Need advice on electrician course.

[Chrissyd]

Hi folks,

I know this has probably been posted before, but I was wondering what is the best way to become an electrician.

To give you abit of a background story. I've been working In the i.t environment for a number of years, but I have been recently considering a career change. I am bored of I.t now and Ive always wanted to be a qualified electrician. I do have some knowledge of electrical circuits from fixing pcbs and various electronics.

I recently found this company that would do a fast track course at a cost of a grand -vat. I am highly doubtful of these courses as I know it takes more than 8 days to be a spark. Haha.

I am 31 and wouldn't be in the position to go back to college full time. I could do a night course, if it were availible. I've just stumbled across this forum tonight and would love to hear some feedback.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Markyd]

Do you know any sparkys that will take you on to get some on site experience first....this will prob mean a big drop in wages so be prepared.....

 

[Chrissyd]

Yeah, I've kind of thought about that aspect. I dont know anyone that would take me on. Most sparks tend to go out on their own, but it would be worth asking a few mates to see if they knew anyone that could take me on.

 

[Markyd]

Really would help you...as they always say you will learn more doing the job ...and never be afraid of asking questions even if they seem stupid...i used to bombard my boss with them everyday

 

[derek]

There are lots of different aspects to the electrical industry, don't just think it revolves around a single sparky working in houses.
Apprenticeships are the best way in, failing that then three years or so of evening college while you try and get work as an electrical labourer/mate (through friends, or contacting a few hundred electrical firms or even agencies) is the other way in. It is the practical experience that really counts and it takes years to really be a skilled electrician.

 

[Chrissyd]

Yeah, it is definitely a skilled trade that cannot be taught overnight. I think these "fast-track" companies are just out to teach the basics, but me being technically minded I wouldn't fancy fitting plug sockets the rest of my life. Haha. I have reached out to jobcentres and stuff. So maybe they can put me in touch with people to go down the right channels, highly doubtful but anything is up for grabs atm.

Just a thought, but is there a way of sitting some exams and then finding an apprenticeship?

 

[KennyKen]

Maybe look at doing both electrical and instrumentation if you can. The work is far more superior and interesting, Then second fixing lights and sockets.

 

[derek]

If you are more technically minded then perhaps controls and instrumentation might be worth considering especially if you have programming experience.
Edit Kenny beat me to it.

 

[KennyKen]

Sorry Del.

Yeah as soon as he mentioned IT background I thought PLC’s and ladder logic would be up his ally

 

[Chrissyd]

I dont have major programming experience. I currently a website supprt technician, so I've only ever modified pre written scripts that allows me to migrate emails and databases. Its interesting to know about that side of sparking though, I'd deffo look into that aswell.