ADVICE - BECOMING AN ELECTRICIAN

Belboz · 11 Jun 2008

Sorry to post on here as it's not really a 'wiring' question but I would appreciate any advice.

I am somewhat confused over what is the correct route to becoming a qualified electrician. There appears to be a million different courses about from NVQs to C&Gs and anywhere in between.

What is the preferred/best route, starting from scratch??

I have a fair bit of knowledge in the area but no formal qualifications in electrical work and I am considering this as a trade for when I retire.

I've seen a few 'quick-fix' courses which compress it all into a few weeks but I am sure this is not the way to go if I want to learn it properly.

I was looking at plumbing but the advice on here and from mates who are plumbers is not to bother as they are ten a penny. Would like to think you're not going to tell me the same about sparks!!!

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many Thanks.

ezekiel · 11 Jun 2008

city & guilds 2330 level 2 (2 years part time at college) costs about £300 per year

am2 practical tests costs about £500

you can follow this with a third year at college for level 3 which you need if you want to progress onto nvq 3

nvq3 costs about £500

17th edition wiring regs cost about £200

2391-01 Inspection & Testing cost about £400

then part p & certify with niceic etc if you wish to self certify costs about a million quid

Belboz · 11 Jun 2008

Many Thanks.

Fortunately, this forum has pointed me to a site where the 17th is only £55. I assume this would be the best place to start - i.e. getting the book.

Will have to look at courses for the 2330 near me.

I assume these 'quick-fix' courses which compress it all are not all they seem?

chessspy · 11 Jun 2008

Hi, Bellboyz,
If you plan on being a site sparky, you first need to practice getting a joiner to put a temporary door on a room to secure it, (to keep the wires and suff in)
Then you send in an apprentice to put a temporary supply on to the room.
Then,
A kettle,
Several comfy chairs, and a wire coil for the lad to sit on
A table

Belboz · 11 Jun 2008

chessspy said:
Hi, Bellboyz,
If you plan on being a site sparky, you first need to practice getting a joiner to put a temporary door on a room to secure it, (to keep the wires and suff in)
Then you send in an apprentice to put a temporary supply on to the room.
Then,
A kettle,
Several comfy chairs, and a wire coil for the lad to sit on
A table

And not forgetting the plumber's apprentice to put temporary cold water pipe and tap in to fill said kettle!!!!!!!!!!!! [but then I can do that one!]

Click-Sure · 11 Jun 2008

You may also wish to consider NVQ 2 in leaving bits of insulation and copper wire around your work area.

This goes on to a NVQ Level 3, but you need to work with cables with sharp armour/sheilding like SWA and SY cables a lot to get that!

(yes, I know thats not a C-S original, but I nearly wet myself when i read it in the trade talk forum)

Belboz · 11 Jun 2008

Thanks for the replies thus far.

I assume then that becoming a sparks means not having to carry a dustpan and brush!!!!!

Click-Sure · 11 Jun 2008

dustpan and brush?

Strange concept to me. Maybe you should post about that in the Painting and Decorating forum...

oharaf · 11 Jun 2008

If it helps heres how I have done it.

Firstly forget buying yourself THE BIG RED REGS just yet!

I started 2330 2 nights a week a year ago in Sept. 1 night theory 1 night practical.

I flogged my guts out and managed to do the whole of level 2 in that year, hard work but satisfying!!!

Started Level 3 this Sept, finished that in 4 months (bloody hard work)

Sitting 17th in 2 weeks

Got as much experience in the trade as I could possibly get, mainly working with little bro. who is qualified

Quit my £45K teaching job in Feb and now working for myself

Best bloody move ever!!!

Get into a college NOW talk to them, try and make contact with someone in the trade and get some experience, or apply for a mates job, this will help you gain a place on the course, some colleges very picky and you must already be 'working' in the trade

BOL

Chivers7 · 11 Jun 2008

I've done 16th edition (will no doubt have to upgrade this soon) and also Testing & Inspecting 2391 which was quite tough and hoping to pick up some electricians mates work to learn the trade the hard way. But I am doing this so I can retire not when I retire

ezekiel · 11 Jun 2008

could easily of done a 4 week wonder course, but now im onto my 3rd year and looking back can say it was def better option

holmslaw · 11 Jun 2008

chessspy · 11 Jun 2008

I think I detect a ripe gleaning ground for the Bretheren of the Wall here!
The wall exists wether you believe in it or not!

Not so much a religion, more a bunch of cults.

diynot

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ADVICE - BECOMING AN ELECTRICIAN

holmslaw

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