IT engineer turned electrician

[davesparks]

Got a bundle of electrical quals now and looking to do more as I can afford them. It seems you can never run out of qualifications to collect in this industry!

I can’t say I agree, I’ve been at it 13 years and so far all I’ve ‘collected’ is an apprenticeship, 17th edition course and a driving licence.
I’ve built up a successful little business with regular customers and none of them have ever asked what qualifications I have, they only seem to care about having the job done well.

 

[Dave Rudderham]

I think you have made a mistake, I know several lads in the IT business and they make a mint and do not graft for a living, adice to you, stick with the IT lol

They're very lucky then. IT up here is paying just above minimum wage if you're lucky. I was lucky, I migrated from Electronics to IT then to Data/Telecoms and on to Electrical work (not on my own before anyone jumps down my throat) on the side then decided to qualify Sept 2016. Just finishing college. Considering a degree. The Level 2 and 3 was far to easy.

 

[SparkyChick]

What's the trickiest part of becoming an electrician?
What would an experienced electrician tell his or her rookie self taking their first step into the industry?

It's good to take on a new challenge but it's best to start off by asking those in the know ...

I would say the trickiest thing is gaining relevant experience if you're not doing an apprenticeship.

The advice I would give myself is don't underestimate how long even the simple jobs can take, purchase that anti-slip ladder mat and even though you know it's the last accessory on the circuit and it's not live because you've been cutting out the old supply, still test it to make sure it's dead before disconnecting it and grabbing the conductors

 

[Dave Rudderham]

I would say the trickiest thing is gaining relevant experience if you're not doing an apprenticeship.

The advice I would give myself is don't underestimate how long even the simple jobs can take, purchase that anti-slip ladder mat and even though you know it's the last accessory on the circuit and it's not live because you've been cutting out the old supply, still test it to make sure it's dead before disconnecting it and grabbing the conductors

Agreed, I count myself very lucky. I had a few years working for a spark on the side of my day job, he told me I 'was wasted fiddling with phone cable" (even though he still passes his phone work over to me) and to go to college to get qualified which I did.

 

[MDJ]

They're very lucky then. IT up here is paying just above minimum wage if you're lucky. I was lucky, I migrated from Electronics to IT then to Data/Telecoms and on to Electrical work (not on my own before anyone jumps down my throat) on the side then decided to qualify Sept 2016. Just finishing college. Considering a degree. The Level 2 and 3 was far to easy.

Easy yes, but experience counts, you have a long way to go

 

[Dave Rudderham]

Easy yes, but experience counts, you have a long way to go

It does, but I gained a lot whilst working on the electrical side. Worked several days a week for several years. Encountered a lot, built up experience and competence. I certainly learnt more in the field than I did at college. College was the paperwork.

 

[RedFox]

I have worked in IT for 20+ years, it's been no good for my physical or mental health and having been made redundant in July I decided I just couldn't do it any more. Now retraining and very much looking forward to a new challenge and not being stuck behind a desk all day.