Bpec or city and guilds, which is best??

[Dark horse Pete]

I'd like to eventually set up on my own one day, id like to be my own boss. But i have a long road in front of me yet kev! Lol

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Thanks Gavin, that's very useful info. I too was in the army myself as an rmp (dont hate me) When I left I joined the civy police... that was a mistake! Lol.

Had a couple of run ins with monkeys when in RAF, some very funny stories to tell!
well play the forces card to your advantage when looking for work... goes a long way...

 

[Dark horse Pete]

Ha ha, oh the stories I could tell you... good times, I do miss them. Yeah the forces card has done me well in every job ive had since. Although i leave out the cherry beret bit sometimes....lol

 

[Dark horse Pete]

Can I ask what you guys do in the industry presently?

 

[Des 56]

Can I ask what you guys do in the industry presently?

I am a jack of all sectors and probably a master of none

DhP What is your aim?
An electrician can cover so many different and varied tasks and sectors

You may then get advice on qualification and criteria that is specific to what you need

 

[Adam W]

BTECs might have come a long way but I would hesitate to employ someone with one - our apprentices are doing them and from what I can make out what they're doing at college has nothing to do with the NVQ, they're expecting me to try to rush them through the NVQ in a year; it seems to be a case of me showing them something for the first time then take a picture of them trying it for their portfolio. It's also called an "electrical engineering" BTEC, which filled their heads with glamorous visions of being electrical engineers when they've finished so they don't need to bother with piffling installation stuff, when it turns out it's what their NVQ is all about.

Those "intensive" courses are otherwise known as "domestic installer" courses and in most cases will restrict you to domestic installing. If you want to do commercial or industrial work you'd need an NVQ and technical certificate like everyone else; your personal circumstances don't change that.

 

[Dark horse Pete]

Des, I'm looking ultimately at inspection and testing maybe starting up a PAT testing company, id also like to look at the design and verification side of the business to as the idea greatly interests me. Trouble is i have zero experience and have yet to complete any qualifications. Hence why im asking you guys for advice

 

[Dark horse Pete]

Adam, I figured that I'd do a basic intensive course to get some idea of the industry, look at getting onto a part p scheme eventually. And then look to doing a nvq level 2 and 3 via a college on a part time basis whilst I'm working in the industry to get some experience.

 

[Adam W]

That seems like a convoluted, not to mention expensive way of doing things.
With the level 2 and 3 and the NVQ you wouldn't need anything any intensive course could offer you, plus you'd save yourself around £5k.

 

[Dark horse Pete]

Like I said Adam I'm new to the trade and open to any constructive advice you can offer.