Advice on Finding Work - No Experience

[Chris E]

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Hi guys,

Not sure if this is the right place to ask since it's more of a general question. I'm looking for a bit of advice. I completed my level 2 and 3 a few years ago and I'm now looking to get into electrics full time. The problem I have is I have no on-site experience. I technically have some experience from college but I don't know if I would be able to say that translates as a years experience to put on my CV. I've had people tell me to BS it and say I have a year or two experience just to get work, but I'm worried about turning up on site, being told what to do but not having a clue how to do what I'm told. Is this a valid concern or do you feel that level 2 and 3 would give me enough experience to complete whatever is thrown my way?

Thanks.

 

[newfutile]

I would never advise telling lies , your better off working for friends and family, or put cards in local wholesalers to work cheap or free to gain experience

 

[davesparks]

Unfortunately practical work done in college doesn't really equate to practical work in the real world.

College work tends to be nice wooden boards and perfect 90 degree angles with very short cable runs, whereas the real world is anything but!

 

[Chris E]

Unfortunately practical work done in college doesn't really equate to practical work in the real world.

College work tends to be nice wooden boards and perfect 90 degree angles with very short cable runs, whereas the real world is anything but!

Pretty much what I thought. That's just something I was told by a few people.

 

[RoryDickerson]

While your level 2 and 3 qualifications are a great foundation, having on-site experience is important for becoming a competent electrician.

 

[BrainInAJar]

Look for Electrical Improver jobs or Electricians Mate jobs and just be up front about needing on-site experience. If you've got your own tools and a good attitude you'll get chances. If they're not really looking for trainees they'll tell you and you can look elsewhere, no dramas

 

[OnlQQker]

I don't know if this applies anymore, but I believe it does..

Years back a lot of trades would head for the local builders pub. In my case it was Taffy at The Dolphin.

What Taffy did was link all the trades to a job, he was like the local regions ganger man.
Though if you do go this route, watch out for your wages being paid out in the pub, cuz you'll end up like I did, skint by Sunday evening because I'd not just drank my wages away, I'd lose it all hustling over on Taffys pool table!