Wanting to get into site work UK

[Venomx1990]

Hi all, just looking for some advice about getting into site installation work.

Currently 32 yo, 1.5 years qualified gold card in electrical installation on a static site doing 3ph and single phase db's, tray, motors etc.

Just wondering how would I go about getting into site work?
Do I need to be self employed?
I am not very experienced with full containment so would it be ok to class myself as an improver??

The reason I want to get into it is to better myself and learn the containment skills, see different places and work maximum hours to earn more money for a mortgage deposit.
Any input/guidence from those within the work would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
V

 

[James]

gold card, 1.5 years experience.
i would not be listing my skills as "improver"
apply for some work in the places you would like to be working.
worst case is they say no thanks, however if you chat to them they will tell you what skills or qualifications you are missing.
most likely if you sell yourself instead of pointing out your flaws, you will get the job.

if they wont employ you directly and want you to be self employed, you will need liability insurance that will cost you in the region of £300 per year and will need to register as self employed.
neither of these things are difficult but you will have to fill in a tax return at the end of each year.

 

[Venomx1990]

Thanks james, I will take your advice I just didnt know if people on site would frown at not being able to do containment 'fast' etc.

Would applying to agencies get me through the door or are there big contractors that take on regularly??

Regards,
V

 

[rewireIT]

if they wont employ you directly and want you to be self employed, you will need liability insurance

I've not got any - i'm covered under whatever company i'm subbing for.

 

[rewireIT]

Thanks james, I will take your advice I just didnt know if people on site would frown at not being able to do containment 'fast' etc.

Would applying to agencies get me through the door or are there big contractors that take on regularly??

Regards,
V

Trust me, nothing on site is 'fast'.

You've got what looks like 'imposter syndrome' - you're fully qualified and shouldn't be touting yourself as an improver. You'll pick up containment in a week.

 

[James]

I've not got any - i'm covered under whatever company i'm subbing for.

Oh Sh13zzu, do not believe that for a minute.
their insurance is to cover claims against their company for damage, loss of life etc.
absolutely if there was a claim made they may end up paying it.
however, if they or anyone else decided that it was your fault, who do you think the main contractors insurance company is going after to recover the money?

unless I was an employee, (not a subcontractor) I would never work without liability insurance. A mistake on the job could cost you your house, car, savings, pension and leave you bankrupt.

 

[rewireIT]

Oh Sh13zzu, do not believe that for a minute.
their insurance is to cover claims against their company for damage, loss of life etc.
absolutely if there was a claim made they may end up paying it.
however, if they or anyone else decided that it was your fault, who do you think the main contractors insurance company is going after to recover the money?

unless I was an employee, (not a subcontractor) I would never work without liability insurance. A mistake on the job could cost you your house, car, savings, pension and leave you bankrupt.

It's in my contract that i'm covered under their insurance as if i were their employee.

 

[James]

Still wouldn’t believe it without a certificate of cover from the insurance company

 

[davesparks]

It's in my contract that i'm covered under their insurance as if i were their employee.

And you believe that?

Do you also believe that the earth is flat, the moon landings are fake, the king is a giant lizard in a human disguise and elvis is alive?

 

[rewireIT]

And you believe that?

Do you also believe that the earth is flat, the moon landings are fake, the king is a giant lizard in a human disguise and elvis is alive?

Not relevant what i believe, it's in black and white. Stuff written down on paper and signed tends to hold a bit of weight in a court. Either way i don't have insurance and i don't need it. If i do something that requires insurance intervention, i say 'nope, i'm covered by the contractors insurance, look at the contract i signed that states this.' If it turns out the contractor or some other party then can't claim that's their problem.

An ex-fiance was a contract lawyer. Trust me when i say what i've signed is legal and binding irrelevant of belief.

None of this also has anything to do with stuff burning down or people getting injured due to negligence. Insurance or no insurance is irrelevant in such situations.