Thinking About Returning to an Electrical Career

[TB1977]

Hi everyone,

I’m 47 years old and considering starting —or rather, returning to— an electrical career.

In 2005, I completed my university studies and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialisation in Power Engineering (equivalent to RQF Level 6). Unfortunately, circumstances led my professional career down a different path, and instead of working in a purely electrical field, I started in the industrial sector, but closer to electronics—as a Test Engineer, later moving into roles as a Quality Engineer and Quality Manager.

After more than 20 years working in large corporations, I’m growing increasingly tired of office-based work and the politics typical of global companies. Since I have a solid understanding of electrical work from my studies, professional experience, and numerous DIY projects, I’ve decided to initially try working as an electrician in my spare time—offering smaller domestic electrical services in the evenings and weekends. If all goes well, I may eventually transition into running my own business full-time.

My plan is to start by taking the following courses:

• 18th Edition (C&G 2382-22) – course and exam
• Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391-52) – course only, as a refresher to stay proficient in performing EICRs
• Part P Domestic Installer (C&G 2393-10) – course and exam, to eventually join a CPS and self-certify notifiable work

I would really appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Best regards,
Tom

 

[plugsandsparks]

Its similar to what i did. I did an apprenticeship between 1979-1984, but after taking my degree went a different route from 1986 to 2010. Around 2008 created 2 businesses "Mobile Computer Repair" & "Plugs and Sparks" - For 2 years, in my spare time, i tested the market and found that the most satisfying and consistent earnings came from Electrical work. In 2010 i left my employer and started on my own, did similar courses to yours and joined NAPIT.
I found actually i did not like domestic work and concentrated on Commercial and Industrial as it suited my skill set and built a strong client base. In the early years i also sub-contractor to a couple of industrial specialist installers of water treatment plant and industrial processing plant.

I dropped out of NAPIT as i have since ceased all Domestic work.

I also added Commercial / Industrial Natural Gas and RGas (A/C) to my lot so i can offer a complete set of services to Commercial Clients.

Suggestions: At your age, Commercial /Industrial, the sector really does need competent, mature people. Small and Medium sized businesses are in the most need.
Build up a pot for cashflow (i needed around £15K)
Go limited and VAT reg from day 1 , if going down the Comm/Ind route
I found door knocking with a simple leaflet quite effective for marketing. ( i also used family members to help with leaflet dropping)
Word of mouth is also very powerful.

After 15 years: I have the following jobs on the go:
1. Private LV Switchroom and plant distribution - client originally came from word of mouth.
2. 40 KVA UPS Install, client originally came from a personal leaflet drop
3. Upgrade to high speed internet, firewalls and switches, client originally came from a leaflet drop in newspaper.
4. Warm air heater fault - on my way now........ client came from leaflet drop.
5. EICR's to 4 industrial units, client came from word of mouth.

Good luck, there's plenty of work for the rights skills...

 

[TB1977]

Thank you @plugsandsparks for your reply. I'm going to test the market first as well for some time before I decide to leave my employer.

Interestingly, when I asked NICEIC and NAPIT what courses I need to do to be able to join Competent Person Scheme they insist I need to obtain Level 3 NVQ first, regardless my degree in Electrical Engineering which is Level 6 RQF. This sounds sick to me.

I would understand they require some hands-on experience, however spending over 4 years on uni and learning about power generation, distribution, electrical safety, metrology, electrical machines and power trains, electrical installation, automation, God knows what else and finally doing specialisation in Municipal and Industrial Electric Power Engineering is worth less than NVQ L3 (an equivalent of A-Level or B-TEC)???

 

[plugsandsparks]

It appears to have changed as NAPIT accepted 2391, 17th , i could not produce my original EITB stuff from 1980 (never thought i would ever need it, lol) but it was no sweat.

I think they have just defaulted to the latest "standard" i.e. NVQ3 plus AM2.

The 2391 (s) are worth it,

 

[TB1977]

It appears to have changed as NAPIT accepted 2391, 17th , i could not produce my original EITB stuff from 1980 (never thought i would ever need it, lol) but it was no sweat.

I think they have just defaulted to the latest "standard" i.e. NVQ3 plus AM2.

The 2391 (s) are worth it,

Well, doing NVQ3 in my situation with full time employment, and first of all at my age, would be crazy.

I can’t find if having passed Part P, I would be entitled to do notifiable works, like CU replacement, and pay LBC for inspection.

Do you think 2391(s) is worth to do with the exam or just training course?