New career

**Robbo007** · 11-04-2011

Hi everyone!

This is my first post so please go easy

I've decided that I want a change of career and become an electrician.
I currently work 9 to 5 in an office, but I feel that now is the time to move onto something more hands-on and challenging aswell as enjoyable and lucrative.

Im hoping to get pointed in the right direction of where to begin in and which course to take. I've heard that the C&G qualifications are the main ones to take, so if anyone can advise me on how and what then I'd really appreciate it.

I live in Essex, so a course somewhere in the county would be ideal as well as part time and in the evening.

Thanks!!

**malcolmsanford** · 11-04-2011

I'll just say welcome to the forum

**paul.m** · 11-04-2011

Talk to your local tech colleges about evening courses. It won't happen over night but nothing worth while dose. Before jumping into this do a job search with the quals you will be getting. You will find it very hard to get employment. Loads of sparks out of work atm.

Ps welcome

**bright spark01** · 11-04-2011

i would say its the wrong time for a career change as there is not too much work for electricians out there at least in n.ireland anyways. just saying think before you walk from a secure job but goodluck!

**Robbo007** · 11-04-2011

Thanks guys for the welcome.

Why are there alot of them out of work then?
Surely there must be people out there who need there electrics fixed...???

**elektrisien** · 11-04-2011

I checked on the internet and there are more than enough jobs for electricians. Of course, if you are out in the sticks, you wont have much luck. But in London there are many big sites, and quite a few that will go live soon. Also maintenance is always an option.
One of my friends is starting to work for himself and he is doing quite well, and he is a foreigner !
Another that works for himself, bought a brand new BMW convertible. Another that is doing cabling has 6 jobs live, at the moment and still he is doing surveys.
So clearly, if you are in the right place, you work hard, you can make it ! But you must be pro-active and work for yourself.

**Adam W** · 11-04-2011

Welcome to the forum!

**Robbo007** · 11-04-2011

Cool!

I've made an appointment to see a careers advisor from New Careers Services whose coming over to see me (for no charge and obligation to sign or pay etc) on Wednesday. They were really helpful over the phone and said they will sit down and discuss the course and the details etc, plus the next stages. Lets see how it goes and I'll let you know!

**MrEnigma** · 11-04-2011

who are new careers services?? and what can they do that you cannot? Barking and Dagenham college do the courses. Southend college does too

**Penance** · 11-04-2011

Originally Posted by Robbo007

Cool!

I've made an appointment to see a careers advisor from New Careers Services whose coming over to see me (for no charge and obligation to sign or pay etc) on Wednesday. They were really helpful over the phone and said they will sit down and discuss the course and the details etc, plus the next stages. Lets see how it goes and I'll let you know!

They will send a sales man who will fill you with promises of 50k a year jobs.
Do yourself a favour, cancel the sales man and go see your local college.

**Johnny-G** · 11-04-2011

Whatever you do, don't leave your current job until you've done all the courses you want to do, then reassess whether you can actually get a new career.

**paul.m** · 11-04-2011

Originally Posted by Penance

They will send a sales man who will fill you with promises of 50k a year jobs.
Do yourself a favour, cancel the sales man and go see your local college.

Well said penance.

When I said before that good things don't happen over night, it looks like it will for the salesman! The OP calls a training centre Monday afternoon and someone is coming around Wednesday evening. That's quicker than a double glazing salesman.