Getting into electrical design? Any apprenticeships in this kind of work?

[CenterSparks]

Hi,

I'm 17, just finished my city and guilds 2330, level 2 and 3 with all passes first times and distinctions. I have also just completed my 17th edition exam.

I haven't had any actual experience, other than a few weeks volentary work. I enjoy the work, but im also interested in design, computer design and maths. So i was wondering how i could go about getting into electrical design, say for commercial projects?

Would i have any chance at getting a job without previous experience as a sparky?

Could anyone give me an idea if i should be doing more courses such as the 2391-20? or any companies that i should be asking around for apprenticeships or anything similiar.

As i say i've just finished 2 courses, but would really like to go onto design, i just have no idea where to start.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Paul.M]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your quals at such a young age.

The 2391/20 would be the next step for you, then look into HNC but that is very very difficult. Good luck in whatever you do.

 

[ackbarthestar]

Welcome to the forum Chris,

You've got a good start. If you want to get into Electrical design in buildings then you might like to look at the Building Services route.
National Certificate and then HNC.
If you can find an electrical company who would be prepared to allow a day off per week, then you will get both the necessary practical and theory.

Finding a local electrical company and college might be the tricky bit.

Having said that, you may also like to look at the C&G 2396 (the old 2400 with a few enhancements)

 

[Engineer54]

I have no idea of the state of play, with regards to companies taking on trainee Design Engineers.
I personally wouldn't think that a C&G 2391/20 will be of much good to you, applying for such a position, possibly it may, with a small contractor. But then, will they actively promote and train you to higher levels, career wise i mean?? Probably not!!!

The main players for such positions, (but not limited too) would be architect/consultancy companies and the big electrical contractors. They i would think, be looking for a minimum of HNC electrical and would be looking for you to complete a Degree level course during your training, if taken on. Most consultancy companies would also be looking for you to gain Chartered status with IET or CIBS under their sponsorship...

Congratulations on what you have achieved to date. It could be a long road ahead, but if your interested, and certain of your intent in getting into the design side of our industry, it will be a fulfilling and lucrative future to look forward too. Especially if you want to take your professional expertises overseas...

 

[needasparks]

Am i missing something, the 2330 is a 3yr course and your seventeen ?

 

[ackbarthestar]

Am i missing something, the 2330 is a 3yr course and your seventeen ?

Yes, I did wonder about that, but then many FE colleges take wayward 14-15 year old school drop outs particularly if they have upset the schools equilibrium in one form or another.

I would say that many school leavers are actually quite bright and if inspired by the industry will achieve very quickly, although not much good to the contractor until they have some site experience under their belt.

 

[Paul.M]

Am i missing something, the 2330 is a 3yr course and your seventeen ?

That thought crossed my mind before I posted. He could have done the 'intensive' course, level 2 = two days a week for an academic year then onto the level 3 like I did. Dose that make me a fast track/2 year wonder? Lol.

The maths don't add up unless he turns 18 next week or something.

 

[simpson93]

Am i missing something, the 2330 is a 3yr course and your seventeen ?

i started college at 16 did 2330 lvl2 in 1 year started and finished my lvl 3 in1 year full time finishing 2 months before my 18th also got my 17th and 2392 soon as i hit 18.
as above he says no site experiance so guess he was full time.

 

[rugbynick]

You've probably missed the boat for this year but big companies such as NG Bailey, SES, Skanska etc usually take on both craft apprentices and Buildings Services engineering apprentices(HND, BSC level training). These are usually advertised in January/feb for a september start.
Good Luck