I found this very informative in a number of ways...
The chamber was virtually empty, more people in the public gallery than in the house.
Very few people on here have viewed and commented.
Ms Lennon's sleeves were amazing!
The true debate is yet to come.
Are electricians professionals?
What is a professional?
It used to donate doctors, lawyers, accountants,dentists, actuaries, or basically people who held a university degree for their chosen "profession", and who had undertaken some years of study, examined at every stage, before being awarded with their degree...
I will tell you, as an old fashioned "professional" with a degree, that the reality is as bad as you all suspect...
many people who say they are professional are not...ok, they may have degrees, but anyone with 2 brain cells can get one, and the real problem arises when you consult such a professional and get poor service because they are basically sh*t at their job.
However, in the electrical profession, you will always find people who are time-served, know exactly what will work well and what is carp, and I'd rather have them do my stuff because I know they will do a good job...even without some dodgy qualification.
Nevertheless, regulating the profession of electrician is important, not because of making it more difficult to enter, but if in the event of you making a mistake then there is a sanction...restriction of type of work until you demonstrate competence, suspension of your licence if you make a bigger mistake, banning completely if you persistently flout the rules...and these days, a simple creditcard sized bit of plastic can show customers which level you are in. If the customer has a problem, the authorising body steps in. If this worries you, don't be an electrician...if it doesn't, then you are either a good electrician, or a rogue trader who doesn't give a ----...if the latter, one conviction will see you banned for life.
I worked all my life in a profession which instilled fear...but latterly took a much more relaxed approach...I left it, and am so glad I did.
During the "fear years" we all toed the line, more recently the powers that be went the sloppy route, let almost everyone off regardless of their transgressions, and the biggest crime you could commit was to criticise them!
Thanks for bringing this debate to our attention, JK.