify this? I get easily confused.

The part P scheme providers have their own requirements to join, so if that is what you are wanting to do have a look at their websites and you will find out what quals you need, the are all different.

The only thing that decides what work you can and can't do is yourself. Its all down to experience and what you are comfortable with. There is no laid down rules that say to do this you must have that, and so on. The course providers will not tell you what you can do because it has nothing to do with them.
So its a case of getting stuck in and having a go, and the only way to gain experience is to do a bit, you will soon have the hang of it, and with experience comes speed, so be patient. If you take a job on but you are not too sure, then find someone who can help and advise such as this forum, you may need to get some assistance on site, and there are plenty of knowledgable sparks on here who would do a bit for a few beer tokens i am sure.

Good luck

Howard

But you must be able to do whatever you do to the right standard BS7671, and it must all be certified and tested properly as well.

Mr.Si · Feb 25, 2011

So, say, If I did work in Domestic, which is most likely to happen at first, I'd need to Notify the LABC and do it the expensive way or get someone else to do inspection and testing for me...? (as I don't have the 17th or the 2391)

The fact that I've only got what I've got at the moment doesn't restrict me / us?

SirKit Breaker · Feb 25, 2011

Mr.Si said:
So, say, If I did work in Domestic, which is most likely to happen at first, I'd need to Notify the LABC and do it the expensive way or get someone else to do inspection and testing for me...? (as I don't have the 17th or the 2391)

The fact that I've only got what I've got at the moment doesn't restrict me / us?

What i would do would be to avoid the expensive route. it would be better for you both for experience and advice to get in with a local Part P redg sparky, and have him oversee the job from start to finish. Under those terms he could see that the first fix is OK and advise you if you go adrift, he can also check second fix, again as first fix, and then test it all, and you can also watch and have a go under supervision, till you get the hang of it. Then on completion he could issue a multi signature certificate, where you sign for design, construction and Installation, and he signs for Test and Inspection.

If you were in my part of the world i would offer my services. But i would also say that if you are going into domestic get the BS7671, On site guide, Electricians guide to the building regs, and GN3 books, and have a bit of a read so that you will at least know the basics of doing domestic.

There must be someone on this forum who can help you, obviously you will need to pay, but better in a fellow sparks pocket than some council coffers to be wasted. And dont be afraid of your competitors, you need to keep close with at least a couple who you can trust, you will need some help at some time, and some cover when you go on holidays etc. I have 3 good mates who are also my competitors, my business would not be successful without them, nor theirs without me, and it would be boring in the pub as well on my own.

Cheers........Howard

wacman · Feb 25, 2011

well done on passing your exams. I'm in a similar position to you. I passed my 2330 L3 a couple of years ago and was a bit aimless. I think Howard has given some really good advice regarding teaming up with other electricians and offering to cut them in on your jobs. This is definately the route i have decided to go down. Have you considered the 2392 course. Apparently it is not as difficult as the 2391 and is aimed at people with no testing experience in the industry. I think the 2392 would also allow you to test and sign off your own work as well. Apparently the 2392 is also a very hands on type of course, so you could really get used to using the test equipment, which is something I could do with as I didn't think the testing on the 2330 was thatr in depth....we kinda got coached to pass it. I would also recommend the part p docter, a really good no-nonsense book, writtern by an electrician of 30 years, not some academic. anyway, goodluck with the rest of your career.

SirKit Breaker · Feb 25, 2011

Dont fear the 2391, and dont opt for a lesser qualification for that reason. It is a difficult course if you are not prepared as i found out in January (still waiting for result of written test), but if you are prepared then it is just as easy as any other exam. At least revising for it is easy because it is something you want to do, unlike at school where you had to revise all sorts of crap that wasn't in the least bit interesting, so I didn't, and left school with...............all.

Go into the 2391 with a very very good and clear understanding of GN3 and you will have no problems. Dont leave it till you do the course to start revising.

Cheers.........Howard

Mr.Si · Feb 25, 2011

Thank you all for your useful and helpful posts!

I didn't mean to hijack nick182's thread, but I hope my questions have helped answers to his questions too.

I've got a couple of friends who're sparkies, so shall maybe ask them to do just that.

Nick, I hope you can manage this too...?

terminator · Feb 25, 2011

Well done nick182 and raustin - the future is yours if you go for it.

I agree with Howard the 2391 is the one to go for - but some are more comfortable with the 2392 first! I personally think that because it is difficult (relatively speaking, but not so bad if you've done your homework) and has a low pass rate - it adds to it value and worth. It's a great feeling when the big brown envolopes drop through your letter box.

Good luck to you both.

Edit: Sorry Mr Si - good luck to you as well

poheZ · Feb 25, 2011

you will kick yourselves when you realise that the only qualification worth attaining for undertaking electrical work is the 17th edition multiple choice exam.

Just ask the NICEIC what their requirments are for a Domestic Installer membership. Experience counts for everything.