Retrained following redundancy

[3Phase]

Hello sparks and everyone else. Im new to the forums and looking for a little advice from some of the older 'dogs on the block'

I recently decided to retrain in a trade skill following a redundancy from a 10 year insurance job (blessing in disguise really) and settled on electrical work due to the scope of the industry and the practical/technical nature.

I enrolled in a full time, C&G Level 2 - 2330 course completed this a couple of weeks ahead of the 12 week schedule getting 1 pass, 4 credits and 1 distinction over the 4 theory and 2 practical parts. Due to finishing ahead of schedule I negotiated a discounted 17th edition course which I have finished the classroom days for and have the exam booked for the 15th. I am confident in passing this based on the test papers I have done so far.

As for further training I have the options of the Level 3 - 2330, the Part P, the 2391 (or 2392 if im focussing on domestic which I think I would be at least initially). At this point I think I need to get to work though and a train more as and when it will best serve my development.

What I am now unclear of is where I go from here. but what I have garnered as my options seem to be;

1. Take my Level 2 - 2330 and 17th edition qualifications and sign up to a Part - P compliant company such as Electsa, Napit etc and effectively strike out on my own. Working against this is I am in-experienced practically and there are costs and other issues which seem a daunting prospect for someone starting out

2. Sign up to an agency and let them find me work. Working against this is I am led to believe I will generally be given the crappy jobs (due to my qualifications and lack of experience) but that this will improve the more I prove myself and show dedication to the job.

3. Find an experienced spark (self employed or company) to work for as an apprentice to build from there.

Im wondering what you guys and gals would suggest as the best path to take (or even some mix of the above)?

Apologies for the long post, but I felt it better to be specific and give as much information as i could.

Thanks in advance
3Phase.

 

[offshorealex]

I would look to get someone to take you on and give you some practical experience. You shouldn't need the same time to pick things up as a 16 year old apprentice would so you should be a good addition to anyone taking people on. Obviosly you will still be paid less and used for some of the crappier jobs but that is something we have all been through. I have taken on 6 guys in the past 7 years who were all older and looking to re train and found them much better than apprentices. Not carry on with your theory stuff as much as you can and re assess where you are in say 3 years with regard to starting on your own. Biggest problem you will have is finding someone who is taking people on right now though!
Good luck
Alex

 

[3Phase]

Cheers Alex.

Yeah I agree with what you say there, that's also what I'd actually prefer to do. Get on with it and build my skill-base.

Just got to find some gullible mug.. I mean willing spark to take me on

I spose, look for electricians via Yell and other sites and speak to people who have had work done recently and see about contacting some of them and selling myself.

 

[offshorealex]

Also worth asking at the local wholesalers if the know anyone who's taking on, or ask if you can stick a small notice at the desk in the trade counter. Edmunson or city electrical factors are two places I have seen this done before.

 

[3Phase]

Ah good idea. Got a Screwfix and an Edmunson electrical's side by side in an ind complex less than 5 mins from my house.

 

[MvP Electrics]

I think you should give option 2 a shot, sign up to a few agencies as a electricians mate or electrical labourer. You might be fortunate to end up on a large site where you can learn alot. Thats what i did coming out of college with 2330-level 3.

 

[3Phase]

Are there any sparks in the South West who know of decent agencies to speak to? Im sure there are decent nationwide ones also if anyone had any suggestions.

 

[offshorealex]

Trying agencies isn't the worst idea, my only preference for working for a company or sole trader is that you are more likely to be "looked after" by someone who is employing you. unfortunately it is the chicken and egg thing, and agency work might be where you need to start.