Mate/Labourer/Trainee Work

[Knight499]

Hi All

I’m looking to get into the electrical industry.

I’m 41 years old and after a 17 year career in IT (and a huge change in personal circumstances) I’m looking for a complete change of path and a new challenge.

I don't like the idea of attending an “intense” course at a training facility so would like some advice on how to gain work as a trainee/mate/labourer to learn the craft.

I’ve never been one for learning from books alone and learn by observing and asking questions.

Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated or a job offer would be even better

I live in Thurrock, Essex

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I’ve never been one for learning from books alone and learn by observing and asking questions.

There's rather a lot of books involved I'm afraid - stacks of theory and regulations. They get updated every couple of years too, so you never really get fully on top of it for long.

I appreciate it's exactly not what you want to hear, but perhaps a good idea if you do get stuck into some books before you spend any money on training. It might indicate whether the trade's for you or not

 

[Knight499]

There's rather a lot of books involved I'm afraid - stacks of theory and regulations. They get updated every couple of years too, so you never really get fully on top of it for long.

I appreciate it's exactly not what you want to hear, but perhaps a good idea if you do get stuck into some books before you spend any money on training. It might indicate whether the trade's for you or not

Thanks for the reply mate.

It’s not that I’m not prepared for having to study I just find i learn a lot quicker and retain more when I’m able to observe someone actually doing something.

I find there’s not much point in learning the theory behind everything then not having a clue what to do once on the tools so to speak.

Appreciate the advice though

 

[Dustydazzler]

I see what the OP is saying , a book can't really teach you how to mash out a chase or drill a hole in a joist

But what you certainly do need some level of theory to understand why you are pulling in 'that sized cable' etc

In the old days 2360 Pt1 was a really good course Imo where you did half a day theory and half a day in the work shop, Pt2 was ALOT more theory based

 

[Knight499]

I see what the OP is saying , a book can't really teach you how to mash out a chase or drill a hole in a joist

But what you certainly do need some level of theory to understand why you are pulling in 'that sized cable' etc

In the old days 2360 Pt1 was a really good course Imo where you did half a day theory and half a day in the work shop, Pt2 was ALOT more theory based

Hi Dusty

Thanks for replying mate.

I’ve done quite a lot of research into courses etc and it looks as if the starting point may be C&G 2365 level 2 (i may be wrong) but It’s not clear if that course is designed for beginners (like me) or folk with some relevant experience in the field…

The old chicken and egg situation i suppose…having some experience will help when it comes to training and qualifications but need the qualifications to get a job and gain the experience

That’s why i was hoping to be able to jump on with someone as a labourer/mate and at least learn the “basics” to stand me in good stead going forward.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

Thanks for the reply mate.

It’s not that I’m not prepared for having to study I just find i learn a lot quicker and retain more when I’m able to observe someone actually doing something.

I find there’s not much point in learning the theory behind everything then not having a clue what to do once on the tools so to speak.

Appreciate the advice though

I suspect you'll find it the other way round. Without the theory, the practical will make little sense, and you'll miss important details.

At 41, you'll struggle to get an apprenticeship. Labour is easy enough to find (i'm sure I'm not the only one here who regularly gets emails from other guys in a similar situation to yourself), so why would anyone want to employ you, not coming from a construction background, with nothing in particular to offer, and you asking questions all day long? The very least you can do, to make yourself vaguely employable, is get your head into some books.

Sorry if that last paragraph seems harsh, it's not intended to put you off, but try to look at it from an employers perspective.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hi Dusty

Thanks for replying mate.

I’ve done quite a lot of research into courses etc and it looks as if the starting point may be C&G 2365 level 2 (i may be wrong) but It’s not clear if that course is designed for beginners (like me) or folk with some relevant experience in the field…

The old chicken and egg situation i suppose…having some experience will help when it comes to training and qualifications but need the qualifications to get a job and gain the experience

That’s why i was hoping to be able to jump on with someone as a labourer/mate and at least learn the “basics” to stand me in good stead going forward.

There will be sparks out there who need a helper on bigger jobs so it is best to ring around some local contractors and see if they need a hand. Everyone starts somewhere and it might be house bashing chopping in boxes or on a commercial site bending some conduits.

 

[Knight499]

There will be sparks out there who need a helper on bigger jobs so it is best to ring around some local contractors and see if they need a hand. Everyone starts somewhere and it might be house bashing chopping in boxes or on a commercial site bending some conduits.

There will be sparks out there who need a helper on bigger jobs so it is best to ring around some local contractors and see if they need a hand. Everyone starts somewhere and it might be house bashing chopping in boxes or on a commercial site bending some conduits.

That was going to be my next move just approach as many as I can and see if anyone is willing to give me a go.

As you say everyone has to start somewhere and I am a complete novice so chopping in boxes and bending conduit is the exact thing I’d do to gain exposure to the types of work out there and gain experience in the field.

 

[Knight499]

I suspect you'll find it the other way round. Without the theory, the practical will make little sense, and you'll miss important details.

At 41, you'll struggle to get an apprenticeship. Labour is easy enough to find (i'm sure I'm not the only one here who regularly gets emails from other guys in a similar situation to yourself), so why would anyone want to employ you, not coming from a construction background, with nothing in particular to offer, and you asking questions all day long? The very least you can do, to make yourself vaguely employable, is get your head into some books.

Sorry if that last paragraph seems harsh, it's not intended to put you off, but try to look at it from an employers perspective.

Doesn’t seem harsh mate i appreciate the input.

Obviously the ideal way would be an Apprenticeship or structured learning programme but as you say my age will hold me back there which i accept.

I do feel i have some good qualities though and do have things to offer just not related to the industry (yet) hence why I’m enquiring as to how i can get a foot in the door.

Everyone has to start somewhere

 

[Firstfixelectrics]

Same age as you and similar position, I'd go and at least get your 2365 level 2, once you have that cert apply for an ecs labourer card and sign onto agencies for experience. And in between, get your 18th done, IPAF 3a/3b also looks good on cv. You have to absolutely absorb yourself into the Industry, watch vids, read books etc.. the more you put in the more you get.