Hi Craig,
There are really two ways to become an electrician.
1st is an apprenticeship, this is really the best method as you will gain lots of experience whilst getting qualified. It also includes the NVQ3 Portfolio & AM2 exam. Cons are low national minimum wage per hour for the first year but then it goes up. Length of apprenticeship is 3-4 years.
2nd is college or training providers doing the City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 & 3
You will then need to find employment to complete the NVQ3 Portfolio (NVQ3 at extra cost). Which you could find difficult as you would have no practical experience.
You would then need to pass the AM2 exam (also an extra cost). Time wise could take you the same as an apprenticeship.
Don't get tricked by training providers pushing their Domestic Installer courses. You never see jobs advertising for domestic installer. They are ok'ish if you want to go self employed in the domestic field but realise you still will have no experience & only the basic knowledge/understanding that was needed to pass the exams.
Running a business you need to know so much more like advertising, seo, websites, people networking skills/groups etc the list goes on & on.
I'm 43 & I am doing an apprenticeship.
All the best
