I Need Work Wanted - Trainee sparky job near Stevenage

[Paul284]

Hello again everybody,

I'm 33 years old and looking to retrain from a mind numbing office job. I did some building work back when I left school and I've always wanted to get back into it. Well, at the ripe old age of 33, it's now or never.

I have a loose plan in place to get qualified. That is to start with the Health and Safety course so I can get an ECS card (probably labourers to start). This actually flags up my first problem as you can't get the card without being employed within a sparky company, equally I'm not a strong candidate for a job if I can't enter a building site working with a sparky.

After or whilst getting the ECS card I have identified C&G 2365 Level 2 ad Level 3 to learn as a distance learning/weekend course. This would then set me up to get an NVQ Level 3. The NVQ level 3 seems to be the point where I can really excel as a qualified sparky.

Of course this whole process isn't easy will take at least a couple of years, and the hardest bit by far is finding someone to 'take a chance' on me as a trainee.

So, if anyone reading this is in a position to advise me, talk to me about a possible job role, or knows someone who might be able to help, please let me know.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

 

[Marti]

Had this problem when I started. ECS appears designed to be obstructive. The basic Electrical Labourer's card (brown strip to reinforce your status didn't require an employer's name. Everything about ECS is designed to frustrate-just keep going; even when you are at college the Labourer card will do. When you pass; don't be surprised when there's no easy way to request the card on their website; just email them.

 

[Madocks]

All the best with your venture, are you on a decent salary? could you drop to apprentice wage?

 

[Paul284]

Had this problem when I started. ECS appears designed to be obstructive. The basic Electrical Labourer's card (brown strip to reinforce your status didn't require an employer's name. Everything about ECS is designed to frustrate-just keep going; even when you are at college the Labourer card will do. When you pass; don't be surprised when there's no easy way to request the card on their website; just email them.

Yeah, I’ve had another think, I’m just going to pass the H&S assessment then if/when I’m offered a job I’ll be able to apply for the card straight away. By the time I’ve completed a 4 week notice period at work I should have the card

 

[Paul284]

All the best with your venture, are you on a decent salary? could you drop to apprentice wage?

I’m not on a great salary at the moment. I’ve worked my way up from a factory shop floor. I’ve been in the offices for a year now so still a fair way to go for a big wage. I do look at electricians wages on job ads and a qualified electrician is on more than me. I can afford to take a low wage for a couple of years.
Due to the stores/factory background I’m also looking for jobs at electrical supply shops, that way I’ll see all the new developments and current parts used by tradesmen. Also I’ll get to meet all the local sparks

 

[Madocks]

Perhaps apply for an apprentiship? have a look at the JIB apprentice wage levels

 

[Paul284]

I think for now I'd be better to get the city and guilds qualifications then apply for a trainee role. I would apply for an apprentice position but people tend to go straight to colleges for apprentices as far as I know.
I think I'll try find a local sparky that would be happy for a free pair if hands to help on a few Saturdays too. That way I can get a bit more practical experience.
Thanks for the suggestions