Where do I stand on my quals?

[number79]

First post after a few days reading and I figure it just easier to ask the question.

I did a BTEC ONC in electrical and electronic engineering in the army. On an upgraders course I also completed a number of higher modules and should have completed my advanced modern apprenticeship.

I never completed the paper work for the modern apprenticeship as my wife had a miscarriage and I had a row with the civy instructor who was being a complete nob so even though it was a given for time served, I only recently found out that it wasnt completed when trying to chase up the certificate.

I did get the nvq3 in engineering maintenance out of it though from eal.

On resettlement (7 years ago) I did some installation courses, 16th edition regs and 2391.

Since then I have done 17th edition regs, some other junk like pat testing and am HV authorised having done the full ap course.

Obviously I am lacking the 236 parts one and two but it hasnt been a problem during the last 7 years.

I dont do any real installation and am maintenance and was looking to finish my HNC but am beginning to think that I should be looking to go back and do the 236, can it be done by distance learning anywhere? Is it worth me doing?

Also there is a lot of chatter about NVQ3 being a minimum requirement from next year for being a qualified supervisor. Is that the NVQ3 that I got doing the modern apprenticeship or something else?

Thanks

 

[number79]

I know that this isnt a dead forum because I see regular replies.

I just want answers and replies.

I dont know where to go or what to do.

I did try to strike out on my own once, I paid for niceic registration but I was scratching around for work. I finally got enough jobs that they could look at but a customer said no. Then I had them but they were too far apart. Then I was asked to pay for membership again and said f**k off. I couldnt get the right mix of jobs (not being registered and having to pay out for some **** that doesnt even have his 2391 to say that my work is ok) but my customers kept sayin "no".

They just dont want people in their houses or looking at their stuff.

I offereed one bird £100 if she would let them inspect but that was a no go too.

WTF do I do?

 

[ExArmy]

what sort of NVQ is it you got? it should be city and guilds 2356 L3 Electrical Installation. regarding you technical cerificates (the 2360 parts you are referring to) they were replaced by the 2330 qualification levels 2 & 3 and as of next year(march 12) they will cease to exist alltogether and to get technical certificates you will need to do the new diploma (C&G 2357) qual which is basically tech certs level 2 & 3 and the NVQ L3 rolled into one qualification with a bit more stuff about renewable energies. but to be honest i don't think you really need bother with them if you just intend on going on your own.
what were you in? royal engineers by any chance?
oh and about the army not sending off for certificates, apparently that happens alot so they can save money. i had to re apply for my basic quals whilst doing my upgraders as they never sent the forms off for a 3 year period whilst i did my basic course unless you chased it up. seems civvy quals don't realy matter to the army they just want you to do the work. can you not chase it up with the centre you did your training at and find out why you didn't get your certs?
also sounds like you were messed about by NICEIC, why not try ELECSA i know a part time sparks that has very few jobs and got on ok with them.

 

[number79]

I was REME and my onc was electrical/electronic but primarily electronic.

The nvq3 was in Engineering maintenance which I now know is different to the nvq3 in installation that is going to become the standard.

I have been in maintenance for the last 6 years so havent been using the regs or doing install work which would make sailing through elecsa registration an unlikely prospect.

I am not sure that I want to go it alone anymore, maint is far less hassle than domestic work but what concerns me is that if it becomes an industry standard to have the nvq3 to be considered an electrician then will it block all future jobs across the board for anyone without?

I looked at doing the 2360/2330, the cost of the courses wasnt a problem and nor was the course - it was not having the time because of full time employment. That is why I would rather complete my hnc given the choice, because I can do it distance learning.

I found out why I didnt get my advanced modern apprenticeship or certs - they didnt register me, the candidate number shows as unfinished.

 

[ExArmy]

i think there are some places that still do 2330 by distance learning. i remember looking into last year i think it's abaout a grand for each level, so £2000 in total. City and Guilds 2330 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Level 2 - Distance Learning
last year I did level 3 2330 at college one day a week, and whilst there took all the exams for level 2 2330 so got them both done in one year and the college fees were cheaper (£630 odd for L3 and £50 for L2 exams) but the lost earnings for 40 days at work that i missed add up to £2750 over the year.
so taking time off work is the more expensive option but i think you learn more when your in a classroom being taught it. also going to college one day a week seems to break the week up, i used to look forward to an easy day indoors as opposed to hard graft outside in the wind/cold/rain or whatever.
or theres always evening classes if your local college does them?

 

[pineappletree]

Ok, what is it your exactly looking to do because as far as i can see you seem to have most of what you need already. It would be an advantage getting the 2330 or whatever the new qualification is but as far as i can see you dont actually need it. Have you been in contact with JIB and see what they say? From what i can see the only thing you actually need is the AM2 because i think the BTEC ONC is classed as an equivalent, but then thats something only JIB can tell you. As long as you can get a JIB card then you wont have any problems getting any sort of work so my advice is to take it up with them and see what they say