working as an electrician when not qualified?

Post new thread
Search for tools and product advice,

Discuss working as an electrician when not qualified? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

M

Mike Blair

Im 19 and have my level 2,3 2365 and 17th edition and had around 1.5 years work experience as an electricians mate. I have been trying to find work as an electricians mate but no luck because i can not drive. But i have been offered small electrical work i know how to do. but i have always been a bit weird about working with my current qualifications on my own as i am only qualified as an electricians mate from what my college told me. until i get my 2394,5 i can not get with napit etc etc. What should i do i need the money and no one will take me on because i can not drive. small jobs would help me out big time right now in time for driving lessons etc but is it ilegal / wrong working with my current qualifications? i only do jobs i know how to do ,comfortable with
 
well i got offered one on Wednesday where from what i have been told they want me to separate some lighting in an extension. they have just made a bathroom next to the kitchen and currently one switch controls all. so they want 1 switch for the kitchen and one for the bathroom
 
if you feel competent to do it, go for it. there's only 1 person that can help you and that is yourself. please feel free to pm me if you need any advice.
 
If you feel confident enough then crack on. A driving license is a must in this trade so apply for your provisional and start learning
 
18 months as a mate is not a completed apprenticeship. Is it fair on the unsuspecting public to go in to their homes and work on their electrical installation without having served the recognised period of time as an apprentice?

Is your insurance company aware of your level of qualification and experience and still happy to provide your public liability and professional indemnity etc insurances? Or are you planning to work in people's homes without any insurance?

If your mentor has deemed you ready to be out on your own doing small jobs then that is an entirely different story, they are in a position to be making that judgement.
 
cotty said:
If you feel confident enough then crack on. A driving license is a must in this trade so apply for your provisional and start learning [emoji6]
Click to expand...

Yes of course you are right, a driving licence is a must, far more important than any of that apprenticeship nonsense, that's unnecessary if someone 'feels confident enough' isn't it!

Why, he could probably even just drive around without a licence too if he 'feels confident enough'
 
Finally came up with the answer Unknown-1.jpeg

space for tools up front ...
 
davesparks said:
18 months as a mate is not a completed apprenticeship. Is it fair on the unsuspecting public to go in to their homes and work on their electrical installation without having served the recognised period of time as an apprentice?

Is your insurance company aware of your level of qualification and experience and still happy to provide your public liability and professional indemnity etc insurances? Or are you planning to work in people's homes without any insurance?

If your mentor has deemed you ready to be out on your own doing small jobs then that is an entirely different story, they are in a position to be making that judgement.
Click to expand...


The Op has mentioned "small job." After completing his 2365 level 3 I reckon he's more than capable!
 
davesparks said:
Yes of course you are right, a driving licence is a must, far more important than any of that apprenticeship nonsense, that's unnecessary if someone 'feels confident enough' isn't it!

Why, he could probably even just drive around without a licence too if he 'feels confident enough'
Click to expand...


Christ! I wouldn't like you as a mentor! Bad day at the office?
 
cotty said:
The Op has mentioned "small job." After completing his 2365 level 3 I reckon he's more than capable!
Click to expand...

Without seeing his work I would not like to make any reckoning as to his capabilities. To the best of my knowledge a 2365 can be attained entirely through theory and practical classroom work, although I am happy to be corrected on this point.
 
PEG said:
...Not as mad as you would think...

I did my first full kitchen rewire,at a friends parents house,having been dropped off and picked up by my dad,three evenings,and a weekend...

My excuse for that?.......I was fifteen years old :icon12:
Click to expand...

I was 15,when started as Saturday boy, and school holidays.
 
PL being the most important. it's not like he's going out on a limb doing EICRs.
 
Mike, carry on with what you feel confident with. I'm sure after completing your 2365 level 2 & 3 you are more than capable of minor works etc!
 
Having read the full thread I can see why some trainees think sod this. So much for encouragement.

Not everything in life is learnt on an apprenticeship.

I am doing my qualifications through agency work as a sparks mate and college release days. No I'm not on an Apprenticeship but I'm learning the same syllabus as others, does it make me any less qualified?

I will be getting a very wide variety of work, I have worked on domestics, commercials and industrials as well as schools and colleges. You could say my work will be more varied than an apprentices who has to work to what their company does. But certainly does not make me any less qualified than them.

My point here is people assume a lot And say a lot of things which usually appears to discourage people.

If you disagree with something why not say you disagree and state your reasons instead of you have not done an apprenticeship.

Right rant over.
 
bigash said:
Having read the full thread I can see why some trainees think sod this. So much for encouragement.

Not everything in life is learnt on an apprenticeship.

I am doing my qualifications through agency work as a sparks mate and college release days. No I'm not on an Apprenticeship but I'm learning the same syllabus as others, does it make me any less qualified?

I will be getting a very wide variety of work, I have worked on domestics, commercials and industrials as well as schools and colleges. You could say my work will be more varied than an apprentices who has to work to what their company does. But certainly does not make me any less qualified than them.

My point here is people assume a lot And say a lot of things which usually appears to discourage people.

If you disagree with something why not say you disagree and state your reasons instead of you have not done an apprenticeship.

Right rant over.
Click to expand...

Good for you mate. I think it is tough for the new ones these days with much less genuine opportunities that the old school were afforded.
 
Not harsh at all, do you know for certain Mike has insurance?

You’ve told him to crack on regardless without knowing the facts. That is stupidity personified.
 
Tony said:
Not harsh at all, do you know for certain Mike has insurance?

You’ve told him to crack on regardless without knowing the facts. That is stupidity personified.
Click to expand...


So for all the electricians that have done favours for family, friends etc, without insurance or scheme membership, you'll class us all as "stupid." Wake up! Lol
 
i completed my level 1 2330 and they explained about how you have to do an nvq. so level 2 comes along and they transfair us all to the 2365 and we where the first class to go onto this course so the teachers did not really know much about it. i found a guy who was willing to take me on so for around 3 month i was in college monday tuesday and wenesday-friday working getting experiance etc.. so then he wanted to take me on as an apprentice but the college did not know how to get around it. so by the time i finished level 2 2365 they then said..you have to do the 2357 level 2-3....but the courses are the same just one has an nvq and an extra unit but then another teacher told me no dont do that.. complete you level 3 and do a bridging unit so i continue working for the guy and the teachers started getting angry at me because i was asking about the nvq and other teachers had different thoughts which left me and the guy i was working with confused at the time as i finished college "2330 level 1 , 2365 level 2,3 "3 years in college" my teachers then told the class we have to spend another 3 years doing the 2357. the teachers kept getting angry at me asking questions etc so i just left it as that have not been back since. but as i finished college work slowly dried up with the guy i was working with so i was looking for work ever since. did small od jobs with him but thats about it

i recently found out the only way for me to do an nvq is the 2357 and do the units i have not completed "i believe there's 2 units" and then do the nvq and am2 but just need someone to work with to doo my nvq

i have been trying so hard to become an electrician out of everyone else in my college course i am the only one continuing to become an electrician because they all give up and now work in a warehouse or tescos or something like that. its hard when you dont have an income and trying to get a van,car,insurances atm im looking into a goverment lone to start off because atm that looks like the only option
 
cotty said:
So for all the electricians that have done favours for family, friends etc, without insurance or scheme membership, you'll class us all as "stupid." Wake up! Lol 
Click to expand...

I’m awake you obviously aren’t, point out the post that says this is for family or a friend. If this guy takes on paid work without insurance it’s his look out.

He can’t afford driving lessons never mind rebuilding a house when he’s made a mistake.

Stop acting like a fool, step back and look at the facts and consider the possible consequences.
 
Mike Blair said:
i completed my level 1 2330 and they explained about how you have to do an nvq. so level 2 comes along and they transfair us all to the 2365 and we where the first class to go onto this course so the teachers did not really know much about it. i found a guy who was willing to take me on so for around 3 month i was in college monday tuesday and wenesday-friday working getting experiance etc.. so then he wanted to take me on as an apprentice but the college did not know how to get around it. so by the time i finished level 2 2365 they then said..you have to do the 2357 level 2-3....but the courses are the same just one has an nvq and an extra unit but then another teacher told me no dont do that.. complete you level 3 and do a bridging unit so i continue working for the guy and the teachers started getting angry at me because i was asking about the nvq and other teachers had different thoughts which left me and the guy i was working with confused at the time as i finished college "2330 level 1 , 2365 level 2,3 "3 years in college" my teachers then told the class we have to spend another 3 years doing the 2357. the teachers kept getting angry at me asking questions etc so i just left it as that have not been back since. but as i finished college work slowly dried up with the guy i was working with so i was looking for work ever since. did small od jobs with him but thats about it

i recently found out the only way for me to do an nvq is the 2357 and do the units i have not completed "i believe there's 2 units" and then do the nvq and am2 but just need someone to work with to doo my nvq

i have been trying so hard to become an electrician out of everyone else in my college course i am the only one continuing to become an electrician because they all give up and now work in a warehouse or tescos or something like that. its hard when you dont have an income and trying to get a van,car,insurances atm im looking into a goverment lone to start off because atm that looks like the only option
Click to expand...


Mike, Don't give up!! You have more quals than many do carrying out work out there. 5 week course candidates carry out work with the backing of a competent persons scheme FFS. F£$k the nay sayers, do any private jobs that come up and get your money, then get your NVQ. It is harder now I know. The fact the others have dropped off your course will only make it sweeter once you are through. Seriously, don't drop out of it.
 
With the core qualifications that you've attained you can now go on to the NVQ3 and the AM2. At 19 you have the advantage of gaining an apprenticeship over old buggers like me! Keep trying, ring around local firms. Good luck.
 
TJ Anderson said:
Mike, Don't give up!! You have more quals than many do carrying out work out there. 5 week course candidates carry out work with the backing of a competent persons scheme FFS. F£$k the nay sayers, do any private jobs that come up and get your money, then get your NVQ. It is harder now I know. The fact the others have dropped off your course will only make it sweeter once you are through. Seriously, don't drop out of it.
Click to expand...

I’m not telling him to give up, what I am saying is work within the legal framework.
 
Tony said:
I’m awake you obviously aren’t, point out the post that says this is for family or a friend. If this guy takes on paid work without insurance it’s his look out.

He can’t afford driving lessons never mind rebuilding a house when he’s made a mistake.

Stop acting like a fool, step back and look at the facts and consider the possible consequences.
Click to expand...


I'm still learning! I also carry out minor works "without insurance" at friend's houses and word of mouth, ie customers! If you are competent to do the required job, then what's the problem? The emphasis being on the word "competent" end of!
 
Is that legally competent or is it in your mind? What you think is worth jack ---- in a court.

Do you tell your customers you’re qualified? If you do, you can add deception to the list.
 
Tony said:
Is that legally competent or is it in your mind? What you think is worth jack ---- in a court.

Do you tell your customers you’re qualified? If you do, you can add deception to the list.
Click to expand...


Insurance is there for when you f**k up! If you are competent to do the required job then why worry? At the end of the day, I'm talking about minor works! Get a grip! Jeez, it's not rocket science changing a socket or light switch!
 
Even the most capable and competent make mistakes, everyone is only human. If whAt you are saying is true, most of the big shots on here would not have any insurance as they all claim to be the best and competent.... You are a fool not having insurance, and abigger fool thinking you will not make a mistake as you have convinced yourself that you are a pro.
 
uksparks said:
Even the most capable and competent make mistakes, everyone is only human. If whAt you are saying is true, most of the big shots on here would not have any insurance as they all claim to be the best and competent.... You are a fool not having insurance, and abigger fool thinking you will not make a mistake as you have convinced yourself that you are a pro.
Click to expand...


Well done for jumping on the bandwagon I thought someone who hasn't completed their apprenticeship would be more subtle!
 
Even I have insurance as a sparks mate. It costs £8 a month and covers me public and personal.

Why people don't have insurance is beyond me and I cannot endorse that.

My previous points do stand though.
 
bigash said:
Even I have insurance as a sparks mate. It costs £8 a month and covers me public and personal.

Why people don't have insurance is beyond me and I cannot endorse that.

My previous points do stand though.
Click to expand...


You're obviously working where insurance is needed! My point is, for minor works as a trainee, why need insurance for minor works if you are competent? We've all done jobs here and there lol! I must be the only fraud on this site then! Oh well
 
Some of the naivety on this thread is astounding. How could anyone of any substance or understanding persuade anyone to work without insurance, and especially on a public forum ?
Should I cancel my contents and buildings insurance because I'm not planning on getting burgled or having a fire ?
In the event of something going wrong then competency has to be proved, not just known or reckoned by the individual.

Completion or supplementation of training should not be carried out in the public domain whilst charging customers for the privilege. Such foolhardy behaviour is for those who do not fully appreciate or understand the responsibilities involved in our profession.
 
Broad range of work so yes insurance is needed, I wouldn't want to f up a motor install on an industrial, too many zeros at the end of the figure for my liking.

I can see what you are saying as in x electrician works for y company and is employed by that company but on Saturday undertakes work for Mr M down the road when he would not be covered by insurance.
 
Last edited:
cotty said:
Insurance is there for when you f**k up! If you are competent to do the required job then why worry? At the end of the day, I'm talking about minor works! Get a grip! Jeez, it's not rocket science changing a socket or light switch!
Click to expand...

I think the worst damage I have ever done to a customers property was at a single lightswitch. I'd caught a wire with a plate screw and the resultant black streak up the antique wallpaper cost my company a heck of a lot of money!

Or there is story from another industry I work in, a freelancer subcontracted to a company assumed the company's insurance would cover him and he was experienced and considered competant etc. It wasn't until after he crashed a large video wall in to the stage floor that he discovered that he wasn't covered.
 
cotty said:
You're obviously working where insurance is needed! My point is, for minor works as a trainee, why need insurance for minor works if you are competent? We've all done jobs here and there lol! I must be the only fraud on this site then! Oh well 
Click to expand...

Minor works can actually be quite big things, you could be doing work in a special location for example, or you could even make lots of changes to multiple circuits and still class it as minor works. If you as to to get technical, a minor works certificate could be used for something like making quote big changes to a circuit when an EIC would be issued for a single socket next to the consumer unit which is less minor in a sense than making lots of potentially big changes to a circuit.
 
uksparks said:
Minor works can actually be quite big things, you could be doing work in a special location for example, or you could even make lots of changes to multiple circuits and still class it as minor works. If you as to to get technical, a minor works certificate could be used for something like making quote big changes to a circuit when an EIC would be issued for a single socket next to the consumer unit which is less minor in a sense than making lots of potentially big changes to a circuit.
Click to expand...

And your point??
 
New posts

Reply to working as an electrician when not qualified? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Similar Threads

Superspark230
Becoming a Qualified Supervisor
There's been a few changes recently at the company I work for. 2 electrical supervisors and the contract manager left towards the end of last...
Replies
4
Views
701
MDJ
MDJ
apreen
UK Looking for voluntary work for experience
Hi, I am just wondering if there is anybody out there interested in allowing me to do a little voluntary work with your company to gain a little...
Replies
0
Views
218
apreen
apreen
David2632
Can you work as an general labourer first and then find work as an electrician mate?
So, I got a level 2-3 electrical installation diploma fresh out of college with no experience especially onsite. I was wondering whether working...
Replies
5
Views
1K
James
James
M
UK How much should I charge to remove a electric shower and fit a new one
Hi everyone just joined the site Iam a trainee electrician currently have my 18th edition and doing my level 2/3 diploma I have been working...
Replies
9
Views
543
Maxvoltelectrics
M
lozarus
Private Jobs whilst Employed
Looking for a bit of advice from the wider audience / those who may have done similar before. I entered the game a bit later / in a non...
Replies
12
Views
782
davesparks
davesparks

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

Tags

advice aus cable circuit course earth electric electrical electrician hello led light lighting lights looking new please question rcd socket supply switch testing training wiring
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Tiling Advice
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock