Here is a question for those who think that the petition should go through.
I have a degree in electronics, I have always been hands on (having a workshop with MANY tools including bandsaws, drill presses, woodworking bits, table saws etc etc...), and I am a very capable person. I am taking one of these so called "Short Courses", which clearly teaches all the theory behind domestic electrics. I have been fact checking the books to ensure that they are the real deal and have been very cautious. One of these books was written by the course for the sake of question asking and the latest book they sent me was Level 2 NVQ 2365.
You are typical of those who make a rash assessment of what an electrician is, you want to take an apprentice trained and experienced electrician throw it in a "microwave" and reproduce in 5 weeks what would take 3 -5 years believe me where ever you start from it doesn't work like that.
The course also sent me the on site guide and the latest BS7671 (they are legit as they have the nice little hologram on the front page). Once I have done these few more modules I will start my practical training on-site so that they are sure I am able to do jobs to a good standard. (6 weeks in total).
So you have the nice shiny books and you are going to do some practical training and someone is going to sign you off as good to go
Now if this petition where to go through I probably would not be able to start my own business so that I may work for myself. If I pass this course with flying colours then why should I not be able to install electrics? What makes me unqualified? Experience? What is experience? Just because I trained myself does not make me incapable. Or are you saying that it does?
I think in the interests of safety it is not unreasonable I passed the C&G exams but I still had to work under the supervision of a qualified electrician on site for a number of years and having completed my apprenticeship I couldn't become an approved electrician for a further 2 years
Electricity is my life and has been since I was 12. I studied it at Warwick University and got a 2:1 in electronics which covered more theory than any electrician course can even touch. Three phase induction motors? Yup. High voltage switching? Yup (IGBJT), transformers and isolation? Yup.
Really shows how much research you haven't done. I assume you are referring to the 17 day / 5 week training system
I dont want to offend anyone here and I joined this forum so that I can learn from others. I also know that lately I have been making myself look like a bit of a fool (Wago Connectors and bathroom switches anyone ?), but electricity is in my blood.
So my question: With MY knowledge am I capable of doing electrics after this course I am taking?
Or are you intending to what more and more are doing and rely on that crutch to prop you your lacking knowledge called a forum
Ask yourself the question strip away all the degree crap you have put forward and look at what the 3 year or as I did 5 years worth of C&G courses teach you and then decide
How much knowledge will you have of the choice and selection of wiring systems, distribution equipment and accessories and that is just for installation. Then there is fault finding a skill all on it's own and very much neglected by these train you quick courses
All the theory does not necessarily make a good all round electrician after spending the last 40 years in this industry I've seen quite a range of electricians with varying skillsets and abilities some who where happy to bimble on some keen to expand their knowledge and skills into specialist areas