Complete Newbie Needs Help Choosing A Course

showoff1984 · Jun 8, 2014

Hi all,

I am entirely new to this site and wanted your professional opinion on something.

I am 29. I strongly dislike my current line of work and a friend suggested I look into doing trade work. Since I have two electricians in the family, I figured that this would be a nice fit.

I am not getting any younger, and I wish to get into this line of work but I have no idea how to start at my age. I work full time but I have done a little research and there are evening courses available. Could any of you help me get my feet on the first rung of the electrical ladder as I feel a little bare of information at the moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Many thanks all.

halls1379 · Jun 8, 2014

Hello mate

I left retail after 15 years to become an electrician, I carried on working full time and went to my local college to do my 2330 level 2 and just finishing my 2365 level 3 (took over from 2330) then did my 17th edition over a few days off from work, this will give you a lot of knowledge and took 3 years but none of it is as good as getting hands on experience which I was lucky to get 2 months ago when a firm took me on, I'm doing my nvq on the job then will go for my inspect and test 2394 & 2395 I found this to be the best route especially for someone older like ourselves (I'm 35) please don't be tempted to part with thousands of pounds on these short courses as they really aren't worth it, stick with it for the long haul it really is with it, feel free to get in touch with me at any time for any advice on courses etc... Best of luck pal stuart

happysteve · Jun 8, 2014

What Stuart says ^^^

I will add: 2365 level 2 then 3 at college is the course you want if you are not currently employed in the trade. If you can get employment with an electrician whilst you study, then 2357 covers exactly the same theory as 2365 but also includes the NVQ. Or, you could start on the 2365 now and convert it to the 2357 qualification when you find employment with work sufficiently varied enough to enable you to complete your NVQ. 17th edition once you're well into your course, and 2394/95 afterwards or towards the end.

2365 on its own, despite giving you the fundamental theory and skills, will not make you a qualified electrician (in fact, students have to sign a bit of paper on day 1 stating they understand this!). 2357, with on the job training, will. It will take a few years.

Good luck