Hello Mst.
I was in a class of ten, half of them working with electrical installation on a full time basis, a site 'foreman', kitchen fitters etc, and a bloke that could not speak hardly any english.
I had already paid @£395 + £995. to join the NIC. And spent £650 on a fluke 1653. (new business bank loan and all that
)
On the first morning we were assured of passing.
The first three and a half days were spent viewing a slideshow and talking through the simple notes that we had been given. Whilst doing this, various questions from the class arose and were explained.
On the Thursday afternoon we moved on to testing, and, due to some of the class having never ever done any testing, this became somewhat more complicated than you would believe.
Friday morning and a quick run through some of the answers to the test verbally.Then,we were then each given a test meter and a mock up board with a CU, socket and light+ switch. The tutor then took about an hour to show us how physically to carry out the required tests. No explanation of the results of the testing at all.
As the tutor popped out to get the exam papers ready, he suggested we " play about" with the test equip that we were all handed for half an hour or so. (I was certain that someone was going to zapp themselves, but the bloke next to me couldn't work out how to set his meter up for IR testing, so I was safe on that side
).
The assessment was another kettle of fish, I worked with another bloke who walked the assessor through our 2 jobs needed for inspection. He was asked about testing at great depth, but has very sound knowledge of testing so he was ok. (I personally am not competent at testing.).
However, we failed due to;
1. No PI labels on CU's
2. 2 x mains voltage fans in zone1
( I know, I know )
3. A new towel rail had been fitted (after we had gone) and was not bonded. (Even though we told him it was an extra that were unaware of, he still noted it )
Anyways the outcome is that I have given up doing any electrical work. For the past few years another bloke used to test and cert my work, and I had enough work to keep 2 men going full time, I have explained to customers and builders that I worked for that I am no longer working and have not touched a bit of cable since.
I have worked as an electricians 'mate' for 20yrs now, ( long time eh ?) mainly on non domestic projects, and thought I would give it a shot starting up a little company.
Maybe I was the Numpty though !!!
And most importantly, yes the grub was good.
I this proves helpful to you.
