Any advice greatly appreciated....

[steeley1985]

Hi all, apologies if I have posted in the wrong forum

I am a time served spark of over 10 years. I started off serving my time doing domestic, commercial and progressing onto industrial installations which I installed, tested, commissioned and maintained control panels and switchgear, pumps and motors. I have experience of test and commissioning of Diesel Generators and also worked on Offshore Cranes doing Preventative and reactive maintenance.
Currently I'm working offshore as an Electrical Tech on a major Hook Up.

Anyway, my dilemma is, I was in contact with a company today about an 'Electrical Maintenance Technician' position, only to be told (to my surprise!!) that I 'Do not have the qualifications.....' Even though I have over 10 years post apprenticeship experience, and I've had numerous approaches about maintenance positions!!

The qualifications I have are, (2356) NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Installation), (2382) 17th Edition, AM2, CompEX.
I realise there is a 2356 in Electrical Maintenance, but they have the same QCA no. 100/2845/7 so surely they will be the same course content?!

I have rang City & Guilds with my query, but they fobbed me off, so I've been googling and ringing round all day, so I thought I'd try here if anyone knows of or has had a similar experience.

Basically, 1st I'd like to know if the qualifications I have (installation) are the same as the maintenance qualification. And 2nd, if there is any 'upgrade' type of course to transition (officially) between Installation and Maintenance NVQ.

Sorry for the confusing long winded speil and thanks in advance.
Steeley1985

 

[Andy78]

I know that the NVQ can be specialised. You either choose maintenance or installation as a bias to the qualification. I really cannot see any issue though as the majority of the core knowledge should be the same.
I would go as far to say that any maintenance position that is looking for specific qualification over experience may not be worth your time anyway.

 

[steeley1985]

Thanks for your reply Andy.
See, that's what I thought, surely the basic principles are the same for both courses.
And that too was my argument with the recruiter, that I had extensive experience. But because it wasn't specifically stated on my cert 'in black and white' he wasn't interested and it was the clients request....!!!

 

[Wilko]

The recruiter will do as instructed as they know no better. With 10years experience and you feel you can do it, tell him and say "put me up for a chat and I'll win this job". Over the years I employed many who were not exact fit but who showed they were keen to make a go of it. Good luck !

 

[steeley1985]

Thanks Wilko