Retraining as sparks.. Which course do I do help please.

devious1986 · Jul 13, 2011

Hi, I am retraining from my current career at the age of 25.. to an electrician. I am totally lost which way to go, I am already working full time and can go to college part time 2 evenings a week to do my first 2 years then apparently would have to do the final year before I could practice as qualified domestic electrician.
Or I can pay 2.5k and do a fast trak course in 17 days for c and g inc part 1 and 17th edition.
However although this is done in a classroom and mock practicles I either way wouldnt get the experience to go out and be an electrician..
Im lost which way to go, as Im over 25 I wont qualify as an apprentice, I still need to pay my rent so need to be earning whilst learning.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

OllieNotts · Jul 14, 2011

The fast tracks aren't favoured by the proffesffionals and college is thought best way to go. I'm in the same boat as you and start full time for one year so I'll get qualified quicker and gonna work in agency to keep money going. It's. Gonna be tough but it depends how bad you want it, if you don't get into the 2330 level 2 before they stop it you'll need to be in the trade to take the course so you wanna do it now if you do. There's so much info on here all your questions can be better answered by looking I just thought I'd share my experience so far

telectrix · Jul 14, 2011

do the college 2 evenings while still employed in you current job. after the 2 years, if you decide not to continue, nothing lost. forget the expensive fast track courses. for practical experience, you could maybe give a local spark a hand in your spare time.

NMc · Jul 14, 2011

fast track may get your quals but will not get you experience. Could try to get a job as an electricians mate!!! this will pay you as you learn

devious1986 · Jul 14, 2011

Thanks for sound advice.. I have two colleges to approach, both offer 2330 as c and g level 2 or 3 (I may be able to go on level 3 as I mend photocopiers so done a little bit of electrical awareness) and have mechanics 3 year city and guilds apprentership.
Both courses offer 2 eves a week of 3 hours each but course to become totally qualified takes 4 years part time! I will be 29! that seems like a long time off to start a new business up.
Have to go for interview for both courses first one on tuesday morning.. Im just worried after all that training and working full time and studying I wont get a job afterwards (ideally I would ultimately like to start my own business)
Iv spent 5 years training for 2 trades that I havent stayed in.. mechanics dirty greasy work low paid, photocopier engineer lonley boaring job. Im hoping electrician is going to be it for me and for me start earning some proper money and have my own business.

Interesting comment above that the 2330 is being phased out unless your already in the industry.. do you know when this is beginning and what happens if I have already enrolled on a course this september to run 2 years. all advise appreciated.

I do think way to go is part time and keep my existing job to continue paying my rent but years pt does seem like an awful long time as opposed to full time.

telectrix · Jul 14, 2011

29??? spring chicken, mate. it's the ideal age to go it alone. you will have far more knowledge of the real world at 29. during the time you are training for 2330, you can do a bit of study on business studies, marketing, etc. which will all help you inn starting up your own business. 4 years to save enough to buy a van, tools, test gear etc.