AM2 without Experience

[Sparky_Wario]

Mature student just completed inspection and testing. I am toying with the idea of taking AM2. Already have Btec Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 18th Edition regs and L2 and L3 electrical installation.
Finding it difficult to get a break in the industry.
Would AM2 improve my chance of getting employment?
Considering my lack of experience, will it be an uphill task for me?
Should I just concentrate on gaining experience first before having a plunge

 

[gazdkw82]

Can you explain what experience you have with installation, testing and fault finding?

 

[Sparky_Wario]

Can you explain what experience you have with installation, testing and fault finding?

I dont have site experience other than the practical installation testing and fault finding done at college as part of the course.

 

[gazdkw82]

The point of the AM2 is to test your skillset on a small installation. This includes but not limited to testing, fault finding, a general knowledge test etc.

If you are comfortable with installing SWA, S/Y (using correct gland), FP200, flex, single core cables then you are on to a good start.

Then you will need to ask yourself if you could confidently select appropriate protective devices for specific circuits, confirm safe isolation (using the correct method) etc then you are pretty much ready.

There is a specific check list that you can look through before undertaking the AM2. It's designed to highlight what's involved and confirm if you think you are ready.

My personal advice would be to be honest with yourself on that list and go from there. Its alot of money to take the assessment and the assessors cannot help you. You are effectively on your own. That's the point of the assessment.

 

[Sparky_Wario]

The point of the AM2 is to test your skillset on a small installation. This includes but not limited to testing, fault finding, a general knowledge test etc.

If you are comfortable with installing SWA, S/Y (using correct gland), FP200, flex, single core cables then you are on to a good start.

Then you will need to ask yourself if you could confidently select appropriate protective devices for specific circuits, confirm safe isolation (using the correct method) etc then you are pretty much ready.

There is a specific check list that you can look through before undertaking the AM2. It's designed to highlight what's involved and confirm if you think you are ready.

My personal advice would be to be honest with yourself on that list and go from there. Its alot of money to take the assessment and the assessors cannot help you. You are effectively on your own. That's the point of the assessment.

I am confident I can do all that. Thank you. Do the employers hold it in high regard?

 

[gazdkw82]

Have you not had any experience, of soldering??? tinning is covering the copper with a thin layer of solder, thus sweating the cores together to put it simply, google soldering or tinnimg conductors may show you more than a difficult written instruction.

I am confident I can do all that. Thank you. Do the employers hold it in high regard?

That's a tricky question to answer. The reason is, employers vary so much. Iv seen employers that think having the 18th edition makes you a qualified sparks, but then if seen employers who know every course code and understand what they mean or reflect a potential employee.

Overall I would say the AM2 is a good thing to have on your CV. If you have level 3 then you could potentially do a site diary through say EAL or something similar and then I think a bridging unit, then you can have a full NVQ qualification.

I'm pretty sure that is a possible route.

 

[Sparky_Wario]

That's a tricky question to answer. The reason is, employers vary so much. Iv seen employers that think having the 18th edition makes you a qualified sparks, but then if seen employers who know every course code and understand what they mean or reflect a potential employee.

Overall I would say the AM2 is a good thing to have on your CV. If you have level 3 then you could potentially do a site diary through say EAL or something similar and then I think a bridging unit, then you can have a full NVQ qualification.

I'm pretty sure that is a possible route.

All my qualifications are EAL and I think the college provided the bridging unit as part of the course. I think site dairy route is for the experienced learners (read it some where that 3 years experience is required prior to commencing it).

 

[gazdkw82]

All my qualifications are EAL and I think the college provided the bridging unit as part of the course. I think site dairy route is for the experienced learners (read it some where that 3 years experience is required prior to commencing it).

Maybe that's not the route for you then.

If it helps, i have been asked at 2 recent interviews if I had passed an AM2. No mention of an NVQ

 

[Sparky_Wario]

Maybe that's not the route for you then.

If it helps, i have been asked at 2 recent interviews if I had passed an AM2. No mention of an NVQ

That's encouraging. Thanks mate

 

[Lister1987]

Following as I'll be in this boat soon enough. Build a test rig at home and get arctic sing would be my advice, use the checklist and take 1 'activity' at a time, spend the day on it then move to the next etc