PAT testing query need help and advice

[gdnumber1]

Hello everyone,

new to the site. I need some good honest advice. opinions and thoughts on this.

I completed my apprenticeship as an electrician about 26 years ago (15th edition), I left the trade and followed another career, but 22 years later got an injury to my back which caused my to retire from that job.
Retraining as a qualified electrician is probably out of the question due to the physical demands of the job. My back cannot tolerate standing for long periods or twisting or bending for any real length of time, if I do, I have to rest my back untill the pain subsides and there is always a risk the pain can last for a while if i over do it.

Someone has suggested PAT testing as an option. What I am hoping you can tell me is if that type of job would be any easier on my back or does it involve standing, twisting and bending all day? I am also looking to find out what type of salary is average or realistic in this field. Figures vary a lot on job searches but £9-£10 an hour seems to come up a lot. The market seems to be flooded or is it really a growth area with good earning potential? I know a bit about the courses and tests on offer but need the real down to earth advice from proffesionals like yourselves and in particular those with experience and knowledge of PAT testing.

Cheers.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Hello everyone,

new to the site. I need some good honest advice. opinions and thoughts on this.

I completed my apprenticeship as an electrician about 26 years ago (15th edition), I left the trade and followed another career, but 22 years later got an injury to my back which caused my to retire from that job.
Retraining as a qualified electrician is probably out of the question due to the physical demands of the job. My back cannot tolerate standing for long periods or twisting or bending for any real length of time, if I do, I have to rest my back untill the pain subsides and there is always a risk the pain can last for a while if i over do it.

Someone has suggested PAT testing as an option. What I am hoping you can tell me is if that type of job would be any easier on my back or does it involve standing, twisting and bending all day? I am also looking to find out what type of salary is average or realistic in this field. Figures vary a lot on job searches but £9-£10 an hour seems to come up a lot. The market seems to be flooded or is it really a growth area with good earning potential? I know a bit about the courses and tests on offer but need the real down to earth advice from proffesionals like yourselves and in particular those with experience and knowledge of PAT testing.

Cheers.

Well, you'll be crawling around under desks and tables which takes it out on your back and knees.

I think the market is very tough for PAT because it's so easy to get into and many advertised PAT jobs are just slightly above minimum wage to reflect this.

 

[gdnumber1]

Thanks for a really quick reply IQ, I thought that might be the case. the person who suggested it to me said therec are PAT testing jobs where you can be seated all day, almost like conveyer belt testing. I find that hard to believe! And if there are I imagine they are few and far between if at all.

More advice and thoughts welcome.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Have you considered going into design?

 

[gdnumber1]

no. not sure what that would involve, can you advise?

 

[Adam W]

PAT testing isn't really a 'profession' - it seems anyone can call them self a 'qualified PAT engineer' after 2 days training and a multiple guess test.
I had more 'training' than that when I worked at the Carphone Warehouse.