Hanging up my toolbox

**jellen** · 19-05-2009

Well as we are all aware the economic downturn has hit us sparkys hard

I haven't had any proper work in the last two months, and as a result im considering leaving the trade all togather. It knocks me sick seeing adverts for 'electricians required' and the hourly rate is £5.50...WTF

I was on more than that as an apprentice 13 years ago..

Anyways rant over, I hope you guys are having more luck than myself.

Stay safe.

James

**acat** · 19-05-2009

Soy to hear you are in that situation why not get another job and work part time until things pick up again thats what I have done

Chris

**jellen** · 19-05-2009

was thinking of that, but the current situation has really knocked me, i've kind of lost faith in the trade

Will have to see waht happens

**Mr Brady** · 19-05-2009

Hey, Jellen, chin up! people will always need sparkies. 13 years of experience + quals. are not to be sniffed at, don't forget they are just cables they all need terminating at both ends, so what about data wiring, meter installs, security alarms etc. think of it as a sideways move, and the question that's often asked when you're in an office or house "Do you know of a good electrician"! and you say yeah, my identical twin I'll give him a call.

**jellen** · 19-05-2009

Originally Posted by Mr Brady

Hey, Jellen, chin up! people will always need sparkies. 13 years of experience + quals. are not to be sniffed at, don't forget they are just cables they all need terminating at both ends, so what about data wiring, meter installs, security alarms etc. think of it as a sideways move, and the question that's often asked when you're in an office or house "Do you know of a good electrician"! and you say yeah, my identical twin I'll give him a call.

LOL....

, The problem is that i do data and telecom installs, intruder alrarms, fire alarms. Not sure how the rest of the country is doing, but the other contractors i know in the liverpool area in the same boat.

I might become an escort....seeing as im a handsome

**bazza2541** · 19-05-2009

I know exactly how you feel, Brother Jellen.
There was a time when this trade was something to be proud of, when a spark could go into an empty room with a few lenghts of trunking, a hacksaw and a file and make magic, now with the dumbing down of the trade, 'be-an-electrician-in-three-days' courses, and apprentices more intrested in making text messages than good looking tray, there really isn't a whole lot to proud of anymore.
I'd follow your lead out of the trade, only it's all I know.
You have my sympathies.

**deakin09** · 19-05-2009

Hi James
Ever thought about being a electrical maintenance engineer in automation it’s not that much of a jump, and when the trade picks up again (which it will ) you can get back in to the trade again

Regards
chris

**Mr Brady** · 19-05-2009

I might become an escort....seeing as im a handsome

Hey don't waste that toolbox.... be a sparkie strippogram

hard hat, toolbelt, quick release overalls, was'nt the "full monty"
filmed in Liverpool?

**jellen** · 19-05-2009

Originally Posted by deakin09

Hi James
Ever thought about being a electrical maintenance engineer in automation it’s not that much of a jump, and when the trade picks up again (which it will ) you can get back in to the trade again

Regards
chris

haven't thought about that, what sort of exta quals will i need

Originally Posted by Mr Brady

Hey don't waste that toolbox.... be a sparkie strippogram

hard hat, toolbelt, quick release overalls, was'nt the "full monty"
filmed in Liverpool?

FPSML....Mr Brady you might have an idea there, striposparks

**deakin09** · 19-05-2009

Most of the places I’ve worked like to see that you having some sort of electrical qualification and more than 2 years experience in electrical applications, whether it be domestic, commercial installs or panel building so long as you no and understand the principals and that your not going to blow your self up

. If you have 17th edition would be an advantage as most maintenance engineers only have 16th edition.

And to be honest that’s how I became an electrical engineer I started on domestic installs but liked the Idea of automation, and I must say I love it and most place work a 4 on 4 off bases and up till recently I was doing some shop in stalls in my days off and a bit of pat testing.

chris