Qualifications needed to become an electrician.

Nathan Brooke · Feb 23, 2014

Hello

I have recently started an electrical course and I would just like to clarify the qualifications I am working to would allow me to go self employed as an electrician or even work within a company. At this moment in time I am a maintenance engineer and would like a slight change of career path. Would the following qualifications adequate for what I want to accomplish ; City & Guilds 2365 L2+3, 2377,2382, 2394 and 2395.

Thank you All

cotty · Feb 23, 2014

Extract from one of the course advertisements : You will be then be able to progress and complete the NVQ and AM2 at a later stage once you have found employment - this is the biggest obstacle as without the two you cannot attain your JIB Gold card!

derek · Feb 23, 2014

What aspect of the electrical industry do you want to go into? There is no substitute for practical experience and that can't be taught on any course. The 2365 covers basic electrical theory and how to design circuits safely and if it is similar to the old 2330 will probably cover some simple practical experience in a workshop but it is only a taster.
2394(initial verification) and 2395(EICR) are replacements for the 2391 which people used to do only after spending some time in the trade but it seems now everyone on these short courses are coached to pass without understanding what they are doing and why.
2382 - anyone who can read can pass this and it isn't needed if you have studied to the 17th edition of BS7671.
2377 is portable appliance testing, has a very bad reputation these days for cowboy practices.

Deleted member 72666 · Feb 23, 2014

Hi Nathan,I'm not gonna be much help here I'm afraid but I've heard 17 days and part p does it lol!

GMES · Feb 23, 2014

Nathan forget about the self employed bit straight after qualifying I would say you need a minimum of 5- 10 years on the tools with a company / companies before you can consider being capable ( forget the qualified bit for a minute ).
As stantheman said there are loads of crap quick courses that can get you there but are pointless. you need to remember you can pass every course going but if you go straight into self employment you will come unstuck, you need nurturing and guidance by some one who as the knowledge and experience to do so.

Engineer54 · Feb 23, 2014

Nathan Brooke said:
Hello

I have recently started an electrical course and I would just like to clarify the qualifications I am working to would allow me to go self employed as an electrician or even work within a company. At this moment in time I am a maintenance engineer and would like a slight change of career path. Would the following qualifications adequate for what I want to accomplish ; City & Guilds 2365 L2+3, 2377,2382, 2394 and 2395.

Thank you All

So what do you mean by ''maintenance engineer'', and what do you mean by ''slight change in career''?? What course have you recently started, ..the 2365??

I hope you are allowing time to complete these courses, as you're not going to complete them in just a few weeks. And as suggested, these day's you will also need AM 2 /NVQ Lv 3

Nathan Brooke · Feb 23, 2014

Engineer54 said:
So what do you mean by ''maintenance engineer'', and what do you mean by ''slight change in career''?? What course have you recently started, ..the 2365??

I hope you are allowing time to complete these courses, as you're not going to complete them in just a few weeks. And as suggested, these day's you will also need AM 2 /NVQ Lv 3

I have completed a HNC electrical/electronic in a 4 year apprenticeship with a level 3 NVQ in engineering maintenance ( engineered system). And would like to go into a career being an electrician with in the domestic, commercial and industrial industry. And yes 2365. I would like to complete the NVQ as well If I can get the chance. Yeah I am allowing time to complete this course and do understand it will take more than a few weeks. I am not going to start looking to see if I can get in with a company to help me to complete this course.