Chippy to Sparky!

LiamChip · Jan 11, 2013

Hi everyone, I'm 26 and qualified chippy nvq3, I fancy a change or direction and would like to go down the electrical route, I did an apprenticeship in carpentry but not really sure how it works with electricians, Is it possible to become fully qualified doing a part time course. I know when I did my nvq I had to do a portfolio of work I did on site, is that the same? I work for a large maintainence company so that might be possible.

Any info or recommendation would be great
cheers
liam

simpson93 · Jan 11, 2013

hi liam welcome to the forum, probably best just checking the jib website Joint Industry Board

shagbite · Jan 11, 2013

it depends on what you mean by part time. the normal route is a combination of 4 days work (where you can complete the nvq) and day release at college where you learn the underpinning knowledge. this should take about 3 to 4 years.

if you mean a 5 week course, you won't get many recommendations from the fellas on this site. you're a qualified chippy - would you say it's possible to learn your trade in 5 weeks? i bet it takes that long to learn how to build a structurally sound roof.

i think it's a good idea to learn more than one trade, but i don't need to tell you, that it should be done right.

have a word with your bosses - it would be in their interests, as well as your own, to have a multi-skilled employee on the books.

good luck.

Guest55 · Jan 11, 2013

26 is a bit early to be jacking in a useful trade isnt it ?

MDJ · Jan 12, 2013

LiamChip said:
Hi everyone, I'm 26 and qualified chippy nvq3, I fancy a change or direction and would like to go down the electrical route, I did an apprenticeship in carpentry but not really sure how it works with electricians, Is it possible to become fully qualified doing a part time course. I know when I did my nvq I had to do a portfolio of work I did on site, is that the same? I work for a large maintainence company so that might be possible.

Any info or recommendation would be great
cheers
liam

Stick with being a chippy, the money is good and hanging doors with a radio next to you far better than dragging cables in on first fix jobs on dirty building sites, the sparks rate today is no more than a chippies, probably less.