Trying Again After Negativity

[patrick clowery]

hi guys ive come back again, i was really annoyed after being on here due to the negativity of some of the mentors and regular users on here,
i yes have enrolled on a course with one of the lower regarded providers but was the only way i could continue to work in the field im in which is drainage and earn enough money to pay the mortgage. but ive not come back here to discuss how bad they are, ive now done my weeks 1 and 2 at the centre which has given me my first set of certs. which are unit of credit health and safety and also my level 2 in fundamental inspection,testing and initial verification. i have this week just done me 3rd week which was the dreaded basic electrical science which was a nightmare on the brain but i managed to pass it. happy days, next week ive got my bpec and my part p defined scope. so for anyone else doing this keep going and bare with it, im getting there and i totally understand your struggles but rememeber the end goal.
im here to ask for some advice as im nearly ready to make my leap. once i have completed my week 5 this will be my level 2 complete and im going to start looking for jobs in the scene. now so far i have me offering my services for free on a weekend for experince but i have not had one phone call back. so im struggling all the adverts for mates jobs on line are asking for 2 years experince. and a ecs card, now i have a cscs card at current. so how do i go about getting one of these ecs cards for a start, and then how do i go about getting experince whilst doing my job as i need to have money coming in. my next problem im looking for guidance with is, tools alot of the adverts are asking for me to have my own tools, well with the course taking up alot of my money at the moment its hard to find money to buy tools, i dont trust buying second hand from ebay as there is so much stolen stuff on there. i also dont want to buy cheap as it just doesnt cut the mustard so is there any adivce on where to get them from at a good rate that isnt going to cost me my liver or kidney.
now im going to put this again because like i say i moved away from the forum due to negative people on here we should be here to help not judge one another. it doesnt matter what path we are taking to get to the end goal it should matter that we are all looking for that same end goal or have all been through getting to that end goal. so please if you just want to tell me that the certs im getting are not worth anything then p[lease move onto the next thread as ive heard it all before and can not be arsed with it.
look forward to hearing from some like minded people and also some of the mentor like high tower and alike on any advice they can give thanks in advance guys speak soon

 

[Lee Gold]

I can't answer your question, but I too have had sarcasm, negativity and people being d**k heads whilst me asking questions. But good luck mate Just ignore them and think positive.

 

[patrick clowery]

i was enjoying it untill then i was posting a few times a week and getting enovled in others posts but there were a few that just wanted to put done mine and others pathes of learning from home like, but hey ho, il give it another go,

 

[Lee Gold]

Still to it mate!

 

[GMES]

If any Mentor gives out sarcastic or obnoxious comments in the trainee section believe me they will be stripped of their access and title with immediate effect. If this happened in the open forum then it would still be moderated but not as strongly has in the ts. If you feel you are being ridiculed for anything then simply hit the report button and we will deal with it accordingly, we try to encourage the trainees not scare them off !!!.

 

[GMES]

Just to add to my last post, remember to start your post or thread with the fact you are a trainee, some members may not look at your badge. Then if you still get treat with contempt then report it straight away and don't get involved in slanging match.

 

[patrick clowery]

i tried not to im no grass i just stood up for myself and some of the others that where also getting it, cheers to know mate

 

[gazdkw82]

Where did you do your practical training?

 

[Richard Burns]

Keep learning with the training and getting more knowledge, use the forum as a training resource as well.

You will find that unless you have done this sort of work before that you do not have enough practical experience to manage on your own, so if you can find someone who will take you along and guide you for a while this would help a lot.
Offering to wok for free is generally not a wise method as you will either be taken advantage of or ignored as desperate (even if you are desperate!). Offering to work for a limited time on an agreed low wage /pay per job might be a better solution.
You will not be able to get an ECS as this requires the NVQ3.
For tools just for agency work, I would suggest just a hammer, bolster chisel, scutch chisel, a set of insulated screwdrivers and pliers kit and an electric screwdriver/drill, you will have to decide on price or quality. You may also need safety boots and glasses.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I'm not being negative here. You will not get a trainee ecs card either as the qualifications/route you are taking are not recognised by the JIB as a formal industry training programme.

 

[patrick clowery]

Where did you do your practical training?

basildon mate

I'm not being negative here. You will not get a trainee ecs card either as the qualifications/route you are taking are not recognised by the JIB as a formal industry training programme.

why aren't they recognised I'm sitting city and guilds certs and just need to get some experience

Keep learning with the training and getting more knowledge, use the forum as a training resource as well.

You will find that unless you have done this sort of work before that you do not have enough practical experience to manage on your own, so if you can find someone who will take you along and guide you for a while this would help a lot.
Offering to wok for free is generally not a wise method as you will either be taken advantage of or ignored as desperate (even if you are desperate!). Offering to work for a limited time on an agreed low wage /pay per job might be a better solution.
You will not be able to get an ECS as this requires the NVQ3.
For tools just for agency work, I would suggest just a hammer, bolster chisel, scutch chisel, a set of insulated screwdrivers and pliers kit and an electric screwdriver/drill, you will have to decide on price or quality. You may also need safety boots and glasses.

So why are they asking for ecs card for a mate if you need to have complet ed the nvq because after completing the nvq you become a qualified electrician I was in be leaf.

 

[Leesparkykent]

So what is your course code Patrick? or is it lots of c&g certs like 2392, 2393 and so on?

 

[patrick clowery]

2365 level 2 and 3 diploma made up from units, also 2382 2392 2394 and 2395 and part p then if I have completed all of them in the time, I can apply to do my 2357 with them

 

[Richard Burns]

To get an electricians ECS card will require the NVQ3, to get a trainee card would require you to be on a course leading to the NVQ3, which is may be just about possible with those qualifications but you would have to check with JIB (they are not easy to get hold of) and ask your training centre if they can sponsor you on this.
You could get a labourers ECS card that does not permit you to undertake electrical work so is of limited value.
The job adverts are looking for people with existing experience so that they can be a contributing member of staff immediately, this is often the sticking point for starting employment that the only jobs available are for those with experience so there is no way for those without experience to get a start.
You generally need to be lucky in having someone take you on to technically assist so that you can then offer some experience to the next employer.

 

[patrick clowery]

I know easier said than done that though I've sent of loads of emails enquiring and left loads of messages but nothing ever comes back

 

[uksrevivor]

Patrick I to was in the same boat it is really hard and sometimes next to impossible to get a start you will send loads of emails and get next to no replies. Try a different approach send a covering letter explaining that you are looking to improve on your current experience and are looking for a start. Explain that you are working hard in college to gain the current qualifications and are not looking for someone to fund the course fees as you already have this in place. Detail all your working experience if you have any and explain your experience/ skills with hand tools and power tools, if you have no experience then be honest and explain this in the letter.
It is very hard to get someone to give you a start but that covering letter often gets there attention and makes a possible employer read further than just a cv. I was lucky I sent over 45 emails to potential employers and had 1 small firm ring me that was nearly 2 years ago and I am still with them now. I did get over 7 replies saying thanks but no thanks and they all commented on my covering letter saying if the situation changes they will contact me. My employer did comment at my interview that the reason he wanted to speak to me was because of the honest covering letter i sent alongside my c.v. He sponsored my ECS electrical laborer card and even though im on a zero hour contract im working more than im not. I self funded my city and guilds level 2 diploma and gained a distinction and i am self funding my level 3 diploma as well which I am just starting now.
You will only get a trainee electrician ECS card when you have completed the City & Guilds level 2 diploma in electrical installations and can prove that you are working towards the NVQ level 3 and i believe that is only through sponsorship with a registered approved contractor.
Keep at it you will get rejected more times than you will be accepted by a company and dont work for nothing.
Good luck and hope this reply helps

 

[patrick clowery]

I know exactly what your saying, I'm going to re do my cv once I have completed week which is the last bit of my level 2 so I can put all my certs on there. I was sending a cover letter with my cv but more towards working for free for experience so I will also change that. Good to see someone that has been through and still is like. Thanks for the positive post. Where did you do your training by the way

 

[gazdkw82]

Whats Basildon training centre like? I did 2 weeks at Wolverhampton (the boot room) training centre and I was less than impressed

 

[hightower]

If you're doing 2365 mate (pretty sure I read you were) then you should be able to get a trainee ECS card based on this (as it's a recognised JIB route to becoming qualified).

Keep plugging away, you'll be looked after in the trainee section - the more effort you put in to this place the more you get out, if you post a question like "Explain the principles of electromagnetism", well people here won't do your homework for you, but if you write a well written question and try to put in words where you are at you will get a much better response. For example, something like this might stand you in better stead:

"I'm having trouble getting my head around ---, I understand that AAA and BBB makes CCC but I'm really struggling to work out how AAA and YYY makes ---"

 

[uksrevivor]

If you're doing 2365 mate (pretty sure I read you were) then you should be able to get a trainee ECS card based on this (as it's a recognised JIB route to becoming qualified).

Keep plugging away, you'll be looked after in the trainee section - the more effort you put in to this place the more you get out, if you post a question like "Explain the principles of electromagnetism", well people here won't do your homework for you, but if you write a well written question and try to put in words where you are at you will get a much better response. For example, something like this might stand you in better stead:

"I'm having trouble getting my head around ---, I understand that AAA and BBB makes CCC but I'm really struggling to work out how AAA and YYY makes ---"

Hi Hightower an electrical trainee ECS card is only available once the level 2 diploma is completed and you are working onto the level 3. As silly as this sounds i rang them when i applied as i sent in my college acceptance form halfway through my level 2 and they would not issue a trainee card. I was not impressed by this and spent half an hour on the phone to them telling them im a trainee but computer said no in my case and they were adamant they wouldnt issue a trainee card until i completed level 2 and was on the level 3 course and i needed to provide evidence .

 

[hightower]

Hi Hightower an electrical trainee ECS card is only available once the level 2 diploma is completed and you are working onto the level 3. As silly as this sounds i rang them when i applied as i sent in my college acceptance form halfway through my level 2 and they would not issue a trainee card. I was not impressed by this and spent half an hour on the phone to them telling them im a trainee but computer said no in my case and they were adamant they wouldnt issue a trainee card until i completed level 2 and was on the level 3 course and i needed to provide evidence .

I'm trying to avoid the whole ECS thing whilst I'm in training to be honest, just seems more trouble than it's worth to me.