Hi All, Quick intro and thinking of a career change, so need some advice

[godzilla]

HI All,

Based near Cardiff, UK and seriously thinking of a career change and ended up here after a good few days of searching and reading up on various forums.

Mid 40s now and deciding to go the sparky way!

Torn between college course, which are typical 1 year - level 1 electrical installations starting and working throught them, but will take years to complete

or one of these fast track deals like the domestic course and adding to that as you go along - but will cost a truck load of money!

Grateful for loads of advice

cheers again

G

 

[stokielee]

I am currently in my 2nd year at night school doing some work experience in my spare time, I think this way you get a good understanding of electrics and at a decent pace, there is a lot to take in.
However, I have had a friend who did a quick course and has made a decent career out of it but not he is having trouble getting certain work because he never did his nvq or am2

 

[godzilla]

I am currently in my 2nd year at night school doing some work experience in my spare time, I think this way you get a good understanding of electrics and at a decent pace, there is a lot to take in.
However, I have had a friend who did a quick course and has made a decent career out of it but not he is having trouble getting certain work because he never did his nvq or am2

Thanks stokielee,

I am planning (hoping) to do a few of the courses (I guess, no point doing a beginners course) so, I can get to a reasonable level (hireable or self-employed) to get work for at least 10 - 15 years (another reason to change career).

(Keen on the Solar and EV side and the reports side for landlords like the EICR, but domestic seems a good start to build the experience)

Really trying to figure out what, or if any difference in the Level 1 Elec Installations compared to the Domestic Elec course. I know money is a factor (costly), if i went the training provider route to get to advance domestic elec level.

So leads me to this....Night school, 3 years before, I get to level 3 elec install. I am sure someone on here will be able to confirm, what these levels compare to the C&Gs 2365 dip levels.

It is a huge ---- up between the 2, but really trying to figure out what real difference are in elec installations and advance domes/C&G2365.

This is where, I am stuck trying to figure why the different names from college and training providers or are they both the same, but just labelled different.

A univeral straight forward guide for route will be great to get me started on choosing the right path. Trade skills have their 5 step route for beginners, wonder how that differs from the level1-3 eletrical installations from colleges.

Pace (as you mentioned), i know there is going to be a steep learning curve, something I need to weigh up with time, so picking up Certs and then using them get out there to get work experience, even if its no or low money to start with.

G

 

[Vortigern]

Morris Services - Getting Started

I always trot this out to your sort of question must be a bit boring to others who have seen it too many times. Read carefully. It is a great road map in planning your way into the electrical industry. I really think you need to know what you want to do this may help you.

 

[godzilla]

Morris Services - Getting Started

I always trot this out to your sort of question must be a bit boring to others who have seen it too many times. Read carefully. It is a great road map in planning your way into the electrical industry. I really think you need to know what you want to do this may help you.

Thanks V,

Looks like for beginners it's c&g 2365-02 then further courses to move towards full qualified.

How about the basics to get up to 2365-02!

Which best route to take to get to 2365-02, now that we know that's the best course for beginners not in the trade?

It's getting a little clearer now!

 

[Vortigern]

First off, becoming an electrician requires a level of maths/science that is fairly basic. I am sorry if that is deflating, I just say that as it is easy to imagine it's rocket science. Yes it does require some application but is still easily within reach of the average person imo. The thing is to adopt a two pronged approach. One get on the right course, two; get some work while you are doing it. Put ads in local electrical wholesalers, put your self on here; Looking for work and so on. You must be on the job while learning the theory I believe it will help enormously. I think @stokielee's point about the pacing is a good mid-way approach. Nice and "organic"

 

[stokielee]

Do you really need the basics in which the level one will offer you? My local college do a 10 week evening course but I don't think you'll need it, I went straight onto the level 2 2365 course and I have no previous experience except for changing a few sockets in the past. Also it's worth noting that the government have pulled funding for the advanced learner loan so a lot of colleges are doing the C&G 8202 course now which isn't a problem, you still get basically the same level of qualification at the end of the course.

 

[JAWS]

Do you really need the basics in which the level one will offer you? My local college do a 10 week evening course but I don't think you'll need it, I went straight onto the level 2 2365 course and I have no previous experience except for changing a few sockets in the past. Also it's worth noting that the government have pulled funding for the advanced learner loan so a lot of colleges are doing the C&G 8202 course now which isn't a problem, you still get basically the same level of qualification at the end of the course.

Hi Stokielee have you got anything to back that statement up that level 3 funding for the 2365 has been pulled & for that reason the C&G 8202 was introduced. ?

 

[godzilla]

Thanks Chaps,

So to recall, which level and yes I am going to agree the basic courses maybe a little too basic!

My background, I have a BSc in Applied Sciences, so have done a tiny bit of maths, nothing crazy, completed a beginners radio licence, so did get exposed to simple electrics theory and workings and been teaching science workshops for over 15 years on and off schools, mostly primary schools. Nothing electrics related, but no fear of techie stuff.

Over 20 year DIY expereince working in in our house and rental house we own. So every odd job to strip down to the bone jobs. The sparky stuf,f I have always left for final sign offs, but done simple rewiring and fishing out/networking cat7a (whole house) etc and changing simple plugs and sockets, lights etc. Just build a cabin in the garden and nearly finished our new kitchen fitting. So hands on, I know, I will be heads first into any diy side of things, no matter how dirty.

Knowledge wise, I just need to get my head into books again. I am hoping my expereince and knowledge might help me push up a course or two, like you have both mentioned. But a career change, I want to start at the bottom and get my head around all this framework.

So, I could ring the college and ask about the level 2 course part time evenings and supplement that with work, once I have done a couple of months, if the college are ok with me going into level 2.

I also ring that morris setup and that trades skills place and see if I can jump straight into the 2365.

@stokielee - Are you doing that 2365 at college - as I cant find that course anywhere in college near Cardiff, Its all level 1,2,3 stuff and the 2365 seems to be all at skills places!

So next impass is what is level 2 elec installations vs 2365.

Totally priceless info, really helping to get my head around this and as @Vortigern said earlier, the right course is now become key as I dont want to waste time.

I have about 1-2 years to make this change as it fits into my kids schooling arrangements (easier for me to fit in) and I don't want to waste millions of quid and the college courses start next week sept 7th onwards!

Thanks guys -
ps @JAWS @stokielee - funding 8202 - whats that about - is there help available funding wise?

Do you really need the basics in which the level one will offer you? My local college do a 10 week evening course but I don't think you'll need it, I went straight onto the level 2 2365 course and I have no previous experience except for changing a few sockets in the past. Also it's worth noting that the government have pulled funding for the advanced learner loan so a lot of colleges are doing the C&G 8202 course now which isn't a problem, you still get basically the same level of qualification at the end of the course.

First off, becoming an electrician requires a level of maths/science that is fairly basic. I am sorry if that is deflating, I just say that as it is easy to imagine it's rocket science. Yes it does require some application but is still easily within reach of the average person imo. The thing is to adopt a two pronged approach. One get on the right course, two; get some work while you are doing it. Put ads in local electrical wholesalers, put your self on here; Looking for work and so on. You must be on the job while learning the theory I believe it will help enormously. I think @stokielee's point about the pacing is a good mid-way approach. Nice and "organic"

 

[stokielee]

Yes, I did the 2365 level 2 electrical installations at college. There is a government advanced learner loan available for your level 3 course, however they won't fund the 2365 anymore so colleges are doing the 8202 course instead which allows you to get the loan which doesn't need to be paid back til you earn nearly 28000 a year. The 2365 and 8202 are basically the same course.
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Also note you will need do the NVQ level 3, AM2, testing and inspection, 18 th edition after you've done your diploma or along side it to become fully qualified I believe

 

[godzilla]

Yes, I did the 2365 level 2 electrical installations at college. There is a government advanced learner loan available for your level 3 course, however they won't fund the 2365 anymore so colleges are doing the 8202 course instead which allows you to get the loan which doesn't need to be paid back til you earn nearly 28000 a year. The 2365 and 8202 are basically the same course.
[automerge]1598878760[/automerge]
Also note you will need do the NVQ level 3, AM2, testing and inspection, 18 th edition after you've done your diploma or along side it to become fully qualified I believe

Thanks @stokielee

I will look into the 8202, incase that is about anywhere near me and see if there is a pathway to it. The loan might help, if the payback is doable and not just after, so many months, you need to pay back!

Yes, the level 3 onwwards, 18th etc, will be something I will have to head to after getting past these first hurdles.

Thanks again for this info

 

[stokielee]

I don't think there is a real deadline to pay the loan back. It all depends if you earn enough money then you pay a really small percentage of your wage back every month. There is positives and negatives with the loan, the negative being you hard to pay interest on the loan. Like I say, it depends if you earn enough to have to pay any back at all.

 

[godzilla]

Latest update,

My local college offers these two for about £1k each for the the year.

Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Electrical Installation
Level 2 Diploma Electrical Installation

I asked the online chat about doing level two and they said, I will need to complete the level 1 first! So I worked out, if they insist on level 1, it will mean 20/21 and then 21/22. Summer 2022 I will be on level 2!

Shall I look at another college?

 

[Zerax]

You have to remember that local colleges are fundamentally setup for 16 year olds straight from school... yes yes yes... I know that all ages can go there and do... but the setup is not really for older students. That's why the private sector has filled that gap with all sorts of things to cater for those that do not fit the local college model.

So when you asked about doing level 2 without doing level 1... can you imagine if they allowed 16 year olds to do that ?

I'm firmly of the belief that the whole qualification structure for electricians needs a radical overhaul.

 

[godzilla]

You have to remember that local colleges are fundamentally setup for 16 year olds straight from school... yes yes yes... I know that all ages can go there and do... but the setup is not really for older students. That's why the private sector has filled that gap with all sorts of things to cater for those that do not fit the local college model.

So when you asked about doing level 2 without doing level 1... can you imagine if they allowed 16 year olds to do that ?

I'm firmly of the belief that the whole qualification structure for electricians needs a radical overhaul.

I have a feeling that's what might of happened and that was for the part time evening course!

I can't even get through to the dept, to ask one of the staff members about it too!

That's putting me off the college route as very little is explained on the website and the course breakdown is almost nil.

Might need another rethink!

 

[JAWS]

What about this place Godzilla. Start on the 10th level 2 P/T Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures (2365-02) Level 2 Diploma - Grwp Llandrillo Menai - https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/2147490697/

 

[Zerax]

What about this place Godzilla. Start on the 10th level 2 P/T Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures (2365-02) Level 2 Diploma - Grwp Llandrillo Menai - https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/2147490697/

That's in North Wales... Godzilla is in Cardiff (which is at the bottom of Wales). I reckon 200 miles away ?

 

[JAWS]

That's in North Wales... Godzilla is in Cardiff (which is at the bottom of Wales). I reckon 200 miles away ?

Yeah just looked again that's no good.

 

[godzilla]

Hi Chaps,

Just updated the page, yip, south wales for me.

I cant even think about swansea or bridgend as that will be undoable for nightclasses.

Still looking around

 

[Zerax]

These guys are in Cardiff... they don't show an evening option on their website... but call them ? See what they say ?

True Tech Training UK's Number 1 For Electrical Courses & Electrician Training - City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Building and Structures)

The Level 2 Electrical Installations diploma (2365) is for anyone who would like to become a qualified Electrician in the Domestic, Commercial or Industrial sector and does not already have an Electrical Apprenticeship or even a job working in the Electrical Industry.

www.truetechtraining.uk

 

[godzilla]

These guys are in Cardiff... they don't show an evening option on their website... but call them ? See what they say ?

True Tech Training UK's Number 1 For Electrical Courses & Electrician Training - City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Building and Structures)

The Level 2 Electrical Installations diploma (2365) is for anyone who would like to become a qualified Electrician in the Domestic, Commercial or Industrial sector and does not already have an Electrical Apprenticeship or even a job working in the Electrical Industry.

www.truetechtraining.uk

Thanks Z,

Its looking more and more like its going to be a centre and will going to cost a arm and leg job!

Local College is full and wont let you do level 2. A college is Cardiff, I have left a message for call back as you can't get through to them, might have something there.

They do have a load of mini basic home electrics intros (p/t sessions over a couple for weeks)! I might get on them in the mean time just to get a taste of looking at wire diagrams and intro into regs.

They also had a PAT course, 18th regs and H&S courses. I think they are a little more setup for tech stuff, might get lucky there, if I get through to them as they might have something else to offer.

Apart from that, its looking like centres, either local and see what they charge (tech) and compare than to some of the far afield one from me like morris, trade skills etc. Either way, its going to be a expensive choice to retrain.

 

[godzilla]

Latest update,

Heard back from the college and they said I need to do level 1 and can be put on a waiting list if a place comes available as its full.

But looking at the learning info this is level 1

"Follow health and safety regulations and legislations at all times • Select the appropriate tools and materials for a given task • Terminate and wire single phase lighting and power circuits found in domestic dwellings • Carryout the basic inspections and testing procedures for the required wiring systems • To use fabrication techniques for electrical enclosures and support systems, such as PVC and steel conduit, trunking and tray work systems."

This is Level 2

"You will study four units, which are: Effective & Safe Working; Principals of Electro Technology; Health & Safety & Electrical Principles and Installation."

Requirements stated

"You will require 4 GCSEs at grades A*- D including English, Maths and Science or another Level 1 qualification."

So level 1 not necessary...I think and course info also states

"This course is suitable for learners with no previous experience of electrical installation. It will incorporate the basic skills of the craft and an introduction to the supervisory areas of the industry. The qualification recognises your job knowledge and tests the skills you have acquired."

Really unsure what to do as level 1 - I have done a bit of wiring and risk assessment work before.

And as everyone says it looks really basic.

Any thoughts

 

[Zerax]

The system is the system...

I had a similar thing when I did the amateur radio exams a few years back... There are 3 levels; Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. You must do them in that order, NO exceptions. For the Foundation stage, we had an 8 year old taking the exam ! Kinda makes you wonder what it's all about...

 

[godzilla]

Yip total madness,

Level 2 2365 you can go straight into in some places, but colleges insist level 1. But their requirements state, you don't need any experience for level 2 or just 4 gcses or a level 1. The requirements are just mental and make no sense.

Me and my son both did the basic radio course and waiting to do our Intermediate .

My son was about 10/11 I think, but now he's too busy with his gcse's!

All the grandads in the place were well chuffed, when the wee man passed.

Just wait for a reply, worse case is a waiting list for level 1. If no place, its next year for college for level 1. Looking at that, I will be in my 50's by the time I qualify.

Unless I sell my body parts to go on a training course.

The system is the system...

I had a similar thing when I did the amateur radio exams a few years back... There are 3 levels; Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. You must do them in that order, NO exceptions. For the Foundation stage, we had an 8 year old taking the exam ! Kinda makes you wonder what it's all about...

 

[telectrix]

crazy. my son left school with no gcse's whatever (long story, irrelevant). he did a couple of yearsworking with a spark, then went straight into level 2 evenings at local college.

 

[godzilla]

College came back and stated the Dept said that level 1 work is carried into level 2, so it does not allow anyone going straight to level 2.

Totally baffled by that, not even sure what City & Guilds they are running.

Asked to be put on the waiting list incase someone drops out for level 1.

Waiting game now, but will look at some courses in a Cardiff which offer some basic home electrics tasters for about £30 for a couple of weeks.

Stuck at the moment.

 

[JAWS]

That's weird, a mature student you should go straight in to level 2. The level 1 courses are normally for those who go full time & leaving school without the relevant grades.

I take it this course is a Part/time course?

You really do not want to spend a year on the level 1 as you'll learn everything what you'd learn on the level 1 on the level 2.

 

[godzilla]

Yes P/T, I know, I am totally stumped on hearing their reply as they took nothing on board of my Science degree and 30+ years work experience!

Specially, since you need no qualifications to enter into level1! but 4 gcses or a level 1 qualification to go into level 2.

It's a real shame, totally putting me off.

I spoke to a owner of a building company who came to fit the worktop over the weekend (my cousins friend, who came in last min as our original fitter pulled out).

Turned out to be a qualified Spark for many years. He said college is the way forward, but advise against the centers, that was his 2 pence!

Oddly enough, he said level 1 was basic too over the weekend!

The only other route will be the C&G 2365, if college is out.

That's weird, a mature student you should go straight in to level 2. The level 1 courses are normally for those who go full time & leaving school without the relevant grades.

I take it this course is a Part/time course?

You really do not want to spend a year on the level 1 as you'll learn everything what you'd learn on the level 1 on the level 2.

 

[JAWS]

Ahh what was the qualification for the level 1 called Godzilla?

 

[godzilla]

It's a intro course and some of its info, ths leads to a level 2 Elec Inst.

Looking at the pages - 2 evenings per week, 3 hrs sessions.

Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Electrical Installation


"Follow health and safety regulations and legislations at all times • Select the appropriate tools and materials for a given task • Terminate and wire single phase lighting and power circuits found in domestic dwellings • Carryout the basic inspections and testing procedures for the required wiring systems • To use fabrication techniques for electrical enclosures and support systems, such as PVC and steel conduit, trunking and tray work systems."


"No formal entry requirements
You will be invited to attend an interview, and will undertake an assessment in literacy and numeracy, to establish any support required."

On a waiting list for it, but really undecided

Ahh what was the qualification for the level 1 called Godzilla?

 

[JAWS]

I have just looked on their website Godzilla and I cannot find the course code whether the course is EAL, or City and Guilds 2365 or 8202.

The 2365 I know you can start on the level 2 ( rules may be different in wales but I doubt it), so I am wondering whether or not its the EAL or 8202 where the criteria may be different.

Either course will get you the same qualification.

 

[Zerax]

I've said it several times on this illustrious forum, but the whole qualification structure needs to be scrapped and re-worked. We need a coherent, logical format that allows multiple entry points for all and properly tests candidates abilities.

And don't forget that some of these modern courses were designed to keep the NEETs figures down... (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

 

[godzilla]

The college did not give much info at all expect I had to start at level 1.

I poped into Cardiff to a local training centre and this morning and was given this information (waiting for the 2365 2/3 email and costs).

Options with them were as follows.

TRAINING
This course will gain you the highest level 3 qualification with City & Guilds & EAL.

The Essential Electrics is 6 weeks: Cardiff or 12 Weekends
· EAL 600/7695/1 level 3- Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings
· 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382)
- EAL Part P Building Regulation
Price: £2850 inc VAT & Fees.

Essential Electrics Plus is 6 weeks: Cardiff or 14 Weekends
Will also give you 2 further qualifications in addition to those above:
· Fundamental Inspection & Testing (2392) level 2
· PAT Testing (2377-22/32 ) including management.
Price: £3850 inc VAT & Fees.

Advanced Electrics is 7 Weeks Training: Cardiff or 14 Weekends (Plus 5 days, 1 week fulltime week Mon-Fri)
This course benefits from all of the above qualifications along with the sought after Level 3 Inspection & Testing (2391-52) Initial Verification & Periodics
This qualification is City & Guilds and allows you to sign work off of others, issue ECIR reports , Landlord certifications and is also a QS qualification in the industry
Price: £4500.00 inc VAT & Fees.

From what I have learned here,

There are courses that are a wasye of money or the Certs gained, in the bigger scheme of things won't add to much.

I need to sieve through all the above to see, what is actually any good or does C/G 2365 2/3 is the ones to do, I think that's about 6K in costs.

Zerax, you are right, its a whole mess, I never come across this before in qualifications.

I've said it several times on this illustrious forum, but the whole qualification structure needs to be scrapped and re-worked. We need a coherent, logical format that allows multiple entry points for all and properly tests candidates abilities.

And don't forget that some of these modern courses were designed to keep the NEETs figures down... (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

 

[JAWS]

Yep All those above Godzilla are additional qualifications which will normally be taking after completing your level 2 and 3 2365/8202 or those who already work within the industry

 

[godzilla]

Funny thing is I went to the Cardiff True Tech to ask about the 2365 2/3 and they sent me the info, I listed above.

I did speak to one of the main persons', who give me the pathway info from 2365 and said it gonna cost about 6.5-9K+, if I went on to the NVQ AM2 and look to complete the full qualified route. i will hold off until I get their 2365 info by email.

But all the above reads like a midlife crisis cost, but with no roadster on the drive!

Even, if I get my head around their advance electrics course, their handful of qualifications don't even explain, if that's worth a 2365 level 2 or you move straight onto the 2365 level 3!

I will keep on researching on the 2365 and see if i can get a couple of quotes together at the same time. This will hopefully narrow down a course which offers value for money.

My cousin's reply was become a drone pilot, its cheaper!!

Yep All those above Godzilla are additional qualifications which will normally be taking after completing your level 2 and 3 2365/8202 or those who already work within the industry

 

[Mark68]

i went through career change in mid 40's goal posts have changed a few times since i started wiring regs are the biggest pain in the arse with the regular updates i have done the 2365 route it's expensive but when you are working and studying it was the only way to do it i know a few sparky's in south wales who recommend xs training said they were very helpful through their course i think they are based in cwmbran watch out for some of these fast track courses they are not what they advertise and you may end up paying for stuff you don't need i would recommend the full scope course over the domestic installers course as it covers commercial and domestic work and it is not as easy to find work for experience in the domestic side.

 

[godzilla]

Cheers Mark,

I will see where this XS Training is based in Cwmbran, the only one I could find is based in Yorkshire. Cwmbran is only a couple of junctions away from me.

Yes, the fast track stuff has so many certs, when you read them, half don't make any sense as their structure does not tell you that you are on route to the full qualifications.

That's why I have started to look at 2365 only!

Another problem I have, I still have school runs and that's a major pain for some daytime courses and will be juggling act.

Cheers for the input.

i went through career change in mid 40's goal posts have changed a few times since i started wiring regs are the biggest pain in the arse with the regular updates i have done the 2365 route it's expensive but when you are working and studying it was the only way to do it i know a few sparky's in south wales who recommend xs training said they were very helpful through their course i think they are based in cwmbran watch out for some of these fast track courses they are not what they advertise and you may end up paying for stuff you don't need i would recommend the full scope course over the domestic installers course as it covers commercial and domestic work and it is not as easy to find work for experience in the domestic side.

 

[JAWS]

You ever thought about going down the Domestic installer route Godzilla? Or have you got your heart set on working on the industrial/commercial sector hence why you want to go the 2365, I&T, Am2, NVQ route.

 

[godzilla]

HI Jaws,

I have thought about the domestic side alot, but I am really keen to break into the Solar, EV and Green Energy sector. I know that industry will fully exploded in about 3-5 years time.

My Degree was Geology and Environmental Pollution Sci - so I have dipped in and out of the 'world is going to end' science and renewables energy for the last 25 years (yes, we should of gone green back in the 70's, the tipping point we past yonks ago)!

My wife worked as a inhouse lawyer for a green solar/wind company a few years back, some great stories of the work that is going on and sparks and tech they need in that industry is growing.

So thought, I better get fully qualified and be trained up, if I can find the best route. The Solar and EV servicing side will open up a avenue, and is a sector I have a interest in! Also fully qualified in that sector opens the industry for all types of work.

Reading this site like mad and the costs involved with domestic is about 3-4K!

So, where I am still confused, the Cardiff place offered this..

""Advanced Electrics is 7 Weeks Training: Cardiff or 14 Weekends (Plus 5 days, 1 week fulltime week Mon-Fri)
This course benefits from all of the above qualifications along with the sought after Level 3 Inspection & Testing (2391-52) Initial Verification & Periodics
This qualification is City & Guilds and allows you to sign work off of others, issue ECIR reports , Landlord certifications and is also a QS qualification in the industry
Price: £4500.00 inc VAT & Fees.""

But, with this do I still need to go onto the 2365 2 or 3, so that's another £6K. This extra cost is before, I go on again further (this is where they were a little vague, what route after their advance course).

Tradeskills have their 5 steps, but again you are about 3-4k in before they say, you need to do the 2365 2 top up and then the level 3 2365, the costs pile and you end up with pile of certificates!

Everyone here on this thread have given their advice, helped me check the replies I have had to date and offered some great points.

Most have said go straight into 2365 2/3 as that covers bits or most of them ( in domestic) and then pick and chose any top up certs as you go!

In a bit of a crossroads as few people have mentioned its a right mish mash and every company has got too many flowerly sugar coated names for their courses.

So stuck at 2365 2/3 straight away ot get into industry, but there is the dom route, but that's a lump of a cost, but you still need to go much further to get fully qualified!

The worse thing is, I will need to use savings to fund it, I can't any funding help either! So, more pressure to make the right choice!

You ever thought about going down the Domestic installer route Godzilla? Or have you got your heart set on working on the industrial/commercial sector hence why you want to go the 2365, I&T, Am2, NVQ route.

 

[JAWS]

On the 5 steps to become an electrician on the Trades skills website is not quite correct, its their sales pitch as you don't need step 1 or step 2 as step 1 and step 2 will all be learned in your level 2.

As for the 2391-52 that they offered you I am 95% sure that this course is not in place to teach you how to inspect & test, they are not there to show you how to use a tester etc, nor safe isolation, testing single phase, 3ph etc etc you should already know all this, they're there solely to examine your competence/skill knowledge to make sure you know what you're doing.

To learn how to use testers, safe isolation, initial verification etc etc you would go on the C&G 2392 testing course or a Domestic installer course where the 2392 will be chucked in with it or you'll do the 2365 to which it will all be learned on there too.

 

[godzilla]

As you state, too much sales pitch, redoing work and fancy names that just confuse the hell out of you.

I am guessing in a nutshell, its straight to a 2365 level 2 and cut out all this sales pitch fast track stuff.

Its almost like they take you in one direction, but after you have done it, you still need to come back as you are not even close to fully qualifiy

So now, 2365 level 2, but with which company, cheapest, close by, online etc etc.

I guess, I now know the route, its defo 2365 level 2!

On the 5 steps to become an electrician on the Trades skills website is not quite correct, its their sales pitch as you don't need step 1 or step 2 as step 1 and step 2 will all be learned in your level 2.

As for the 2391-52 that they offered you I am 95% sure that this course is not in place to teach you how to inspect & test, they are not there to show you how to use a tester etc, nor safe isolation, testing single phase, 3ph etc etc you should already know all this, they're there solely to examine your competence/skill knowledge to make sure you know what you're doing.

To learn how to use testers, safe isolation, initial verification etc etc you would go on the C&G 2392 testing course or a Domestic installer course where the 2392 will be chucked in with it or you'll do the 2365 to which it will all be learned on there too.

 

[godzilla]

Great news,

The centre I went to check out came back with a detailed summary and a good breakdown on their structure. Its a bit long winded (deleted some longer winded bits) as it lists everything they do and offer, but its a good guide.

""City & Guilds 2365 Course Content:
This course covers a range of training methods and you will learn both hands on installation skills in our purpose built workshops as well as the theory and science behind electrics. This is the most comprehensive electrician course available and there is a large amount of practical training on specialist skills including but not limited to:
Commercial and Domestic installation
3 phase systems Armoured cable Pipe Bending Techniques Steel Conduit Trunking""

""This course package covers both the level 2 and level 3 qualifications. Course content is as follows:
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations
Electrical Installations Technology – Mainly theory Based
Principles of Electrical Science - Mainly theory Based
Installation of Wiring Systems and enclosures – Practical & Theory Training
Health and Safety in Building Services Engineering - Practical & Theory Training
Understand how to communicate with others within Building Services Engineering - Practical & Theory Training .
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations
Health and Safety in Building Services Engineering - Practical & Theory Training
Principles of Electrical Science - Mainly theory Based
Electrical Installations :Inspection, Testing and Commissioning - Practical & Theory Training
Electrical Installations: Fault Diagnosis and Rectification - Practical & Theory Training
Understand the fundamental principles and requirements of environmental technology systems - Mainly theory Based
Electrical Systems design - Practical & Theory Training
Career awareness in building services engineering - Mainly theory Based

""As a specialist electrical training centre we have the state of the art training areas specifically for the modules you will be studying. If your course module requires hands on learning you will be in a workshop, if it requires classroom based learning you will be taught in dedicated classrooms with the latest interactive smart boards. We also have specialist classrooms with both workshop and classroom space for subjects like Inspection and Testing. Throughout the course you will be assessed by a range of methods including online exams, practical assessments and written assignments.""

2365 Level 2 Exams & Assessments
201 Health and Safety in Building Services Engineering – Multiple choice exam plus one practical assignment
202 Principles of Electrical Science - Multiple choice exam
203 Electrical Installations Technology – Multiple choice exam
204 Installation of Wiring Systems and enclosures – Practical assignment and supplementary questions
210 Understand how to communicate with others within Building Services Engineering - Multiple choice exam.
2365 Level 3 Exams & Assessments
301 Understand the fundamental principles and requirements of environmental technology systems – Multiple choice exam
302 Principles of Electrical Science - Practical assignment and written paper
303 Electrical installations: fault diagnosis and rectification - Practical task and multiple choice exam
304 Electrical Installations: Inspection, Testing and Commissioning - Practical tasks, written paper and multiple choice exam
305 Electrical Systems Design - Assignment and multiple choice exam
308 Career awareness in building services engineering - One theory Assignment

The level 2 & 3 training is 16 weeks in total
The cost for the training is : £6000.00 inc vat .( If booked together £5750)

You will also need to complete the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations ( 2382-18)
The course is a 3 day course and is a cost of £350.00 inc vat .

Once this has been completed you would need to complete your NVQ portfolio (2357 ) This is done by completing the portfolio with a qualified electrician on site ( You have to source the Electrician ) .
(The cost for the NVQ 2357) is £1395.00 inc vat

After completing the above you would need to attend a AM2 centre and complete the AM2 training , There are many centres based around the country and general costs are in-between £450- £750.00 for a 2 -3 day course .""


Apart from members from here - this is the best breakdown, I have had to date!

Any thoughts on overall value?

 

[stokielee]

I can compare it with my local college for the same course, i paid £1800 for the level 2 2365 and £3345 for the level 3. As for the 18th edition you could just sit the exam after you've done some online revision and practice tests then it'll be around £120 for the test only

 

[godzilla]

Cheers @stokielee

Was the 2/3 over the 2 years, I think you mentioned it!

So the price is pretty close

I can compare it with my local college for the same course, i paid £1800 for the level 2 2365 and £3345 for the level 3. As for the 18th edition you could just sit the exam after you've done some online revision and practice tests then it'll be around £120 for the test only

 

[stokielee]

Yes, one year for level 2 and one year for level 3

Cheers @stokielee

Was the 2/3 over the 2 years, I think you mentioned it!

So the price is pretty close

 

[JAWS]

Yes, one year for level 2 and one year for level 3

Yeah ours was twice a week for the level 2 first year and the same for level 3. One day classroom the other day practical

 

[godzilla]

Cool,

I guess, by the time you cram all those days into weeks, it most likely works out the same.

Next thing is to decide which body part to sell to cough up 5.8K! I know, they said they have installment plans, but those will only run for the course length, so does not really help!

Funding it aside, my biggest problem is the school runs and getting to the centre and back during their teaching times. In the grand scheme of things, it minor, but will be a huge change/committment for the family.

So, my next steps in readiness to plan all this - what will be my go to section on this forum to get 2365 help, guides, info, notes etc. etc to help prepare and pass first time?

But, first off tomorrow, there is a college in Cardiff, that is doing some very basic beginners courses in home electrics. Going to join them, just to get a feel of what tools used and teaching styles to expect. Its a different setup, but the idea's the same. They start in November and they also have some H&S courses, that are 1 or 2 day jobs. These should keep me going until next year!

Cheers once again for all the advice, totally priceless

Yes, one year for level 2 and one year for level 3

Yeah ours was twice a week for the level 2 first year and the same for level 3. One day classroom the other day practical

 

[Mark68]

I'm not 100% on this as i personally haven't used xs training but i was told by someone who had used them it was based in cwmbran college. i was thinking of using them in the future once the training I'm doing is finished as I'm not far from them. i know true tech training in cardiff use them for some of their exams.
[automerge]1599749782[/automerge]
the training company i use uses err training ltd for everything they have been really good the last i heard it about £7500 for full scope course which included your exams alot more than i paid with them but it has taken me alot longer as i have to travel and stay at hotels but i have enjoyed the training even though it has been stressful at times. i have been working on sites for last 2 years which has been hard work most of that has been without direct supervision once they know you can get on and do the work you get left to get on with it but you do have to do some of the crap work aswell work has been few and far between this year but I'm determined to finish as soon as training centre is open.
[automerge]1599750744[/automerge]

Cheers Mark,

I will see where this XS Training is based in Cwmbran, the only one I could find is based in Yorkshire. Cwmbran is only a couple of junctions away from me.

Yes, the fast track stuff has so many certs, when you read them, half don't make any sense as their structure does not tell you that you are on route to the full qualifications.

That's why I have started to look at 2365 only!

Another problem I have, I still have school runs and that's a major pain for some daytime courses and will be juggling act.

Cheers for the input.

their head office is in yorkshire. they are a national training provider i would speak to them i think they do pay as you train that is how i done it with my training provider you will find alot of the training providers have bad reputation which is sometimes not warranted the one i use probably has worst rep which made me concerned but the training centre has been really good and should not reflect on them for sometimes bad admin from customer support try and get info from someone who has been with the training company and finished the course before writing them off some people think if they pay for a course that they should walk out with a certificate for just turning up that idswhere alot of the bad reviews come from.

 

[godzilla]

HI Mark,

Many thanks for the info.

True tech courses start in 2021 and I have them in my radar for the 2365, but a freind just mentioned to me that the EAL Dip in elec., installations level 2 should still be avaiable in some colleges nearby and I should keep on trying incase a part time evening place comes up!

So, thought no harm to recheck all the colleges incase something does come up (my local, 10mins away, refused point blank).

Some of the other colleges, might turn out to be 2x 50miles round trips per week and a year to complete, instead of the crash course, but again, no harm to check them all including cwmbran college.

Thanks for the heads up on the costs too! Looks like a sizable ball part figure for all 2365 2/3 costs, so can't really do much about that either.

On the reviews, you are right, its a mixed bag, so will need to do my own research, that's why I went to true tech in person to check them out.

Once again, I will update once all the other colleges in the area come back, oddly enough Barry college, has not emailed me back!

I'm not 100% on this as i personally haven't used xs training but i was told by someone who had used them it was based in cwmbran college. i was thinking of using them in the future once the training I'm doing is finished as I'm not far from them. i know true tech training in cardiff use them for some of their exams.
[automerge]1599749782[/automerge]
the training company i use uses err training ltd for everything they have been really good the last i heard it about £7500 for full scope course which included your exams alot more than i paid with them but it has taken me alot longer as i have to travel and stay at hotels but i have enjoyed the training even though it has been stressful at times. i have been working on sites for last 2 years which has been hard work most of that has been without direct supervision once they know you can get on and do the work you get left to get on with it but you do have to do some of the crap work aswell work has been few and far between this year but I'm determined to finish as soon as training centre is open.
[automerge]1599750744[/automerge]

their head office is in yorkshire. they are a national training provider i would speak to them i think they do pay as you train that is how i done it with my training provider you will find alot of the training providers have bad reputation which is sometimes not warranted the one i use probably has worst rep which made me concerned but the training centre has been really good and should not reflect on them for sometimes bad admin from customer support try and get info from someone who has been with the training company and finished the course before writing them off some people think if they pay for a course that they should walk out with a certificate for just turning up that idswhere alot of the bad reviews come from.

 

[godzilla]

Hi All,

Good news (I think) and latest update on courses.....

Spoke to true tech and their 2365 course starts in Jan 2021.

But, 2 kids schools runs, primary and secondary at 2.30 and 3pm, 5miles apart, wipes out my afternoons. With 2365 being 9-4pm weekdays, is particularly a no go!

So After reading @Mark68 reply about colleges in other areas, I applied for the

EAL Diploma in Electrical Installations Level 2

Nightclass - 2 nights per week 5.30-9pm in Gwent college.

It's a approx., 50miles round trip each night, but the fees cost was £565!

Chased them today (had no reply, since applying) since the course starts next Tuesday.

They give me a telephone interview and got a place!

Interview lasted a couple of mins. Adult learner, name and address check and can I cough up the money now. Easy as that with no other questions and had a email confirmation straight after paying.

So great news, I start next Tuesday on a P/T 34 week course!

Only issue now is I need to work out how the EAL pathway works.

I am guessing after level 2, it's level 3, then after that - what's the next steps? I am now following the EAL route and not the C&G 2365!