what is going on?

[robbalaar86]

I was looking through jobs today as I like to keep an eye open for other jobs. I came across a job.

To my concern I found an installation electrician job with a salary for 16-19k.

The concerning thing was, this wasn't for any old two bit company. This was for the prison service.

If the prison service only think we are worth 16-19k why would any other companies think we are worth more?

 

[Tiny Spark]

Its the same everywhere bud.
Our most recent Spark was taken on at a measly 20K.
And they are currently advertising for a Tooling Technician for 15K!

It would appear nobody thinks engineers are worth anything these days.

 

[robbalaar86]

It is frustrating. Unskilled office workers earning more than skilled sparks is madness.

I'm a young lad and my opinion matters not, however would be nice to have a register with set wages that anybody employing an electrician has to adhere to.

I know there are jib rates etc. however my company do not adhere to it.

 

[Tiny Spark]

Know the feeling mate, theres admin staff earning more than me!
I spent 5 years in college and they just waltz in with their parker pen and briefcase earning a extra 6k really winds me up!

 

[robbalaar86]

I suppose it's just electrics though. 5 week course and you can be qualified now.

Sigh

 

[Tidy Max]

We need a couple of high profile deaths caused my 5wws or DIYers

 

[sledgehammer]

Errrr, bit drastic but I see your point. The only thing I find is, in my experience 90% of department managers are just not good at their job. We get hammered to perform but if it ain't managed, what's the point. To be more efficient financially lets pay the guys less to cover our f/ ups!!

 

[telectrix]

no. sack all managers and pay the sparks twice as much to manage the jobs properly.

 

[robbalaar86]

Agreed tel. Will never happen but spot on.

 

[t-s]

i am one of the new generation of sparks working for ****e money, £9ph no time and a half or double however do get personal use of the van. ive been in the trade 5 years now + 2 years college before that, worked in domestic commercial industrial good knowledge of motor control ect, i personally think im worth a lot more but im stuck because of my age, employers know people who have qualified during recession have no other choice. hopefully one day i will be paid more than a labourer

 

[SPARTYKUS]

i am one of the new generation of sparks working for ****e money, £9ph no time and a half or double however do get personal use of the van. ive been in the trade 5 years now + 2 years college before that, worked in domestic commercial industrial good knowledge of motor control ect, i personally think im worth a lot more but im stuck because of my age, employers know people who have qualified during recession have no other choice. hopefully one day i will be paid more than a labourer

I suspect with those quals you could earn alot more abroad, where the trade seems to still be respected.

 

[flyingsausage]

We need a couple of high profile deaths caused my 5wws or DIYers

If it could take out an actual MP that would be great,there is 650 they wouldn't miss one.
This might prompt some real action on the unskilled cowboys in our trade.

 

[flyingsausage]

i am one of the new generation of sparks working for ****e money, £9ph no time and a half or double however do get personal use of the van. ive been in the trade 5 years now + 2 years college before that, worked in domestic commercial industrial good knowledge of motor control ect, i personally think im worth a lot more but im stuck because of my age, employers know people who have qualified during recession have no other choice. hopefully one day i will be paid more than a labourer

Quite simply mate you need to look for another job,and the sooner the better as you don't want to be looking back in 10 years time and still working for the same mob.
I work with many sparks from the North East and they all make decent money.

 

[robbalaar86]

Yeah I'm in a similar boat it's not great.

However I've got out of domestics and gone into engineering as a trainee have bad days of course. On the whole though I love it.

 

[flyingsausage]

Reading this forum makes me think that there is no money and future in domestic work as there are plenty of cowboys to under cut you and do a job for next to nothing.