career change

[VoltzElectrical]

Ok, so most of you know that I have been in Public Lighting for the last couple of years and had a commercial subcontracting background before that.

I'm super-bored working for local authority and seeing as the last few private jobs have involved lighting solutions, I had a thought today and wondered whether I should expand on my job and look into getting into lighting design rather than installation.

My first google search came up with this distance learning course and wondered if anyone on here had any thoughts on the qualification.

Thanks
http://www.lightingeducationtrust.org/images/pdf_files/Detailed_course_Introduction_LET_Diploma.pdf

 

[7029 dave]

Get yourself back into commercial, do you have any experience in industrial.? PS long time no hear Volts,

 

[atm84]

A design course is not worth the paper it is printed on unless it is a degree. If you are carrying out design you likely won't be insured or even trusted unless you have letters after your name.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

No real experience in what I would call 'industrial'. I'm not going to BS anybody, I've always been up front with the shortcomings in my training and experience. I started as a 'mate' and put myself through night school and AM2 and NVQ3. I worked primarily on large student accommodation complexes of 5-7 buildings from first to final fix, snagging and testing including representing the company at weekly site progress meetings with the main contractors (Balfours/ Cowlins/ Morgan Sindal/ Costains).

I also worked on installs on hospitals, schools, cinemas and a fire station and some fancy domestics for the directors of the aforementioned companies.

There's no trumpet to blow, I'm a common or garden sparks with large gaps in my knowledge. It's just that I'm bored changing street lighting lamps and assorted paraphernalia. i'm interested in all aspects of design, and I'm also concerned about what I'm going to do for the rest of my career.

I need a goal to work towards, something to look forward too, otherwise I'm going to get in trouble where I am with all the waste and inefficiency that attracts my anger!

Cheers dave

 

[VoltzElectrical]

A design course is not worth the paper it is printed on unless it is a degree. If you are carrying out design you likely won't be insured or even trusted unless you have letters after your name.

Thanks for the input. From what I read, the qualification looks well recognised given the price point (under 3 Grand) versus a degree which will cost £9000 a year (Glamorgan University full time).

Do you have any personal experience of this to either guide me or dissuade me from this distance learning course?

 

[7029 dave]

Don't know how old you are.? Maybe try going alone, your portfolio don't sound bad, you have had quite a variety.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Thanks Dave. Except i wouldn't be 'alone'. I can't be;leive the number of XYZ Electrical vans around! And It's not just here from what I can gather!

I can go back on agency on any number of commercial jobs tomorrow. My phone pings with offers every week.

I'm on a good number, I'm not complaining, please, look I get £27k for 37 hrs with van, phone and pension.....

I'm pushing 40 years old, but I'm not tired. Getting stuck in gives me a buzz. But I need something to get me excited, and drinking tea with the council boys just ain't giving me the fizz!

 

[netblindpaul]

Voltz,
You & I need to talk, maybe over beer, maybe over coffee, maybe over a big brekkie!
However, perhaps it needs to be soon...

 

[Guest77]

Thanks Dave. Except i wouldn't be 'alone'. I can't be;leive the number of XYZ Electrical vans around! And It's not just here from what I can gather!

I can go back on agency on any number of commercial jobs tomorrow. My phone pings with offers every week.

I'm on a good number, I'm not complaining, please, look I get £27k for 37 hrs with van, phone and pension.....

I'm pushing 40 years old, but I'm not tired. Getting stuck in gives me a buzz. But I need something to get me excited, and drinking tea with the council boys just ain't giving me the fizz!

The grass isn't always greener on the otherside fella, however that said if you feel a change is what you need then go for it, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Voltz,
You & I need to talk, maybe over beer, maybe over coffee, maybe over a big brekkie!
However, perhaps it needs to be soon...

you got my number dude!

 

[netblindpaul]

you got my number dude!

Your mobile, yes, but do you have a signal @ home these days?

However, not tonight!

Some time tomorrow, or early next week yeh?

 

[VoltzElectrical]

The grass isn't always greener on the otherside fella, however that said if you feel a change is what you need then go for it, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

You're correct, but life's to short to be unhappy to the point where one is on the verge of harming oneself or someone else!

I'm not the finished article by any means, but I've a lot to offer, and I don't mind putting in the extra to make up for my shortcomings, or f... it, I can go and cut lawns. But one thing is for certain, I won't be drawing pension at SCC. :ack2: