Should those seeking Fast Track routes into the trade be belittled ?

[SparksWill Fly]

I seems that resentment, ego and selfishness are at play on some construction trade related forums when ever the question of fast track courses pops up. Again on "some" forums, i get a sense of..

"I had to do such and such, so i don't even care if the fast track course was any good anyway. Or even if it's the only option some folk have because i had to go through this certain method, so therefore everybody else should have to, I don't care if my comments put folks off wanting to do well for themselves, even if fast track is their only option, because my own ego and selfishness is more important than their life"

Of course no one would ever admit that the reason they say such and such comment is because they are stroking their ego and are selfish, they will just say that it simply has to do with their concern as to the quality of workmanship that folks have after completing fast track courses. And I'm sure this is true for some, but even for those whos opinion is based solely on the quality of the workmanship of a "fast-tracker" they should still be considerate of the fact that other folks are entitled to become tradesmen just as much as they are, only they don't have the same available options you have/had in order to get there. But certain other users who post on construction forums (i'm not just picking on this forum but any tradesman related forum) I feel, post comments simply with an intent to be negative in a way that mirrors what i explained above with regards to "Resentment" "Ego" "Selfishness"

 

[sparky1502]

Re: How do I get into the trade?

Hi guys,

I'm looking at becoming a sparks and like lots of people have been tempted by the fast track courses.

Before I go any further, let me give you a bit of info about myself. I am 29 years old, well educated, did an engineering degree and have worked as a flight attendant for the past 7 years, earning an average salary. I'm an experienced sound engineer, although unqualified, so have plenty of experience working with electrics on stage etc.

I'm a very experienced DIYer, done plenty of my own electrical work in my own flat and for family and friends (all to current standards as far as I understand, although I'm not qualified. Yes, I know this isn't technically legal, but I've simply not got the money to be getting someone in everytime something needs doing. I've never been paid for any of the work I've done I might add...)

The problem I have now is fairly clear I think...

People keep saying that the only way to become an electrician is through getting experience. Clearly this is not an option for me. I simply couldn't survive on an apprentice's salary.

The only option it seems is to go down the route of a fast track course. Pay the money, do the study alongside my job, do the practical work during leave. Although, apparently if I do this, I won't be a "proper" electrician anyway.

So.... What do I do? Seems a little unreasonable to say that I'm never going to be a sparks, because I'm not a 16 year old kid, living at home who can live for years on an apprentice wage...

i was unable to survive on an apprentice wage so i work 2 jobs end of story there was no way i wanted to sell myself to the highest bidder who wanted my 6 grand...so i kept it in my pocket and got it at my local college for free

 

[Sintra]

If you mean, which airlines are employing people who've done the 18 month intensive course, most of them...

Of course these courses do involve many hours of actual flying in a vareity of aircraft, but all in a fairly controlled training environment. None of the "real life" flying experience that someone would have after doing a couple of thousand hours hopping between islands in single engine charter aircraft though.

You have said it yourself the fast track pilots course involves many hours of actual flying which in sparks terms relates to practical onsite experience.

 

[RWJ]

You have said it yourself the fast track pilots course involves many hours of actual flying which in sparks terms relates to practical experience.

Although the NICEIC seem to think they've invented a virtual training simulator.... So you only kill your virtual you not the real one.

 

[DNS1]

Re: How do I get into the trade?

i was unable to survive on an apprentice wage so i work 2 jobs end of story there was no way i wanted to sell myself to the highest bidder who wanted my 6 grand...so i kept it in my pocket and got it at my local college for free

Out of interest, what jobs are you doing? Sparks related?

To be honest (I don't want people to think I'm bragging), the £6k is not a big deal, as long as I can do my current job alongside. At the end of the day, the bits of paper will be the same whether they come from a fast track centre, or a local college.

 

[Sintra]

It's not all about the bits of paper the skill and experience gained onsite is invaluable.

 

[RWJ]

Re: How do I get into the trade?

Out of interest, what jobs are you doing? Sparks related?

To be honest (I don't want people to think I'm bragging), the £6k is not a big deal, as long as I can do my current job alongside. At the end of the day, the bits of paper will be the same whether they come from a fast track centre, or a local college.

Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural... oh and PAT Testing...... NOT DOMESTIC ANY MORE = Under cut by a DI

 

[DNS1]

It's not all about the bits of paper the skill and experience gained onsite is invaluable.

I'm sure it is... But we still come back to the same problem. You can only get that sort of experience if you can afford to work for pennies/free... Most of us can't...

 

[Spudnik]

Fellas,

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, however, this does not mean we have to start insulting each other.

I have closed countless threads in the past on this subject and i will do the same with this one if it goes the same as the others.

Peace.

 

[DNS1]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, however, this does not mean we have to start insulting each other.

I'm new here, so sorry if I've made any mistakes, but I've not noticed any insults. Don't think I've upset anyone and certainly not been upset myself by the opinions of those with more experience than me.

 

[Sintra]

Not aimed at you mate it's just that sometimes these threads get a bit heated. Express your views as that is what it is all about. Discussion.

 

[RWJ]

It aint the first as Jason said...... and it definitely will not be the last....

The apprentice served vs the 5day guys.... Least the 5 day guys never had to have their "bits" meggered as part of the training

 

[morph]

to be frank i think DNS is trying to wind you lot up, he only replies to those who disagree with his plans,

 

[JD6400]

It ain't the first as Jason said...... and it definitely will not be the last....

The apprentice served vs the 5day guys.... Least the 5 day guys never had to have their "bits" meggered as part of the training

They were the days !
Trouble is if we passsed on what we got then , they would have us inside for some of it !
I reckon it just ain't fair !

 

[Des 56]

If a very ill person required major surgery, and that person was given the opportunity to revue the qualifictions and experience of competing surgeons


They find that of the surgeons available in their area,both had identical paper qualifications,however, one was straight out of an intensive course where theory of surgery was explained to them, they noted and duly passed the exam,but had not yet had opportunity to put their new found knowlege into practice

The other surgeon had identical qualifications,gained whilst observing and assisting an experienced surgeon whilst seeing the relevance of the theory being put into practice
Only then,after having perhaps many years performing simillar operations with experience gained, after being taught all the operating table techniques and possible life threatening bad practices to be avoided was he equiped to go solo

If that patient did have information like that available,do we need to ask which surgeon would be best placed to carry out a successful procedure

The second surgeon would be best advised to work closely for a time with an experienced fellow, observing best practices and techniques, before taking the scalpel on his own to an unfortunate patient

The problem with not having whole world experiences, is that, where mistakes and bad practices are carried out,the person may not be aware that they are indeed "not the done thing",because he was never mentored otherwise

The comparison above does not preclude a surgeon, given all the time and on the job experience, still being a butcher though

 

[SparksWill Fly]

Interesting opinions. Keep em coming.

Oh and by the way.