which course?

[surrytom]

this is a question that has probably been asked a thousand times and more than likely has a thousand answers!
Im currently a PAT engineer,i also test emergency lighting and fire alarms.
I want to move on with a career as an electrician,pref a domestic installer-i have the money for a course but it is an absolute minefield by the looks of things!

basically i want to know which courses to do,who is good at providing them and if they really do offer the opportunity of gaining a career as an electrician or am i going to be lumbered with a qualification of no substance,i fully understand it is up to the individual to put in the work and build up their skills.
also do employers take these intensive qualifications seriously?
i know this is alot and any help,advice or experiances will be gratefully received.
Tom

 

[Adam W]

Domestic installers often work for themselves so you'd only need enough qualifications to satisfy your scheme provider.
Empolyers don't generally take on people who have 'fast tracked' into other careers, so why would they a domestic installer?

The best thing to do would be to go to your local college and ask about ciry & guilds 2357.
Also be careful about using the term "PAT engineer" around here!

 

[surrytom]

thanks for your reply and info-i shall look around for the course you suggest.
Not sure what you mean by me using the term PAT engineer?

 

[Adam W]

The term "engineer" infers posession of a degree or equivalent in engineering, while C&G 2377 lasts 2 days with a multiple guess test where you have the answers in a book in front of you.

 

[surrytom]

the definition of an engineer can be many things-one such is a person responsible for maintaing,repairing and servicing of machinery,it is also someone who applies mathematical and scientific principles to practical ends.

PAT testing can be used as part of a structured maintenance program and the use of Ohms law and other rules are often used in testing.

Although i fully agree that PA testing isnt rocket science,i do think it needs a certain standard of education and practical know-how.the 2 day course is a C&G level 3 certificate with an open book multiple choice exam at the end-the structure of the questions does not always follow the code of practice and their is an element of mathematical problems where the answers are not in the book.

I think most electricians scorn upon us testers but i dont mind as it keeps me really busy and in work,it has also given me the desire to move forward and become fully qualified as i have seen(and failed) some bad work by people more qualified than myself.I never pretend to be anything im not and always leave the serious stuff to the proffesionals.
thanks again for the course info
Tom