Brave New World

[basejumper31]

Hi!

I'm here seeking advice (no surprise lol).

I have decided that I am going to pursue a distance learning course in order to get my level 3 NVQ 2356, and qualify as an electrician. I work full time and as such distance learning is the only option available to me.

I have a little prior experience with electrics, but haven't ventured into the field for over a decade. So I literally know nothing. However I'm a fast learner and very enthusiastic about this new direction.

I contacted a company today over the phone, who are offering distance learning for the NVQ 3 including about 250 hrs of self study, 10 practical workshops, and guaranteeing that they would find me a placement with a company to shadow a qualified electrician for, I think, 25 hours, or 25 days, something like that, in order to complete the NVQ3. One of their reps is coming to meet me tomorrow to talk about the course in more detail.

The cost of the course is about £6000. I am wondering how competitive/reasonable this price is. They allow a 'pay as you go' option, and even a finance option, which would be the only way I could afford to do this.

I am super keen to get started asap! And yet I'm trying not to rush into this too quickly and make mistakes in terms of how to go about getting qualified.. But I can see there are a lot of companies out there offering distance learning, I've been in touch with a few others and am waiting to hear back from them to see how they compare price-wise to the company I spoke to today.

I guess other advice I'm seeking is, do people know of any good, independent knowledge-base type resources where I can go to get informed, impartial advice about embarking on the road to becoming an electrician?

The guy from the company I spoke to today said that I could get the NVQ3 under my belt in around a year to a year and a half, at which point I'd be a qualified electrician, and can start work! However he's obviously trying to sell the course, and I wondered what people's reactions to this statement would be.. how realistic is this? Does this mean I'd have a JIB card at the end of it?

I realise there will be hurdles and bottlenecks, and I need to find out what they are!

There seems to be a lot of electrical work / jobs advertised on many online job sites, so I take it there's a healthy demand for electricians out there, and finding work, once qualified, shouldn't be too impossible, right?!

Lastly - I know there's a number of questions and points I've raised here, am happy if people want to just answer one point or something, I know I need to do my own research as well, and I am, I just thought there's no harm in asking for opinions and suggested directions from others who have walked the road before me.

Thanks for reading

 

[jaypp]

there's plenty of opinions on numerous threads regarding 'short courses'. cost wise, you can attend night school 2 evenings per week for 2yrs (not much longer than your predicted timescale) for about 20% of that £6000. also, 25 days free labour placement will probably be with one of their previous distance learners. I think it would be wise to do more research before signing up. all the best

 

[basejumper31]

Thanks Jaypp. Unfortunately due to my job, I can't do evening classes. I work 3 weeks, 7 days a week, and then have 2 weeks off, so I think distance learning is really the only option for me. However perhaps there are other distance learning providers who are cheaper than the once I've heard back from so far. I will make sure to find out a few different quotes before signing up to anything, for sure.

 

[Badged01]

The trouble you may find with the NVQ is where you get the hands-on experience from? Are this company going to provide you with the opportunities for it or do you have to find them yourself?

 

[basejumper31]

Badged, I think the hands-on comes from the workshops, of which there are 10 (between 1 and 3 days long) and the placement shadowing a qualified electrician (albeit perhaps a previous learner, as Jaypp said above).

The way the guy explained it on the phone today, was that whereas some people do two evenings a week at college, which maybe amounts to say 6 hours a week, the workshops offered by this training provider last all day from 9am to 4.30pm, so that's 7.5 hours, and if it was a three-day workshop, that's 22.5 hrs, in one go.

So apparently I would still notch up a lot of hours of hands-on, albeit in bursts, rather than more gradually as it would happen via an evening course.

 

[jaypp]

the 2yr night school is 75% theory, practical just shows how you 'should' do it (connect/terminate) and a booth is not really giving true experience. I, like you, had previous experience 15yrs prior (about 3yrs and was left on jobs) and considered short courses. Glad the price put me off!!! I think you'd be better to get experience working part of your 2wk 'off' and maybe earning rather than paying to get experience in a controlled environment. you may, after a while, be a good enough 'mate' to do f/t and attend night school (obviously i don't know your income but, if your looking at this i guess it's not 6 figures)

 

[guest119]

A year and a half to become a qualified electrician?
Why so long?

Boydy

 

[basejumper31]

Jaypp, thanks for your reply. But I'm a bit confused as to what you're actually saying here. If night school is 75% theory, doesn't that add credence to the notion of distance learning? I.e. it seems that you're saying that practical experience is not terrifically important. Also, what's a booth? is that what you go into/sit at when at night school?
In terms of what you mention about work experience - I have already made enquiries with a friend of mine who is an electrician (even though he doesn't work in the field any more) about anyone he knows who I could shadow during my two week periods off work. So would it not be possible to combine work experience and distance learning? (assuming I can find a course with a more reasonable fee.. I've since seen others which are cheaper than £6k)

My income certainly is not 6 figures no lol

Thanks again for your feedback

 

[jaypp]

your welcome basej. i guess what i was trying to say was, 6k to teach yourself at home + give someone a few weeks free labour + practical experience in a booth(e) (cubicle with mdf/ply to learn skills) is expensive. I'm not saying don't do it, just research more. personally, having considered similar myself, i wouldn't. that's about all the advice i can give. there's a trainee section you may want to request access to for other opinions. good luck

 

[basejumper31]

So.. having done some more research, I can see two possible routes in terms of getting qualified as an electrician, AND coming out of it with what one training provider I spoke to called "a solid foundation" i.e. not just a bit of paper and no (or very very little) experience.

Firstly - I'm in touch with a company who are offering the 2357 diploma with 250 hrs self study, 10 workshops (each between one and three days long) and they also provide me a placement working under a qualified electrician in the field, in order to get the experience based part of the NVQ. They charge around £6k for this. they also throw into the bundle further training, including solar installations etc, further down the line.

The other option is a company which offer the NVQ, ordinarily to people already working in the field (i.e. an electrician's mate) but they don't offer any workshops, nor placement in the field. However, I have a friend who is an electrician, who has kindly said to me that I can follow him and shadow him in his work (which, due to my work commitments, would be for one week a month). This latter training provider expressed some concern that my experience in the field needs to be significant, and wondered whether a week per month would be sufficient to satisfy the practical requirements of the NVQ at level 3. This training provider also suggested that instead of the 2357 that I ought to first complete the theoretical 2365, whilst shadowing my friend, and then later move on to the full level 3 NVQ. I am guessing this would be the longer of the two routes. (However I'm coming to realize speed is not of the essence in terms of getting qualified, rather it seems getting a good foundation is more important. After all what would be the good of getting the qualification and then finding I didn't know how to do the job!) Although I don't have exact figures yet, this option is apparently a great deal cheaper than £6k, reflecting the fact that they don't provide workshops or any placement I suppose.

Evening courses at a local college are, sadly, not an option for me, due to my work pattern (I'm a live-in carer, I work 24 hours a day for three weeks in a row, and then I have two weeks off, and so on).

On the other hand, the first training provider I mentioned above argues that doing the level 2 and then level 3 is a unnecessarily costly and lengthy way of going about getting qualified.

My friend that is a working electrician, I am hoping, if I dedicated enough time shadowing him, and proved I was worthwhile as an assistant, might just take me on at some point. But there's no guarantee of that.

I wondered if anyone might have any thoughts about these two options, or about which of the two might be the best route for me to take.

Thanks for reading

 

[Johnuk]

don't fall for the sales guy they talk rubbish to just get your money, when you add up they course you are paying 6k for, the college route is like 2.5k

 

[derek]

I have seen C+G2365 distance learning courses for 1400 for lv2 and 1500 for lv3 and that was just a quick look. The NVQ3 can be had for £700 but you really need to be in the trade to accumulate the evidence for this I believe. Ultimately there is no substitute for experience and the world of electrical installation bears no resemblance to a training provider's workshop.

 

[basejumper31]

..I have also now been in touch with a third training provider, who is offering the following for around £2k:

Part P EAL Domestic Electrical Installer - full scope
17th Edition of the IIE Wiring regulations C&G 2382
Certificate in Fundamental Inspection and Testing 2392-10
Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations 2391-10

The advisor offering this package said it would be possible to complete these qualifications in a couple of months, and that I would then be ready to go and start work. I mentioned that other training providers offering the 2365 or 2357 and so on estimated a minimum training time of a year and a half, depending upon experience gained etc. However the advisor mentioned above in this post said that the NVQ is merely a confirmation of capabilities, whereas the C&G certificates are actual qualifications which would make me ready to begin work immediately.

Two months seems incredibly optimistic to me. However, I am the new guy here, hence why I'm posting this, wondering what others think.

I am now starting to think that the best way forward (given that every training provider I speak to has a different opinion about what I ought to do) is to get in touch with a practicing electrician, volunteer my time for free, get a feel of the job, what it's like, and see what they would advise.

Nevertheless, still very much welcome feedback from anyone here as to their opinions on the above.

Just to re-iterate, evening classes at college are not an option for me due to my current work situation.

Also - I'd really appreciate it if someone could advise me as to how I can request access to the training section of this site. I emailed the webmaster but to no avail. Apparently there are many threads there which would be of use to me.

As ever, thanks for reading

 

[jaypp]

So.. having done some more research, I can see two possible routes in terms of getting qualified as an electrician, AND coming out of it with what one training provider I spoke to called "a solid foundation" i.e. not just a bit of paper and no (or very very little) experience.

Firstly - I'm in touch with a company who are offering the 2357 diploma with 250 hrs self study, 10 workshops (each between one and three days long) and they also provide me a placement working under a qualified electrician in the field, in order to get the experience based part of the NVQ. They charge around £6k for this. they also throw into the bundle further training, including solar installations etc, further down the line.

The other option is a company which offer the NVQ, ordinarily to people already working in the field (i.e. an electrician's mate) but they don't offer any workshops, nor placement in the field. However, I have a friend who is an electrician, who has kindly said to me that I can follow him and shadow him in his work (which, due to my work commitments, would be for one week a month). This latter training provider expressed some concern that my experience in the field needs to be significant, and wondered whether a week per month would be sufficient to satisfy the practical requirements of the NVQ at level 3. This training provider also suggested that instead of the 2357 that I ought to first complete the theoretical 2365, whilst shadowing my friend, and then later move on to the full level 3 NVQ. I am guessing this would be the longer of the two routes. (However I'm coming to realize speed is not of the essence in terms of getting qualified, rather it seems getting a good foundation is more important. After all what would be the good of getting the qualification and then finding I didn't know how to do the job!) Although I don't have exact figures yet, this option is apparently a great deal cheaper than £6k, reflecting the fact that they don't provide workshops or any placement I suppose.

Evening courses at a local college are, sadly, not an option for me, due to my work pattern (I'm a live-in carer, I work 24 hours a day for three weeks in a row, and then I have two weeks off, and so on).

On the other hand, the first training provider I mentioned above argues that doing the level 2 and then level 3 is a unnecessarily costly and lengthy way of going about getting qualified.

My friend that is a working electrician, I am hoping, if I dedicated enough time shadowing him, and proved I was worthwhile as an assistant, might just take me on at some point. But there's no guarantee of that.

I wondered if anyone might have any thoughts about these two options, or about which of the two might be the best route for me to take.

Thanks for reading

Hi basej. I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I have to agree with johnuk as you probably know already! For access, try sending a personal message to Marvo or another administrator, introducing yourself and briefly explaining why you would like 'said access'. Your situation sounds unique, but I must suggest trying to find someone who can give honest, impartial advice, suited to your needs/situation. Almost everyone working as an electrician will tell you there's no fast route, and I guess your friend will agree. Again, good luck

 

[Sintra]

To gain access to the trainee forum read this Announcements - Trainees Only and follow the instructions.

 

[Richard Burns]

Your last option there is not really one that is recognised outside of the self certification schemes.
The ideal route is to either work toward your 2365 and at the end of that transfer to the 2357 to complete your NVQ3 and AM2 or
take the 2357 directly.

Because of your work schedule you may find distance learning to be the only practical approach. However distance learning can come with some difficulties as there can be a lack of support compared to a class of students, so you would need to be up to speed as you go along.
(Obviously you can ask on this forum in the training section for help as you go along.)

The other problem with the distance learning and with completing the NVQ is, as mentioned previously, the practical aspects, the NVQ really does need you to be in some form of employment,preferably with a range of installation techniques, so that you can complete the portfolio. Also the booth training is limited in the scope of what it can tell you about real world electrical work, but it does let you practice the electrical connections side of things (though this is a small part of the whole job).

The opportunities for electricians are not as widely available as you think, as you may notice from some of the threads on here.
I would try to see if any colleges have remote access learning opportunities (not very common) and would try to ensure that you are not paying over the odds comparing to the cost of the other options that you cannot follow.

The choice of provider is a difficult one and if you are thinking of one in particular have a search on the forum (but keep an eye on the dates of posts) and see if there is some feedback about them.
Most of them will promise anything, but they are not all bad.

Good luck and do not be down heartened by this post, there are ways to get there and to get the preferred qualifications.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Its a bit too late to read the whole of this thread Basejumper but £6000 sounds expensive. Here is a link to someone that is offering it considerably cheaper £1900 (approx). They also state that they offer the distance learning course.

City & Guilds 2365 Diploma in Electrical Installations Level 3

 

[basejumper31]

Thanks HappyHippyDad!!

I am going to enquire with them about the lvl 2 2365 because I don't have a proper pre-existing knowledge, and I want to ensure I'm not rushing ahead. But I'll aim to go on to the 2365 lvl 3 afterwards, and that would still be cheaper than other providers I've been in touch with.

Very helpful and inspiring! Even they say it can be completed by those who are not working in the field, which is perfect for me. I will start shadowing a friend (who is a qualified electrician) and try to get my 'foot in the door' in the mean time in terms of practical experience and who knows, maybe get offered a part-time or full-time paid role if I demonstrate I'm useful, reliable and keen.

Many thanks again for the link.

 

[Adam W]

A lot of companies don't like distance learning or EAL qualifications. If you start trying to call the shots by saying this that and the other is not an option you might find it restricts your employment prospects.
When I started training I was in a similar situation - I couldn't get the time off work for college, so I left my job and got a part time job in a restaurant until I could get paid work in the industry. When I did start work it was agency site work, which there seem to be the most jobs in. Again, restricting yourself to jobbing around in a van will severely reduce your employment prospects to the point where you'll be looking at setting up your own business, finding your own customers and competing with guys with many years' experience (not to mention the others who have got the same idea as you), having just read about how to do electrical work in a book and 'shadowed' some guy for free for a couple of weeks.

 

[basejumper31]

Thanks for your input Adam.

Fair comment. Perhaps that's a route I should consider. Can I ask how you went about getting qualified though? Did you eventually get taken on by a firm, or study at college while you were temping? If so, where did you go from there?

 

[Adam W]

Like yourself I didn't start training until later in life. I was 25 so firms couldn't benefit from the same incentives as employing an apprentice, so I paid my own way through college. During the first year it was drummed into us that we'd need to get work in the industry ASAP so I got a list of NICEIC registered companies and wrote to all the ones which sounded most likely (excluding things like kitchen and bathroom fitters). I got nowhere so carried on working in the restaurant. At the end of the first year I got distinctions in all my exams and put an advert on Gumtree and was picked up by an agency for work as a mate, which helped a lot with the other 2 years at college.
Like many others on here I'd always recommend the local college route over distance learning training centres - firstly the training centres are in it for the money, and secondly the chances are the person you're applying for a job from will have gone to the same local college, so you've got a connection straight away.
It seems that if you want to work for a company on the cards jobbing around in a van you need to have contacts, which you can make through doing site work.

 

[basejumper31]

Thanks for explaining that Adam. I hear what you're saying there about the benefits of an evening college course and picking up agency / site work until you found a more permanent opportunity.

I wonder if there are any members on here who did manage to succeed via distance learning, and how they managed it? Or is distance learning just a pipe-dream, leading to qualifications with no real inroads into the industry?

I am on the cusp of enrolling in distance learning on a 2365 lvl 2, and if this is really not a viable route into employment, I'd be far better off finding out now, than further down the line.

Gotta say also, sincere thanks to everyone who has offered their feedback here. Without sounding too gushy, I feel lucky I live in an age where there are forums like this which, even ten years ago, probably didn't exist, and furthermore, people who are willing to take the time to offer advice to help people like me who are asking what must be questions many experienced types have heard a thousand times before.

 

[Adam W]

As others have suggested have a look around the forum for threads on training centres to see what the general feeling is about them - there are many stories of poor practical training, seemingly impossible health and safety tests and people not being able to secure genuine employment at the end. I'm sure you're already aware the people at the training centres have a financial incentive from selling the courses whereas most people here will just offer you honest advice.

You'll probably see the term 'Electrical Trainee' bandied around quite a lot - this refers to people who have done a short course which they usually fork out a lot of money for and tries to sell them the confidence to go it alone after just a few weeks in a training centre while in reality they don't know anything like as much as they should and end up out of their depth and out of pocket. 'Electrical Trainee' stands for '5 Week Wonder' in case you were wondering (see what I did there?); it's a slightly derogatory term which shows how those who took these courses are regarded in the industry.

Again, you might see threads where someone has started by asking a question and been shot down in flames and accused of attempting something they should be leaving to someone who knows what they're doing. These almost always end up with the person who asked the question getting upset and saying they thought an internet forum was supposed to be to give them the answers they need to do the job. I like to think the purpose of a forum is for a discussion and sharing of ideas, and the basics of how to do the job should be taught by a tutor in a college.

You seem willing to accept advice from those with more experience, and as such I would urge you to do your training 'properly' at your local college and not end up as a disenfranchised Electrical Trainee.

 

[basejumper31]

Thanks Adam.

Well, I've just spent a couple of hours reading threads on here, which I clearly should have done earlier (did quite a bit of reading on the net in general, but not on forums.. anyway..), and, well, I think I now have a much better grasp of the difference between any kind of distance learning, or even on-site college based learning, if it isn't accompanied at some stage at least, by on-the-job experience. Which, it seems, is the crucial thing.

At this point distance learning seems pointless, and I'm not gunna lie, I am feeling pretty despondent right now, yes I was promised great prospects after a couple of years distance learning by salespeople from distance learning centres, and I'm just glad that I didn't enrol right away (I was very close).

Does Electrical Trainee still apply to people who distance learn for longer periods of time? Some training providers I spoke to said quite frankly it would take me the best part of 2 years study, plus workshops etc etc to get anywhere near being ready to get into the field, and were also honest about the difficulty of getting work placements, and said how important it was.

I face the sobering prospect of finding a different job so I can, in 5 months time when they begin, hopefully enrol for an evening course at a college (my current job wouldn't enable me to do it because I work 24/7 for three weeks in a row). this also means I need to find somewhere to live because my current job is live-in (I am not going to live with my parents, because they're alcoholics, and I'll do anything before I go down that slope) and somehow still save money for the college course when it begins. I ask myself what I'm going to do in these 5 months while I'm waiting for the next college course to start. I guess volunteer a significant amount of my free time to see if an electrician will let me shadow him (at least I have a friend I can ask in that regard) and just start from the beginning, where everyone starts.

And before someone says "you feel despondent now, wait till you've been trying to get a work placement for a year straight with no success" or whatever, this doesn't mean I'm giving up, on the contrary, I am determined to do this, I know I've got the smarts and I'm not afraid of honest hard work and tenacity. Where there is a will, there is, eventually, a way. But I do feel like I was sold a load of tosh by various training providers. Yeah so maybe a handful of their students went on to find work and didn't blow themselves up or set a house on fire, and gradually gained experience, but from what I can gather, it seems like they are the minority exception, not the rule. Maybe the government should make these companies offering these Electrical Trainee schemes publish statistics on how many of their graduated students are working in the field 1,3, 5 years after completing the courses they offer. Mind you they'd probably still find ways to fudge the stats on that. I guess I should feel lucky I didn't hand them a bunch of cash, I very nearly did.

 

[jaypp]

Thanks for explaining that Adam. I hear what you're saying there about the benefits of an evening college course and picking up agency / site work until you found a more permanent opportunity.

I wonder if there are any members on here who did manage to succeed via distance learning, and how they managed it? Or is distance learning just a pipe-dream, leading to qualifications with no real inroads into the industry?

I am on the cusp of enrolling in distance learning on a 2365 lvl 2, and if this is really not a viable route into employment, I'd be far better off finding out now, than further down the line.

Gotta say also, sincere thanks to everyone who has offered their feedback here. Without sounding too gushy, I feel lucky I live in an age where there are forums like this which, even ten years ago, probably didn't exist, and furthermore, people who are willing to take the time to offer advice to help people like me who are asking what must be questions many experienced types have heard a thousand times before.

Hi basej, I believe there must be, but surely they wouldn't have qualified, set up on their own and had their diary fully booked? There has to be some sacrifice, as Adam points out. If your goal is to be a sparks, it must be either financial/a key to open a locked door (eg emigrating)/freedom related and therefore, will usually involve going backwards first. I took a 30% pay cut on the days/weeks I did whilst returning, am in a similar position 'as was' (although with less freedom), and am still working towards my goal.
You've earnt the advice/time given because of your questions, replies and 'manner', although like most of us, I get the impression you've decided what you want to do regardless!!! At least you won't get 'ripped off' for 6k!!!.

 

[jaypp]

Thanks Adam.

Well, I've just spent a couple of hours reading threads on here, which I clearly should have done earlier (did quite a bit of reading on the net in general, but not on forums.. anyway..), and, well, I think I now have a much better grasp of the difference between any kind of distance learning, or even on-site college based learning, if it isn't accompanied at some stage at least, by on-the-job experience. Which, it seems, is the crucial thing.

At this point distance learning seems pointless, and I'm not gunna lie, I am feeling pretty despondent right now, yes I was promised great prospects after a couple of years distance learning by salespeople from distance learning centres, and I'm just glad that I didn't enrol right away (I was very close).

Does Electrical Trainee still apply to people who distance learn for longer periods of time? Some training providers I spoke to said quite frankly it would take me the best part of 2 years study, plus workshops etc etc to get anywhere near being ready to get into the field, and were also honest about the difficulty of getting work placements, and said how important it was.

I face the sobering prospect of finding a different job so I can, in 5 months time when they begin, hopefully enrol for an evening course at a college (my current job wouldn't enable me to do it because I work 24/7 for three weeks in a row). this also means I need to find somewhere to live because my current job is live-in (I am not going to live with my parents, because they're alcoholics, and I'll do anything before I go down that slope) and somehow still save money for the college course when it begins. I ask myself what I'm going to do in these 5 months while I'm waiting for the next college course to start. I guess volunteer a significant amount of my free time to see if an electrician will let me shadow him (at least I have a friend I can ask in that regard) and just start from the beginning, where everyone starts.

And before someone says "you feel despondent now, wait till you've been trying to get a work placement for a year straight with no success" or whatever, this doesn't mean I'm giving up, on the contrary, I am determined to do this, I know I've got the smarts and I'm not afraid of honest hard work and tenacity. Where there is a will, there is, eventually, a way. But I do feel like I was sold a load of tosh by various training providers. Yeah so maybe a handful of their students went on to find work and didn't blow themselves up or set a house on fire, and gradually gained experience, but from what I can gather, it seems like they are the minority exception, not the rule. Maybe the government should make these companies offering these Electrical Trainee schemes publish statistics on how many of their graduated students are working in the field 1,3, 5 years after completing the courses they offer. Mind you they'd probably still find ways to fudge the stats on that. I guess I should feel lucky I didn't hand them a bunch of cash, I very nearly did.

Well sir, I stand corrected re previous post. You've made the time I've spent on this, and a couple of similar ones, worthwhile (not being gushy either!!).
With your attitude and ability to ask advice/research, then evaluate, you'll go far. Good luck.

one last thing, if something (anything) is so good, why does it need to be 'sold' to get people to buy it?

 

[Richard Burns]

I am sorry that you have had to make the choice not to proceed.

I would say that gaining the 2365 should not make you a Electrical Trainee; you will have done the correct educational training.
Doing the course by distance learning may be more difficult to do because of the lack of close discussion. It not be the preferred route and have slightly less cachet than a college course, but the education would be the same, it is only on the practical side that you may find yourself struggling.
To have completed the 2365 and NVQ3 over several years by whatever means would be being correctly qualified.

Good luck with your future plans and I hope it goes well for you.
It is a pity that there are the low grade trainers out there that have caused you this heartache and confusion..
Your determination will pull you through!

 

[basejumper31]

So.

Taking on board everything I've read and people's responses here, I've arrived at a plan for getting into the trade, and am wondering what people think about this.

Basically, because it's 5 months until the next college course starts, I plan to start studying my 2365 lvl 2 via distance learning (most reasonable price I have come across so far is just shy of £2k, but I'll do some more research before enrolling to find a good balance of price and support) and, having been in touch with my friend who is a practicing, qualified electrician (he qualified 6 years ago) he says he's more than happy for me to shadow him for about ten days per month, which is what my current work situation allows.

Then, come July / Aug, I will hand in my notice in my current job as a live-in carer, and, as Adam W mentioned on page 2 of this thread, basically pick up part-time work as a waiter/bar staff or whatever, and enroll with my local college for the lvl 3 NVQ, continue shadowing my friend as much as possible, and hunt for opportunities to get paid work (however feeble the pay may be) as an electrician's mate. With any luck (and persistence) I am hopeful that I'll find work in the trade, so that by the time I need to start signing off the practical aspects of the NVQ, I'll be able to do that.

From what Richard says above, hopefully I won't be viewed as a Electrical Trainee, but as someone who is incrementally working towards having the requisite experience and training to eventually be properly qualified and able to seek employment as an electrician in my own right (one day!). I know there will be further training I'll need to do after the NVQ, like the 17th edition etc, but I'll cross those bridges when I get there. That's my plan anyway.

jaypp - you say you made the sacrifices, took a significant pay cut, and are now in a similar position as you were before (what do you mean by this? earning what you were before you took the pay cut?) working towards your goal. Props! I wonder if you'd care to elaborate a bit, in terms of how long you've been training and practicing for?

Cheers guys. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend

wondering if I should start a new thread too, this one is getting a bit long.

 

[Richard Burns]

Good plan, you can see how the course goes with distance learning if it is going well then you might be able to stay on for the lvl 3, but it would depend on whether you spend another £2k or whether it is cheaper to do it for £700 and find temporary work.
Glad you have spoken to your friend and all sounds good from that side, that is probably the hardest part to get into initially.:rockon2:

 

[basejumper31]

Richard where do you get the figure of £700 from? The only price I've been quoted so far for the 2365 lvl 3 NVQ was, as you say, £2k.

 

[jaypp]

So.

Taking on board everything I've read and people's responses here, I've arrived at a plan for getting into the trade, and am wondering what people think about this.

Basically, because it's 5 months until the next college course starts, I plan to start studying my 2365 lvl 2 via distance learning (most reasonable price I have come across so far is just shy of £2k, but I'll do some more research before enrolling to find a good balance of price and support) and, having been in touch with my friend who is a practicing, qualified electrician (he qualified 6 years ago) he says he's more than happy for me to shadow him for about ten days per month, which is what my current work situation allows.

Then, come July / Aug, I will hand in my notice in my current job as a live-in carer, and, as Adam W mentioned on page 2 of this thread, basically pick up part-time work as a waiter/bar staff or whatever, and enroll with my local college for the lvl 3 NVQ, continue shadowing my friend as much as possible, and hunt for opportunities to get paid work (however feeble the pay may be) as an electrician's mate. With any luck (and persistence) I am hopeful that I'll find work in the trade, so that by the time I need to start signing off the practical aspects of the NVQ, I'll be able to do that.

From what Richard says above, hopefully I won't be viewed as a Electrical Trainee, but as someone who is incrementally working towards having the requisite experience and training to eventually be properly qualified and able to seek employment as an electrician in my own right (one day!). I know there will be further training I'll need to do after the NVQ, like the 17th edition etc, but I'll cross those bridges when I get there. That's my plan anyway.

jaypp - you say you made the sacrifices, took a significant pay cut, and are now in a similar position as you were before (what do you mean by this? earning what you were before you took the pay cut?) working towards your goal. Props! I wonder if you'd care to elaborate a bit, in terms of how long you've been training and practicing for?

Cheers guys. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend

wondering if I should start a new thread too, this one is getting a bit long.

hi basej, i'll send you a pm over the weekend regarding this as it's all based on my personal situation, and it'll be an essay!, cheers

 

[Richard Burns]

Sorry the £700 is just an oft quoted price, but I think the funding rules have changed now but some colleges may still be doing this.