help with qualifications + work

[amckay]

I did my 2330 in 2011 and did bits of work for myself for a while as despite writing to hundreds of employers in the Manchester area (where I'm from) I had no joy. (Maybe I was too old at 25) I'm now 28 and about to do 17th edition in may along with part p and doing pat test course next week. I can not to level 3 nvq unless I'm employed (catch 22) and an employer won't take me on coz the government will only throw money at them if I'm 16-24.
Can't afford to do 2394 + 2395 yet but will be doin those within 18 months.
Once I gain the quals listed above except test n inspect, what chances are there of someone taking me on?
I was thinking of doing HNC just to make me look more prospective but also worried about it making me look rather academic (I'm far from that)
Any help or advise is well appreciated guys

 

[shanky887614]

A lot take on around september

 

[Plonker 3]

Have you looked at the forum sponser in regards to your NVQ? You don't need to be employed just work along side someone who can verify you did the work

Electrical Online Courses at XS Training - NVQ 3 Electrical at XS Training

 

[amckay]

Sorry I neglected to mention I'm working p/t as a driver and also doing pat testing (boring as hell) I'm thinking once I get 17th and part p I've more chance of employment. (Already got tools and test equip). Its pretty hard to go work for someone for peanuts while I get nvq with a wife and a baby to keep, I just thought there might be an alternative route I dont know about

 

[Andy78]

I know this has been repeated on here many times but.... Part P is a building regulation, not a qualification, don't bother with a course that calls itself such, it will just be a waste of money.
Just get your 17th edition qualification (2382) and try to gain employment as a mate. This will gain you valuable experience and maybe enable you to complete your NVQ3 with the work you do.

 

[amckay]

I know this has been repeated on here many times but.... Part P is a building regulation, not a qualification, don't bother with a course that calls itself such, it will just be a waste of money.
Just get your 17th edition qualification (2382) and try to gain employment as a mate. This will gain you valuable experience and maybe enable you to complete your NVQ3 with the work you do.

I am aware that part p isn't a proper quals but it is a qual offered by C&G basically telling you to fill any holes you bore to prevent spread of fire etc. I am also aware that the 17th edition qual does not by any means make a person competent in electrical installations.
For some daft reason a hell of a lot of employers inc local authorities, want to employ "electricians" solely with that qual. Its fu@£ing ridiculous.

 

[amckay]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

 

[Englishman]

Have you looked at the forum sponser in regards to your NVQ? You don't need to be employed just work along side someone who can verify you did the work

Electrical Online Courses at XS Training - NVQ 3 Electrical at XS Training

An online nvq? Am2?

 

[northstar]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

where you doing your courses at ?

 

[amckay]

However thanks for suggesting 17th and getting job as a mate. I think that'll be a good place to start for now!

where you doing your courses at ?

Erudite training ltd in tameside greater Manchester. Quite good prices really and I asked for discount. Got 17th part p and pat for £580 inc vat. A hell of a lot better than any mainstream college

 

[Des 56]

You are correct,there are many advertisements for jobs that seem to consider the 17th ed qual as the one that maketh an electrician,but the probability is that the core qualifications would become very relevant in the recruiting process where none may be mentioned in the ad

If you want employment,it will almost certainly require you to have a Ecs card
Take and pass a boots and helmet exam first and then you can apply for a card from the Jib,even a trainee or labourer card would assist greatly in finding employment as a mate,your employment scope would be a little narrow otherwise

 

[cmac70]

Walking round in circles is what most companies expect us to do. Always catch 22. If born in this country. The government seam to the 16-24 or foreign nationals better. It makes me feel like squire peg in round hole.

 

[amckay]

If you want employment,it will almost certainly require you to have a Ecs card
Take and pass a boots and helmet exam first and then you can apply for a card from the Jib

I've got a cscs green card which I've been told numerous times is quite adequate. How long is a jib card valid? Also am I right in thinking to get jib grading as an electrician you just need nvq level 3 but approved electrician grading requires 2391 as well?

 

[shanky887614]

I've got a cscs green card which I've been told numerous times is quite adequate. How long is a jib card valid? Also am I right in thinking to get jib grading as an electrician you just need nvq level 3 but approved electrician grading requires 2391 as well?

The jib call it different things.

Contrator is nvq lvl3

Approved cotractor is nvq lvl3. 2391/2494 and 2 years+ on the tools.

The problem with these domestic installer courses is you can only sign off your own work.

So no fault finding etc

 

[amckay]

I never ever intend on doing a Dom ins course as it only opens the door to domestics, I'd rather do nvq3 in elec installations (gen course) as that opens more doors.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I am aware that part p isn't a proper quals but it is a qual offered by C&G basically telling you to fill any holes you bore to prevent spread of fire etc. I am also aware that the 17th edition qual does not by any means make a person competent in electrical installations.
For some daft reason a hell of a lot of employers inc local authorities, want to employ "electricians" solely with that qual. Its fu@£ing ridiculous.

City and guilds (and other awarding bodies) will gladly take cash of you for worthless qualifications, and any Part P "qualification is just worthless!

No matter what you install and where you install it, if it is installed to the requirements of BS7671 (17th edition) then it complies with all relevant laws, regulations and acts, this includes ALL locations covered under Building Regulation Part P. There is nothing in Part P that isn't covered under the 17th edition. The 17th edition will tell you all you need to know, and the Onsite Guide and Electricians guide to the building regs does the same with pictures. Note that i said installed to the requirements, not that you must hold the qualification, in the absence of a qualification, you must deem yourself competent. Take the 17th course and exam, and tell whoever to shove the Part P where the sun don't shine, and save that cash for the 2394/5 course.

Cheers…………..Howard

 

[Englishman]

An online nvq? Am2?

Can somebody clarify this as i don't understand how JIB will grant you approved status with this eal nvq3 which doesn't include an am2....

 

[amckay]

null

Thanks Howard I did already know that the part p qual was mutton dressed as lamb but some employers require this, the same as the 17th, but for what reasons I do not no. I'm trying to be a good boy by getting all the quals under the sun (and experience) so when I approach an employer with those quals on my CV it would impress them (espesh big contractors).
Its just the nvq3 and am2 I'm worried about as mainstream colleges will not take you on unless your employed and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

 

[Badged01]

..... and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

Yep, if you want to get into the profession thats where you start ..... though the pay is higher than being an apprentice!

 

[amckay]

Just to add, it was possible prior to 2011 obtain an nvq level 3 without having a job just full time in college but for some strange reason they changed it presumably to get more hands on experience...

 

[Badged01]

Rules, like the regs. are always changing, hopefully for the better Doesn't help you I know but if you are really serious about the profession bite the bullet and accept you're not going to make your millions in the first couple of years whilst getting qualified!!

 

[Badged01]

Infact, if you are driven by money and thinking of making your millions dont get into the trade ...... you will be disappointed!!

 

[Plonker 3]

Its just the nvq3 and am2 I'm worried about as mainstream colleges will not take you on unless your employed and even if I'm employed as a sparks mate I'll get paid peanuts for 3years.

No you will be paid what you are worth, like in any job. Why would you be paid more just because you have more financial commitments than someone else?

 

[Mark1985]

Get some tools together and get on site as a mate. Sign up for the nvq with xs training. I wouldnt worry about the other courses too much at the mo. This is what i done after finishing C+G 2330 at college. Good luck

 

[jaypp]

if you have a family and are worried about taking work that pays less, have you looked into government help such as working tax credit. i don't know personally, but have heard it can help make ends meet. it's there to help people like you, who want to work or better themselves, but 'can't afford to'.

 

[amckay]

Thanks for all the advice guys I'll look into it