Questions from a perspective future electrician

[tottenham]

Hey everyone-
I am almost 25 now, and I've been working pretty menial jobs for the past 6 or 7 odd years. I had been putting off college, university, etc. for some time now, and after doing some more research and some thinking I've realized how much my life could benifit from a job in the trades, and particularly in the electric feild.

Firstly, I'm from Canada (I realize this is a UK site, but the advice can still be of great use, I'm sure), and have no real experience in the feilds of skilled trades. I've worked over 15 jobs (through temp agencies, through high school, because of moving, etc. they have added up over the years) and I am a hardworking, honest and fairly intellegent indivigual. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how I can get my foot in the door to get started with an electric company and learn some skills.

I am worried that my lack of experience might hurt my chances of getting a start up job, but I also realize we all have to start somewhere. Any advice?

 

[DjSparkos]

In the Uk the main route into the industry is through government sponsored apprenticeships. These positions are usually taken up by school leavers.

Someone of your age would usually take the initiative and enrol on an electrical training course at college.
This may take the form of two nights a week. I would recommend this approach for you. Find out the qualifications for the electrical industry in Canada, contact your local colleges and see what you can do.

Practical experience is the best training you can get in my opinion. Once you've enrolled on your course and are a couple of months down the line you could try contacting local electricians to see if they could take you on in some form (once a week maybe). As an incentive for them to use you offer your services for next to nothing - or for free! The practical experience you can gain is invaluable.

There is no right or wrong way to go about it - The college course you take up may well have practical assesments and lessons.

I don't know how the industry works in Canada but all i can say is that the electrical industry is an in-exhaustive industry constantly evolving and the depth of knowledge you will need to aquire is staggering! Expect a long road to profficiency.

Good Luck - The benefits outweigh the costs!

 

[eskimo39]

Take a look here mate: Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum it's a US forum so may be more appropriate to your needs.

I didn't train until I was in my mid/late twenties and haven't looked back. Good Luck