What course?

[Skapa]

Hi, I'm an Spanish electrical engineer trying to survive in UK (I have been here just for two months), I'd like to know if it's useful, as an engineer, to do any of the City & Guilds electrical courses, and which one (there are a lot!!). I have bought the 17th edition of regulations and I'm reading them these days.

Any info will be grateful, I'm a little bit lost...

Thank you!!

 

[Jay Sparks]

As you say there are many courses available. The best thing to do, is ring your local college, tell them your experiance and qualifications and they should tell you what course(s) are best for you. But the 17th edition is a good start.

Jay

 

[ackbarthestar]

It depends what electrical work you are interested in.
As a start.
Domestic work would require you to be registered with an authorizing body which will be subject to our Part P of the Building Control regulations (2382-12, 2393)
Industrial / commercial work will need you to have the up to date British wiring regulations plus some evidence of inspection and testing. (2382-12, 2391)
Any office Design work you will most likely need a building services qualification to level 4 at least (2396)

If you have experience in the electrical industry then three courses will be of use

2382-12 .....BS7671 wiring regs
2391 (soon to become 2394,2395) .....Inspection and testing
2396 ..... Basic electrical design, certification and verification

 

[Skapa]

Thanks for replying Jay and ackbarthestar, I have two more questions, if you don't mind:

1. Can you tell me any electrical software which is used for designing installation in UK? I have found AMTECH, but I don't know if it is usual to use it here or there is another one better.

2. Apart from the 17th edition regulations, do you know any other important books for designing electrical installations? In Spain we use Schneider Electric publications, do you use them or any other books here?

I have worked designing and monitoring PV systems and other electrical installations (buildings, industries) for two years. After that I've worked for three years supervising building works in sewage treatment plants and developing projects as well, designing electrical and automation installations. I'd be interested in doing any kind of internship anywhere in UK (although I'm in the south now).

Thank you very much indeed.

 

[ackbarthestar]

AMTECH is a standard electrical design software used in this country

Schneider electrical is also one of the common manufacturers.
You could try Hager and Moller as well

For Electrical Engineering jobs have a look at The Institution of Engineering and Technology - The IET

 

[Skapa]

Thanks, I'll try in that webpage, although is difficult to find something without references in UK, that's why I don't mind to start as a volunteer.

 

[ackbarthestar]

Thanks, I'll try in that webpage, although is difficult to find something without references in UK, that's why I don't mind to start as a volunteer.

We're in Europe now all things are equal we are even thinking of ditching our Pièce de résistance, the ring final circuit configuration so that we can become fully integrated into the 'Euro-soup'

 

[Skapa]

Hahaha, I know here is complicated, but as you must know the economic situation in Spain is worse, nearly collapsed!!
This is a good forum, I think I can learn a lot, above all, about technical vocabulary.

 

[ackbarthestar]

Lol, By the time we've finished with you here, you will have all sorts of 'interesting' words that will raise the eyebrows of your prospective employers at interviews arty: :29: