Returning to the industry.

[Neil Wilkins]

After about 20 years messing about as a police officer, I want to return to the industry. Back in the day before big pointy hats and 'ello 'ello 'ello, I was a time served Approved Electrician with a 16th edition qualification and a "C" course under my belt.
What do I need to get back working and can anyone recommend the best way to gain such qualifications.

 

[Midwest]

After about 20 years messing about as a police officer, I want to return to the industry. Back in the day before big pointy hats and 'ello 'ello 'ello, I was a time served Approved Electrician with a 16th edition qualification and a "C" course under my belt.
What do I need to get back working and can anyone recommend the best way to gain such qualifications.

I did something similar to your good self. As well as the latest addition to BS7671, I would recommended a testing & inspection course, eye opener for me when back in my day, all we had was a test lamp & megger.

You need to think about your business model, unless your going PAYE. If its self employed, its tools. testers, van, insurance, accountant, ohh and getting some work to earn a crust.

 

[Neil Wilkins]

Thanks. To be honest, as I am out of the loop, I was thinking of re qualifying with then 18th and taking some work as a mate until I was back in my stride. I know things have changed and new wiring systems, practices will be a challenge.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply. I am sorry one of you has taken against me, possibly due to my previous job, but there you go. Are there any particular 18th edition training companies that anyone would recommend.

 

[Pete999]

I take it Neil you are referring to my reply, let me explain I'm not against you getting back into the electrical Trade, good luck to yo infact. What I disagreed to the advice given, "catch up over the weekend" it will be more intense than that, it's an insult to Practicing Electricians to sense that after a 29 year layoff, by reading up over the weekend and sitting the 18th, will get you back into the grove. Laughable really, but I meant no malice, just that you must realise it will take more than a good read to be able to regain your skills, good luck, any way.
I'm sure if the boot was on the other foot and someone had posted that they had been a Policeman 25 years ago, and wanted to return to that profession, reading up on the latest developments over the weekend would elicit the same sort of response.

 

[Neil Wilkins]

I take it Neil you are referring to my reply, let me explain I'm not against you getting back into the electrical Trade, good luck to yo infact. What I disagreed to the advice given, "catch up over the weekend" it will be more intense than that, it's an insult to Practicing Electricians to sense that after a 29 year layoff, by reading up over the weekend and sitting the 18th, will get you back into the grove. Laughable really, but I meant no malice, just that you must realise it will take more than a good read to be able to regain your skills, good luck, any way.

I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

 

[Devonchris]

Flash arresters are the latest thing so with your background just get yourself a pair of Dewalt site pants and you'll be fine.

 

[Pete999]

I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

I meant 25 years Neil

 

[buzzlightyear]

try attaching a meter.it's still 240 and 415. the lower values are just EU fantasy world.

fools on the hill comes to mind.

 

[telectrix]

I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

don't mindpete.he'sa grumpy old sod at the best of times . no offence pete. you should know me by now.

 

[telectrix]

here's me and pete on a night out. was it my stag night or pete's?

 

[Anthony S]

The only thing that's really changed is the standard of work, its a lot poorer than 20 years ago. I would not work as a mate or anything to get back in the swing of it. Do the 18th edition in evening at a college so its last about 12 weeks and get yourself an onsite guide and get out there. Your need the 18th edition and ecs health and safety exam to renew your JIB card to the current Gold Card to get on a lot of sites now. The better sites anyway.

 

[Midwest]

I dont know where you got 29 years from. I accept your somewhat grudging apology. I am not entirely stupid. I was in the game for 20 + years and I am not expecting to sit the exam and all will be great. I am 20 years older and will take time to readjust to what has no doubt been a dramatic change over the last 20 years. However I am going to re qualify and I will try to get work as a mate until I can find my feet again. Assuming that I would just carry on as if the last 20 years had not happened is ridiculous.

Going back to my reply, I did what you are proposing you intending to do . Do some courses, as suggested. Then do some subbying for other contractors, learn your skills again, pick up recent techniques and latest materials.

 

[John Preston]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm also time served and have the old City & Guilds (applied for a copy certificate as lost the original). I've been out of the game since 2000 but not completely as whilst living in France I've done 3 house refurbs and kept my hand in. My intention is to do a part P course and take the exam, complete an 18th edition course and do the exam. I will then consider my options from there. I will probably apply to some scheme to be assessed just to prove it to myself that I am "up to date". You can get back in the game it might just require some studying and a couple of exams.

 

[Andy78]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm also time served and have the old City & Guilds (applied for a copy certificate as lost the original). I've been out of the game since 2000 but not completely as whilst living in France I've done 3 house refurbs and kept my hand in. My intention is to do a part P course and take the exam, complete an 18th edition course and do the exam. I will then consider my options from there. I will probably apply to some scheme to be assessed just to prove it to myself that I am "up to date". You can get back in the game it might just require some studying and a couple of exams.

A "part P" course is just a building regs awareness course. You can download all of the building regulation approved documents for free and/or buy an IET book called the electrician's guide to the building regulations for much cheaper.

 

[Midwest]

A "part P" course is just a building regs awareness course. You can download all of the building regulation approved documents for free and/or buy an IET book called the electrician's guide to the building regulations for much cheaper.

Kinda agree with Andy. I did a one day 'Part P' course which I tagged onto the end of my initial testing inspection course. It was interesting to go over all the other Building Regs, not just P. But it was just a quickie look, only so much you can do in a day. Can't remember how much I paid, but I would do one just on its own.

 

[Neil Wilkins]

20 years on from last working as an electrician. I have just passed my 18th edition. Do I need part P?. Also do I need the test and inspection ticket to sign my own work off. It's getting bloody expensive and I have yet to earn a single penny. In your opinion, what is the best way for me to get back into the swing of things. I know things are different to 20 years ago so I need to update my skills.