Hello everyone!
This is the first forum I've ever signed up for so very new all this. I am hoping that I can use the forum to expand and advance not only my technical knowledge but also gain valuable insight into the business aspect of electrical installation. I hope to get involved in discussions regarding all things electrical by requesting advice, asking technical questions, participating in debates and by using my knowledge and experience to assist others with their queries.
Below is a load of other information about me. Feel free to have a read- if you have nothing better to do.
As you've probably already worked out from my username- I am a sparky from London, born in 1987. I consider myself to be an electrician although my ECS card states that I am a trainee as I do not have an NVQ level 3 (never needed it where I work). I do have C&G 2330 level 3, Inspection and testing, and over 6 years experience working for a building company- Installing and testing mostly domestic but also some commercial electrical installations. Usually re-wiring or remedials on someone else's sub-standard work.
I take real pride in my work and set high standards for myself. Quality is always the priority. I also feel that doing the job right first-time everytime and in good time is of great importance in both personal gain and client satisfaction.
As I mentioned previously- I have never needed an NVQ Level 3 to work at the small building company I have worked at since completing my C&G 2330 Level 2, so therefor will not be granted 'Qualified Electrician' status by JIB.
Although I have done plenty of private jobs large and small throughout the years- I've never felt I had enough work on the side to need to get my own NICEIC registration and deal with the potential headache and costs involved with that. Instead, I have always just used a friend of mine who is NICEIC registered to come and inspect, test and certify the installion once I have finished the work and I have fully inspected and tested the job myself, ensuring it meets the required standards so that I do not have to get Mr NIC to come and test the job twice.
I feel confident that I have enough technical knowledge and practical experience required to start on my own but I feel back by things like: Complacency at my current job, unsure in ability to find enough decent clients with stable contracts so that at the very least I will earn what I do now, risk of debt, the effect of potential mental and financial stresses on my family...ect
It's not that I am not greedy- it's just I feel like every day I have to sort out some other contractor's sub-standard work and I'm annoyed as I'm being told what to do by people with no clue, all the while there are incompetent contractors all over the place ripping people off and getting paid a fortune. Some without even getting their hands dirty.
I'm obviously missing something, right?
Well, hopefully I find it here.
