Is it really not worth becoming an Electrician

[Freshstart2]

Alot of people are saying its dead etc.
I'm still going to try it out at least but is it really that bad ?
Thanks.

 

[rocker]

It is mate, but it's what you make of it. If you think it's a dream of yours to do and you would really love it (and, let me tell you, it is BLOODY hard work), then maybe it would be worth it, but as far as money is concerned, it's not what it was. If you want to earn a good amount, seriously, go on a plastering course or get into kitchen fitting. These are the only guys I'm seeing making money any more.

 

[mattmoo1974]

It is mate, but it's what you make of it. If you think it's a dream of yours to do and you would really love it (and, let me tell you, it is BLOODY hard work), then maybe it would be worth it, but as far as money is concerned, it's not what it was. If you want to earn a good amount, seriously, go on a plastering course or get into kitchen fitting. These are the only guys I'm seeing making money any more.

I know a few plasters/kitchen fitters and they maon about low wages more then us lot lol

 

[rocker]

They are probably not very good then lol!

 

[Apollo]

You have to ask yourself who these people are that are saying it's dead out there, and why they are saying it?

I think you'll find its people who would find you as competition and people who sit back on their laurels and are not too proactive, thats the impression I get from people I speak to IMHO.

 

[mattmoo1974]

Works for the orange shed 1 of them, says every 3 motnhs they Knock 5% off his prices that they set!
The plaster moans about ppl doing 2 week courses and under cutting him lol

 

[rocker]

2 WEEKS! The only time it's going to take you more than 2 weeks to become a spread is if you've got one arm lol!

 

[Adam W]

Depends what you mean by 'worth it'.
I love being a spark, I've wanted to do it since I was a kid and had to work hard to get into it, so it's easier to take the rough with the smooth.
If you become a spark because you've heard there's a massive skills shortage of plumbers and electricians so they're getting paid serious money, then you'll be disappointed.
The money is there for people at the top of their game, whatever trade it is.

 

[Electricalserv]

You have to ask yourself who these people are that are saying it's dead out there, and why they are saying it?

I think you'll find its people who would find you as competition and people who sit back on their laurels and are not too proactive, thats the impression I get from people I speak to IMHO.

Spot on

 

[Robinson]

Also it depends on how far you want to take it and what areas you would consider...Sure if you stick to domestic then you may find it does not pay as much as some other trades or seemingly less skilled jobs out there do. But i have been in domestic field for while now and have always enjoyed it....And it also depends on your lifestyle. i mean a job to one man might mean something totally different to another....I dont have elaborate lifestyle thus can deal with less work around at times also no family to support. These things matter. and need to consider....work out how much money YOU NEED to earn....then look at the average realistic wager in that field.

I mean i have friend who done all the exams 2330 17th 2391. AM2 etc etc....and was working in sussex hospital.....he then got offerd job in sterilization (dealing with equipment in say theatres). Now he would not of got that job and extra training unless he had gone through ALL the other exams , even though he uses virtually nothing of what he learned in the past exams he needed to move into this area of work.....

So what im saying is people write off sparkies but i really think most who say this are focussed on domestic....when really there is a HUGE selection of different electrical fields to pursue...BUT you need to start at bottom of ladder in college.....and work real hard to get a future with options..

 

[Freshstart2]

Im willing to put effort and hardwork into it i know i wont become succesful overnight .
Thanks for all the advice.

 

[kamkam]

I thought people choose to pick a trade because you are interested in it not driven by the pound!

 

[mattmoo1974]

I think its a mixture of alot of things kamkam, Cos if sitting on my fat --- being a security guard payed 35k+ i know what id be doing!

 

[kamkam]

getting piles? and even fatter? lol

 

[mattmoo1974]

It looks easy to the untrained eye

 

[sparkie]

Work/jobs in the electrical trade will pick up as soon as we start climbing out of this recession, i know and heard about tonnes of sparks that worked for firms that have been laid off, but as soon as we start lifting out of the recession the firms will pick up therefore so will the jobs. fingers crossed they cry out for sparks in the next few years!

 

[BlueToBits]

No doubt about it, there is much less work to go round than there was 3 years ago. There are many more electrical businesses around now too, so its harder to make a living as prices have been driven right down. There is still work out there, but you have to be either a very competent or a very cheap electrician to win a slice of it. If it's what you really want to do, then go for it. If you put in the effort you will succeed. If you are looking for a fast buck and an easy time then it's not for you.

 

[imago]

Work/jobs in the electrical trade will pick up as soon as we start climbing out of this recession, i know and heard about tonnes of sparks that worked for firms that have been laid off, but as soon as we start lifting out of the recession the firms will pick up therefore so will the jobs. fingers crossed they cry out for sparks in the next few years!

That's what happened in the '70s, then '80s, then the '90s, and more than likely in a decade or so it will do the same again. Quite a number of the people and companies that spring up when the going is easier will fall by the wayside and move on to other jobs. Sadly it will hit a few decent outfits too. The ones which survie this sort of economic roller coaster tend to be in very specialised areas, or adaptable.

If you look at some of the big ticket projects, and the general requirements for housing and the increased focus on manufacturing, things will be good again.

 

[Freshstart2]

I thought people choose to pick a trade because you are interested in it not driven by the pound!

I would prefer a job i really enjoy that pays decent to a job that pays great but i hate.