Another Domestic installer course noob saying hi

[Ascarabus]

Hi, and thanks for having me here....

I am considering taking one of these domestic installer courses so thought I would join up to a site like this to look around to pick up help, ideas and be realistic in what I hope to achieve.
The reality is at 45 I don't expect to switch careers and become an "electrician" after a 4 week course but I would like to learn something new that can be used in day to day life with an option of learning more in the future if I was to try and persue any kind of paid work in this sector.
The dream I guess would be doing something in demand like installing domestic EV point's, solar would be another good choice if it wasnt for the fact i'm afraid of heights and possibly electrical testing for landlords with an option of good old 90's PAT testing as an option..... like I said though the dream and reality are two very different things.

Anyway hi.... and be gentle with me

 

[Dustydazzler]

Welcome aboard ...

 

[richy3333]

Would you be happy to have a sparky in your house who then say to you - dont worry I did a 4 week course! Sorry to be the harbinger of doom but those short courses will get you nowhere you want to be. Inspection and testing is based upon engineering experience gained over many years. I doubt you would be able to pass a EV course and would certainly have little knowledge and understanding of earthing systems and the EV market. PAT testing is the equivalent of window licking.

If you're intent on doing the course and shedding out thousands of pounds then find a sparky that will take you on as a labourer afterwards. Ultimately you need to be competent and qualified. Competence comes with experience - hence why my apprentices do a 4 year course before doing their final exams (and trust me, some if them are very academically gifted).

And from someone over 50. had physical labour gets harder day by day as you get older.

 

[Ascarabus]

Not a Harbinger of doom at all pal I really do value your input, I am not naive enough to think I will be anywhere near a successful sparky, even if I was to go for that its up to 3-4 years "classroom training" to gain the level 3 without the all important apprentice on the job training so I would be hitting 50 before I started.
I do value your opinion as it can keep the dreams grounded ( see what I did there ) but as I said that would be ultimate outcome.
The minimum outcome i'm guessing would be I blow 2.5k on a course, learn the basics and become a 'domestic installer', doing jobs for myself, family and the like.... no matter what avenue I took Iam quite ---- and would only be doing quality work.... non of this do a couple of courses and advertise myself as an electrician ( I hope to god there isnt many of those around ).

The course in question it at a place near me called tradeskills4u, not sure if it is known of on here ?

 

[buzzlightyear]

And from someone over 50. had physical labour gets harder day by day as you get older.

not for me sunny Jim , I'm over 61 and still cracking the walls .lol.

 

[telectrix]

The course in question it at a place near me called tradeskills4u, not sure if it is known of on here ?

they are a forum sponsor, see the block ads. to right of your screen.

 

[telectrix]

mate ogmine did the dI course with them aged 58. he's now NICEIC DI, still learning some of the practicalities but doing OK. if you have the correct mindset, nothing to stop you.

 

[Ascarabus]

Oh I see, well I guess they are known on here and as such is a good indicator of how reputable they are

 

[Ascarabus]

mate ogmine did the dI course with them aged 58. he's now NICEIC DI, still learning some of the practicalities but doing OK. if you have the correct mindset, nothing to stop you.

This is also good to know, I know they are there to sell courses but what they look to be selling seems really good, but as you say the mindset has to be there too

 

[richy3333]

Not a Harbinger of doom at all pal I really do value your input, I am not naive enough to think I will be anywhere near a successful sparky, even if I was to go for that its up to 3-4 years "classroom training" to gain the level 3 without the all important apprentice on the job training so I would be hitting 50 before I started.
I do value your opinion as it can keep the dreams grounded ( see what I did there ) but as I said that would be ultimate outcome.
The minimum outcome i'm guessing would be I blow 2.5k on a course, learn the basics and become a 'domestic installer', doing jobs for myself, family and the like.... no matter what avenue I took Iam quite ---- and would only be doing quality work.... non of this do a couple of courses and advertise myself as an electrician ( I hope to god there isnt many of those around ).

The course in question it at a place near me called tradeskills4u, not sure if it is known of on here ?

You have a great mindset so I say go for it and see where it takes you.

I hope I didnt come over too negative. We have a guy around here that did a 3 week course and immediately started playing with 200A 3 phase stuff. All of his work is appalling and dangerous. He ended up being reported to the Scottish government as part of their protected title enquiry. He jus won't accept he is neither competent nor qualified. I'd not let him loose to make the tea!

 

[Dustydazzler]

So long as you are more competent with electric than this poor fella

you will be fine ...

 

[Ascarabus]

No, honestly I get what you are saying 100% so I didn't take it as totally negative, more as a constructive comment.
I guess on forums like this you are always get folk signing up trying to become an 'electrician' overnight and advertising as such to then become a millionaire overnight and putting theirs, and others lives at risk.

 

[Ascarabus]

So long as you are more competent with electric than this poor fella

you will be fine ...

damn I should quit already???

 

[Dustydazzler]

No, honestly I get what you are saying 100% so I didn't take it as totally negative, more as a constructive comment.
I guess on forums like this you are always get folk signing up trying to become an 'electrician' overnight and advertising as such to then become a millionaire overnight and putting theirs, and others lives at risk.

in all honestly if you are looking for a part time ‘on the side’ job , I would seriously consider becoming a wet pants

some of these blokes round my area charge eye watering sums to plumb sinks etc

no qualification req

 

[Ascarabus]

Wet pants ??, you have put me off with that description alone.

 

[richy3333]

`Round my way its the painters that are rolling in it, albeit he is a drug dealer too - so that might influence his lifestyle ??

 

[Dustydazzler]

`Round my way its the painters that are rolling in it, albeit he is a drug dealer too - so that might influence his lifestyle ??

probable earns half his money painting the other half selling 10 quid bags of skunk

 

[Ascarabus]

Hmmmmm, wonder if there's any drug dealing courses going ?? ??

 

[telectrix]

only takes 1 mistake:

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hmmmmm, wonder if there's any drug dealing courses going ?? ??

The only course you need is a course in not getting caught by the rozzers