i'm a wanna be electrician - Electricians Forum | Electrical Forum | An electrical forum for electricians in the UK

redrob · 05-10-2008

Hi, I'm in need of a bit of advice. I am 35, and live in the Manchester area and i want to become a domestic electrician. I have looked at some home learning courses like the olci etc, but I'm not sure that £6000 is a wise investment when I am only doiny 25 days of practical learning. I have also looked at night school, although this is a lot cheeper, I don't know if I can wait 3 Years in my present job! I have asked a couple of local sparks about becoming a sparkys mate, but in the present climate theres not a lot happening.
I wanted to train as an electrician when I left school, but other opportunities came my way, which I now regret. Also I have a freind who is a Builder and he is encouraging me to do it becouse he needs an eletrician for some of his jobs.
So basically, do i go the quick and expensive route, or the take my time and hope I can join an electrician as a mate/ trainee as soon as poss.
Any advice will be very welcome.

Bane · 06-10-2008

If you've got 6k spare and are guaranteed a job then it may be worth considering it.

Personally I'm all for the college route whilst seeking employment as mate/labourer.

Speak to Shakey. He teaches these courses though he is based in Cardiff. Access Training Wales.

redrob · 06-10-2008

Many thnks Bane, I think its the best way too.

If anyone knows of someone who wants a trainee / mate, can you please contact me.

Many Thanks.

Bane · 06-10-2008

1) Get on Yell.com, pull out the Yellow Pages
2) Find, "Electricians" and "Electrical Contractors/Engineers"
3) Phone them. E-mail them your CV and covering letter. Visit them in person.
4) Once you've covered A-Z. Start again.
5) Visit electrical wholesalers and industrial estates with your CV (ask to place a notice for work wanted)
6) Visit building sites, ask around. Even if you get on as a labourer your 'in' and then you have access to all those other trades working on the site.

Keep us posted!

redrob · 07-10-2008

Thanks for the advice, I've started to send a few cv's out.

permalink · 09-10-2008

Welcome. Lots of good advice to be gained here so don't be shy

redrob · 09-10-2008

HI, thanks for the welcome.
I've been to all the local colleges that do the part time courses, and they are all booked up untill next year! With possibly one exeption, who many start a course in Feb 09 if they can get the numbers.
I don't know ifI can sit for a year doing nothing, nobody is going to employ me if I am not even on the course yet! So the home leaning course is starting to look a bit better.

wattsup · 10-10-2008

It took me 4 years to be an electrician on **** money, it used to be called an apprenticeship, now it cost £2000 or so in 6-months, sounds like a bargain to me, you will get that back with a couple of domestic rewires.

Aerlingus · 10-10-2008

A bit of useful information for you. Im not sure spending 6K on a course is very wise at the moment. What I would do if I was you, is to find an electrician and shadow or just labour for him/her. This way your gaining on the job experience and getting a good knowledge of basic electrical work. It doesnt have to be on a permanent basis, just say at a weekend or equivalent. Then when your ready or you think being an electrician is for you (it can be a very dirty job) then you should enroll for the 17th edition 2382 and although not compulsory 2392 inspection and test. I personally would go back in another 12 months to take your 2392 exam. This way your saving a load of cash and getting a better education than just being force fed information in a classroom for 6 weeeks, and at the end of the course you still could have not passed any exams. Good luck

Mike P · 10-10-2008

Welcome. I am sure there are pleanty of people just waiting for yor 6K.