Working part time until I get nvq3??

[Add1979]

Hi guys
Just want people's views if what I'm considering doing is doable
I am wanting to get my nvq3 but currently out of the trade .
I have got previous experience - 8 yrs and c&g 2360 parts 1 and 2.

I want to do 2 days a wk electrical as a mate/improver so I can get my nvq3
Either working for free or on a low wage .
Only 2 days a wk until I get nvq3 so I can carry on in my other job (Not electrical) 3 days a wk so I can earn what I need.

Do you think this will be achievable to do part time until I get nvq3 or is it a case of all or nothing that companies will want.
Once I have nvq3 I would intend to do full time
Thanks

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

It is possible but it ultimately comes down to whether you will do sufficient jobs and of sufficient variety to satisfy the NVQ portfolio requirements.. others will be best placed to advise on that as I never went down the NVQ route myself.

 

[casperLennon]

What did you do if you didn’t do nvq3?

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

What did you do if you didn’t do nvq3?

Got a job gaining lots of hands on experience doing social housing and commercial refurbs then fitting out cafes, pubs, chain restuarants etc. I got my 2365 L2 and 17th paid for when I left the forces and I started as an electricians mate for want of a better word and completed the L3 2365 and my 2394 whilst working. Then ended up going self employed. The lack of NVQ means i cant get a JIB card but its not needed for what I do now. I do 90% domestic 10% light commercial such as shops etc... Registered with a scheme to notify jobs where needed. It all comes down to what you want to do and whether the nvq is needed now or might be needed in the future?

 

[Toneyz]

Gavin, when you say you can't get JIB card do you mean the ESC card?

 

[casperLennon]

OK I see. Excellent

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Gavin, when you say you can't get JIB card do you mean the ESC card?

Yes, I could get the trainee one or labourer but when i said jib card I meant the jib/esc gold card for installation electrician, I could I suppose do the mature entry route nvq and am2 but dont think the benefits would justify the expense in my case. As the work i do doesnt really require it

 

[Toneyz]

Yes, I could get the trainee one or labourer but when i said jib card I meant the jib/esc gold card for installation electrician, I could I suppose do the mature entry route nvq and am2 but dont think the benefits would justify the expense in my case. As the work i do doesnt really require it

Then that's a fair point if you are not going to a site that requires it then why pay out the expense, but I think that you would get one with your qualifications.

 

[MJPD29]

Will you get sufficient experience that way? You can have the nvq level 3 but possibly not the knowledge yo carry out the job properly, there seems to be a lot of qualified people who are like that at the minute

 

[NDG Elecs]

NVQs are a load of carp imo. Smile for the camera whilst you hold a hacksaw against some SWA. I pointedly refused to go that route due to the exorbitant fees for the alleged qualification...A better and more fair way would be to attend a centre for one day, show them the various skills and competences first hand. No need for +2K in costs, should be </= 400 nicker!

By the way I am not trying to put Add1979 off doing it, for some it is the only viable route perhaps.

 

[Tes369]

Unless you have a JIB card (A trade card) with installation electrician written on it your not an electrician...

This is not my opinion but just the general consensus I've experienced from other electricians and other trades after working on sites for 20+ years.

If you want to work on bigger jobs like Nuclear Power stations, Biomass Powerstations, Rail, MOD, BAE, Astra Zeneca, Google Data Centres, London Under Ground, etc etc

You need a JIB card with installation Electrician written on it. It opens up more job prospects and it's surprising how even Joe public knows about JIB cards.

On a few sites ive been on there's even a kind of animosity towards Electricians without a JIB card. Like those that have worked hard being an apprentice/adult trainee to get one...etc

This is just what I've experienced I've met very good electricians without JIB and some pretty cr#p ones that are JIB and vice versa..

I worked with a electricians mate in Bristol who was working with his son who's never been to college. Who is better than most electricians on site with containment because it's all he's ever known everyone was telling him to go to college.

Cheers