Work Experience: (What to do and and what not to do)

[Jay 1987]

Hello everybody,

I have been offered a few days work as an domestic electrical labourer, within the next few weeks. I would like to hear from some experienced sparks about Do’s and Dont’s!!

This is my first job onsite !

Thanks, jay

 

[MDJ]

Get some gloves and a dusk mask, I have a feeling you will be chasing out walls and not much else

 

[Richard Burns]

Well done on getting a start, it can be a bit daunting starting on site.

Make sure you know what you are expected to provide, most power tools should be available but basic hand tools and basic PPE may be expected to be provided by you. On a practical basis you will probably be expected to know exactly what to do even though this is not at all likely to be the case.
Do take in everything that is said and (watching out for the practical jokes) do what you have been asked.
If you are not sure then do ask before you jump in because mistakes are easier to resolve beforehand rather than after. However when asking a question do think about it first and see if you can have a potential answer already. e.g. you have asked me to chase floor to ceiling at this point but I think I will hit the water pipe, would it be OK to be 300mm to the left ?
Be prepared to do the messy jobs and stick with it, but do not get taken for a ride.
Find out who will be prepared to answer questions but remember that everyone else has their jobs to do as well.

Good luck and work hard and I hope it all goes well for you.

 

[Jay 1987]

Thanks guys

 

[JAWS]

Good Luck Jay and congrats

 

[Nigel]

You should not be expected to provide your own PPE so do not worry. It is the legal responsibility of your employer to provide this. Even as wotk experience, legally they are your employer.

If you are not 15 minutes early you are late. If you are expected to be in site for 08:00 that means on site and ready to work. Not just turned up with 15 minutes of stuff to sort.

Check transport times as ‘the bus was late’ will not cut it.

Dress professionally and fit for the job. Do not turn up looking scruffy but equally do not turn up over-dressed.

Ask questions and always look busy. If there is nothing to do go fet a broom or ask aomeone for a task.

Nobody is expecting anything more than a good attitude from you so this is the most important thing.

Do not fall asleep or look like you will.

Do not ask what time you will be leaving.

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback at the end of the day.

Enjoy.

 

[telectrix]

Oh, NO. I've agreed with essex again. must be getting soft..

 

[Nigel]

Almost forgot the most important thing:

Do not even touch your phone unless it is an agreed break.

 

[baldelectrician]

Always be looking for something to do
If there appears nothing to do then tidy up, or ask your tradesperson what they want to do next

 

[Jay 1987]

Thanks guys a lot of helpful information!

 

[uksrevivor]

Try and be always one step ahead of the spark who you are helping by looking at what he is doing. Be onsite before him in the morning and as others have said be prepared. Never feel embarrassed to ask questions as this is how you will learn but if you are in a domestic property do not ask questions if he is talking to to his customer i.e the homeowner ask the questions when he is on his own. Be honest if you are asked to do something you have not done before inform them you have not done it before and need advice/help.
They will know it is your first time onsite if they dont tell them and be prepared to work hard. You have a great chance as it is really hard to get a start so enjoy it.
To put it bluntly work hard ask questions and you will probably reap the rewards.
Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.

 

[SparkyChick]

All I have to say is... all very good advice, but ffs you lot missed out the most important advice... the boss likes her coffee black, no sugar

p.s. yes there was some chasing, but not a lot

 

[Jay 1987]

Guys thank you for all your support!!

Just want to say the work experience went very well I have a new found confidence to know that there are people out there that will give you a chance!

Taking on a complete novice is more than just a bit of work experience. It goes deeper than that, a lot deeper!

Pros about this week.......

I learnt about different earthing systems

TT

TNS

T N C S

I chased walls @MDJ then wired sockets and fixed them to the wall

I experienced drilling a 16mm hole from a kitchen to a living room

I earthed/bonded a water pipe

Wrestled with 16mm SWA

Drilled multiple holes through brick to connect data cable to the wall for external lighting and cctv

Wired up the external light

Received help with my electrical theory


And had a host of private conversations about the reality of being a spark!!

Cons

It’s come to a end for now

Pulling up to a new build house and being told you have to drill through their pretty bricks was nerve racking to say the least however when I got started nerves died down!

Conclusion

All in all i appeal to the more experienced sparks..... if and when someone you know requires a chance on the tools, if you can please give them a chance!

On Wednesday, which was day 3 of my work experience. I went to college in the evening after being on the tools, and my confidence in the workshop was elevated. We are currently working with 10mm SWA with tray work and I had been working with 16 mm SWA on the job we were working on!! Let’s just say the 10 mm got man handled

No seriously, please please please give trainees a chance, it would be good in the future if on this forum there was a place specifically for those who need a day or two on the tools! With a competent spark! It really is a game changer!!

Anyway take care guys and thanks for your support

And to a special somebody, words cannot express my gratitude....... you know who you are !

 

[uksrevivor]

Brilliant feedback and glad it all went well and fair play to the electrician who gave you the experience and chance to build your confidence. Good luck for the future.

 

[MDJ]

Thanks for coming back and updating us, I am chuffed to bits you are getting stuck in, great news.