Starting from the begining?

[jason-567]

Hello my name is Jason I am a 20 year old from Lancaster and am looking into getting into the electrician trade and was wondering how is the best way to go about it. But seeing what has happens to access 2 trade careers I don't want to study at home. A few points to make
I don't mind the location
Studying days or nights are good
Money isn't a problem as long as they don't want one big lump sum
I am looking to start ASAP
Thanks for taking time to read this any help/advice is appreciated
Jason

 

[acat]

What type of electrician do you want to be domestic only or commerical or both.

The next question you need to ask yourself is given the current climate and the amount of people on here who are already qualified looking for work do you have the money to go self employed if you dont get a job.

Bit gloomy I know but its reality and you wont get that from a college.

Best of luck


Chris

 

[Victorcrane]

Sad to agree with Acat but it's not a great time right now. I completed my 2330 level 3 last june, took me three months to find work and now despite passing my AM2 last month I'm still having to work very very long hours and do 400 - 500 miles per week for a measly £18,500. Three years back when I started the course I was earning more working unqualified as a mate.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, just saying be prepared. The days of sparks walking off one job in the morning and into another one the same afternoon are well and truly over.

 

[jason-567]

Yeh I am looking to be domestic AND commercial electrician I know the time is not great but hopefully by the time I am finished training it will look a little better. I already have basic knowledge, I just need to know where to start really.
Jason

 

[acat]

Domestic is the quicker of the two then at least you can learn while you earn for the rest probably best to go to a college after the domestic bit.


Chris

 

[Adam W]

It seems the 'best' way to get into the trade is to fall into it accidently, otherwise i would suggest asking around family and friends to find an electrician who needs a mate.
If that fails get the Yellow pages out and start calling all the electrical contractors in your area; if they say no try to get a contact name and write them a letter explaining your situation. Then you could try putting an advert on Gumtree.co.uk or leaving flyers in local electrical wholesalers.

From what I've heard the electrical course is changing from September so you will need to be already in the trade before you start college - apparently it will be called 'City & Guilds 2357'. The best place to do this will be at your local college rather than one with a fancy name.
The first year (of 3 or 4) will probably cost upwards of £600 but you might be able to pay that in installments or if you're really lucky your employer might offer to pay for it.

Like others have said there isn't a lot of work around atm, but hopefully things will pick up soon =)
Good luck.

 

[jason-567]

Looks like I am going to have to pick up the phone when I know where I will be.
Another question do we have trade schools here like in America and if so would this be a good way to do things? But I don't mean one of those study at home things.