F
Freshstart
17 from london thinking of becoming an Electrician.
It's interesting, respected? you meet loads of people and it can be well paid
or it's a PITA, customers are *****, regulations are often incomprehensible, and the government and statutary bodies are doing their best to squeeze you dry whilst inviting any pillock to be come an electrician in 5 days for a fee.
Depends on your outlook really
or it's a PITA, customers are *****, regulations are often incomprehensible, and the government and statutary bodies are doing their best to squeeze you dry whilst inviting any pillock to be come an electrician in 5 days for a fee.
Depends on your outlook really
Last edited by a moderator:
NMc
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A good trade to take up.
An electrician's job will vary and be dependent upon the type and range of work the employer does. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical services, both inside and outside buildings and structures such as houses, hospitals, schools, factories and shops etc. You will be expected to;
An electrician's job will vary and be dependent upon the type and range of work the employer does. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical services, both inside and outside buildings and structures such as houses, hospitals, schools, factories and shops etc. You will be expected to;
- work indoors and outdoors and be prepared to sometimes work at height;
- work with little or no supervision, relying on their own initiative;
- be prepared to travel away from home;
- develop good working relationships with all relevant people;
- read both building and engineering drawings;
- understand wiring and circuit diagrams;
- select (within limits) materials and equipment;
- inspect and test electrical installations;
- diagnose and rectify faults on a range of circuits and equipment;
- prepare written reports.
At your age I was already long enough into the trade to ask myself "have I been doing the right thing"
Try and get some work experience to see if it feels the right thing to do
If you can then earn a living doing something that interests you,thats a bonus, because so many jobs can be mind numbingly boring
One thing I can say is that boring is not usually associated with electrical occupations,but it needs study and dedication to that studying
Having just seen your reply on the other thread,I can understand why you have posted this one
Try not to let the moans and groans of us in the industry put too much gloom on the occupation
Most of that gloom is a reflection of a poor economy which affects all trades
There are issues in the trade with the structure and the regulation,but that will always be so,as well as all other occupations
Its a big deal at the moment to a lot in the trade, but times come and go, and change happens which is sometimes not welcomed, or could have been carried out differently
There will always be work for electricians,even those struggling at the moment will likely be struggling for less of a time than other occupations
On the whole it is a better quality trade to be in than most others
Try not to let the moans and groans of us in the industry put too much gloom on the occupation
Most of that gloom is a reflection of a poor economy which affects all trades
There are issues in the trade with the structure and the regulation,but that will always be so,as well as all other occupations
Its a big deal at the moment to a lot in the trade, but times come and go, and change happens which is sometimes not welcomed, or could have been carried out differently
There will always be work for electricians,even those struggling at the moment will likely be struggling for less of a time than other occupations
On the whole it is a better quality trade to be in than most others
F
Freshstart
I only have one experience , about 3 years ago my uncle took me with him to to install some lights into an office.At your age I was already long enough into the trade to ask myself "have I been doing the right thing"
Try and get some work experience to see if it feels the right thing to do
If you can then earn a living doing something that interests you,thats a bonus, because so many jobs can be mind numbingly boring
One thing I can say is that boring is not usually associated with electrical occupations,but it needs study and dedication to that studying
I basically just helped unpack the tools and held the lights while he installed them.
It was quite straining on my arms but im alot stronger now and obviously i wont just be holding up lights if i become qualified ?
F
Freshstart
Thanks.
In all honesty i dont mind if i dont earn an incredible amount i come from a poor backround my mum is on benfits and my dad ( who i have only seen a few times ) is a homeless druggy.
Just getting a fairly enjoyable trade that keeps me active and pays for food etc is fine.
I have nothing to lose.
E
ezzzekiel
in my opinion its one of the better trades to take up, you will hear a lot of moaning from sparks on the forum about lack of work, 5 day wonders, recession, constantly changing regs etc etc, but given my time again i would choose the same trade, always made reasonable money never really been out of work for a long period, the work for the most part is interesting and always something new to learn.
currently 2330 level3 and nvq3 can be done about 2-3 years (changing to the 2357 shortly) these are the basis for fully qualified, then add on 2382 and 2391
currently 2330 level3 and nvq3 can be done about 2-3 years (changing to the 2357 shortly) these are the basis for fully qualified, then add on 2382 and 2391
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F
Freshstart
thanks.
Once i get my GCSES ( left school at 15 ) i plan on taking a electrician apprenticeship.
F
Freshstart
All together how long does it take to become fully qualified ?
Thanks.
F
Freshstart2
I have been reading different threads and it seems most people think being a sparky is a dead career with no money ?
But ive been reading around and it seems the average salary is 26 k i believe , could be wrong though.
Do you think it would be better to pursue PLumbing , Painting or , HVAC ?
But ive been reading around and it seems the average salary is 26 k i believe , could be wrong though.
Do you think it would be better to pursue PLumbing , Painting or , HVAC ?
imago
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What trade do you most want to learn and work in? If you can work at something which you enjoy doing (most days) you'll be a lot better off than the majority of people.
As for the doom sayers, I really wish that swearing was allowed so that I could exercise the additional vocabulary. As it isn't let me put it like this. No matter what trade, industry, business or profession you're in people will moan. You are looking to learn a trade, not get a job. Take a long term view and you'll see that by the time you're qualified 'popular opinion' will be that there just aren't enough qualified Electricians and they'll be in demand at good rates. Recession, economic down turn, construction industry on it's uppers, nothing new there. Take a guess what happens a couple of years after the economic/construction industry pendulum reaches the bottom?
So how come some companies/individuals survive the bad times? They adapt and do what's needed. It's still tough for a while, but it's not the end.
As for the doom sayers, I really wish that swearing was allowed so that I could exercise the additional vocabulary. As it isn't let me put it like this. No matter what trade, industry, business or profession you're in people will moan. You are looking to learn a trade, not get a job. Take a long term view and you'll see that by the time you're qualified 'popular opinion' will be that there just aren't enough qualified Electricians and they'll be in demand at good rates. Recession, economic down turn, construction industry on it's uppers, nothing new there. Take a guess what happens a couple of years after the economic/construction industry pendulum reaches the bottom?
So how come some companies/individuals survive the bad times? They adapt and do what's needed. It's still tough for a while, but it's not the end.
T
The Cavalry
I first started as a painter (aged 3 helping mum!!) I started chippy work at 13 in my dads company and have been in the construction game most of my life (now 40 something) I wish I had done a sparky course at 17, I came in to electrics late in life and love it. There are times when I'm covered in ---- and its cold and I wonder why I did it, those moments are very few and far between. nothing in life is perfect, choose something that interests you, and makes you think. The recession will not last for ever and skilled trades will always be needed. I hope we here can help you, and never mind the moaning, everyone does it at some point.
F
Freshstart2
Thanks for the advice.
I have done painting a few times and thought it was ok but i reckon it will get quite repetitive ?
I have done one electrician job with my uncle , he installed some lights i basically done the donkey work so i havent really experienced any electrician jobs.
I reckon i will enjoy being a sparky i can deal with the phsycal side of it but if the trades dead ? which alot of people are saying i dont know if its worth spending 4 years of training.
I'll probably give it a go and if i like it i'll continue.
Thanks again.
I have done painting a few times and thought it was ok but i reckon it will get quite repetitive ?
I have done one electrician job with my uncle , he installed some lights i basically done the donkey work so i havent really experienced any electrician jobs.
I reckon i will enjoy being a sparky i can deal with the phsycal side of it but if the trades dead ? which alot of people are saying i dont know if its worth spending 4 years of training.
I'll probably give it a go and if i like it i'll continue.
Thanks again.
T
TPES
knowing what I know now then yes, you can easily earn the same but have not have the thousends spent on courses, registration fees and test equipment...
Only follow the career path of being an electrician if your heart is really in it.. Don't be pressured by other people or because you think you'll earn lots of money..
I'm still in the trade because I genuinely enjoy my job, very interested in learning more and get self satisfaction from my work..
When I was at collage half the class dropped out in the second year because there heart was not in it to learn and complete the course.
F
Freshstart2
Thanks i genuinly want to become an electrician because i think i'll enjoy it.
I dont mind not getting paid loads .
E
ezzzekiel
well ive always said that the big difference in life is getting up at 6am every day and going out doing something you hate whatever the money or going out to a job you love, now we all have off days but in general i still dont mind getting up and going to work (infact i prob prefer it to moping about all day bored)
V
Victorcrane
Just my tuppence worth. In 2007 at the age of 27 I paid 3 grand to go back to school and learn the trade after a couple of years working as a mate. I would say it's the best decision I made, but with regard to being 'fully qualified' well that's a grey area in electrical work.
The 2330 plus AM2 will technically allow you to call yourself an electrician, but in order to test most firms want you to have the 2391 though there is no legal requirement to have it, it just proves that you know what you're doing. Some firms will then insist you have your JIB card which is in my opinion little more than a money making scheme as I've worked with JIB approved guys who genuinely didn't know how a ring works. That card will cost a man of my age £1000 and for what? Anyway...
I'm now about a total of £4500 down the line and am an NIC qualified supervisor, but I still have very very much to learn and some jobs can find you stuck doing the same thing day after day which is bad as you won't learn anything by just repeating yourself. Average earnings among my colleagues are 25-30k but I know guys making 50k pushing overtime and in long term positions with good companies.
It's always a gamble buddy, but I will say that I really enjoy my work and I get out of bed happy every morning. It's filthy and hot and heavy going but it knocks the socks of being an office manager or a pub landlord.
The 2330 plus AM2 will technically allow you to call yourself an electrician, but in order to test most firms want you to have the 2391 though there is no legal requirement to have it, it just proves that you know what you're doing. Some firms will then insist you have your JIB card which is in my opinion little more than a money making scheme as I've worked with JIB approved guys who genuinely didn't know how a ring works. That card will cost a man of my age £1000 and for what? Anyway...
I'm now about a total of £4500 down the line and am an NIC qualified supervisor, but I still have very very much to learn and some jobs can find you stuck doing the same thing day after day which is bad as you won't learn anything by just repeating yourself. Average earnings among my colleagues are 25-30k but I know guys making 50k pushing overtime and in long term positions with good companies.
It's always a gamble buddy, but I will say that I really enjoy my work and I get out of bed happy every morning. It's filthy and hot and heavy going but it knocks the socks of being an office manager or a pub landlord.
F
Freshstart2
Also i have been looking online for apprenticeship info / vacancies and i have found
a website with two courses , one is called Electrical and Electronic Servicing ??? and the other electrotechnical , are these two linked ?
I think Electrical and Electronic Servicing is the basic beginners course but i really have no idea.
Heres the link to the site
Electrical and Electronic Servicing - Apprenticeships - Opening doors to a better future
Thanks
a website with two courses , one is called Electrical and Electronic Servicing ??? and the other electrotechnical , are these two linked ?
I think Electrical and Electronic Servicing is the basic beginners course but i really have no idea.
Heres the link to the site
Electrical and Electronic Servicing - Apprenticeships - Opening doors to a better future
Thanks
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F
Freshstart2
The electrotechnical one says its looking for experienced people.
I have no experience lol.
F
Freshstart2
what is the order you have to earn them ?
Thanks.
2330 level 2 is where you should start then progress to level 3. To do the NVQ Level 3 you would need to be working in the industry as this requires on site assessments and gathering evidence. I wouldn't bother with the P.A.T but thats upto you.
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NMc
-
Hi Freshstart2
To start with you will need to find a company or someone who will take you on as an apprentice. When you get one, they may already work with a training organisation like JTL who draw down government money to pay for your college and ensure you will qualify. 2330 L2, L3 AM2 and NVQ
Check out JTL website you can apply to get on the JTL approved apprenticeship list which gets circulated around employers that they work with
To start with you will need to find a company or someone who will take you on as an apprentice. When you get one, they may already work with a training organisation like JTL who draw down government money to pay for your college and ensure you will qualify. 2330 L2, L3 AM2 and NVQ
Check out JTL website you can apply to get on the JTL approved apprenticeship list which gets circulated around employers that they work with
S
sirtaffy
What do you get out of being a spark? exactly the same as any other job as if you want to sit round on your arse and exist you simply take a job with someonme like the council and exist for the next forty years til you get your gold clock. Or you can apply yourself, take up work wherever the opportunity arises and travel chasing the money. I am not saying that all council sparks are bone idle I am just saying that your job is the same as life as in what you make of it. There are some great chances out there it is a mix of being in the right place and having the guts to jump at opportunities. About twenty years ago I had the chance to be a spark on the Antarctic survey and turned it down to stay with my bird whom I duly broke up with four weeks later doh! I still went on to work in S Africa and all over Europe along with various exotic holidays paid for by working my danglies off seven days a week 12 hours a day.
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