Looking to start a career... can you help me?

[jonathan6007]

Hi my name is jonathan

I am 26 year old operational part time firefighter at margate who is looking to start a career as an electrician


My question is... what is the best possible route to take, to get my career started?


College course or apprentice?


I would ideally like an apprenticeship as there would be a job at the end of it all.


Are there any companies/ firms that are looking for apprentices in the kent area?
Or does anyone know of any companies looking to hire.


Thanks guys

 

[Sintra]

Hi & welcome.

 

[Darkwood]

Firstly decide what area you want to work in... go around the local companies and have a chat about the chances of having a successful apprenticeship with them.
Gather as much info as you can to understand your local climate to ensure you dont waste yrs of college to find work in your area is limited.
Do an Apprenticeship/College training all in one so you learn from books and get on-site experience.
Be good at Maths and English and Physics helps too but not essential.
If you excel in Maths and Physics beyond the norm' look at a possible eventual career in Electrical Engineering as its crying out for more Engineers to fill the the gap of the retiring.... this is a long learning curve of possible several yrs and i would get some basic Electrical install Industrial experience first.

If none of the above ... can you flip burgers?

 

[jonathan6007]

Thanks for the reply, I have tried contacting some firms but sadly they are useless at getting back to me or they simply have no offers. I will continue tho.

 

[Darkwood]

The issue you have to evaluate is local demand .. the domestic market is now saturated with many not able to find work which is due to 2 main reasons :-

Short quick courses throwing inexperienced under-skilled Domestic Installers into the market who's competence is very questionable.
The recession - it still effect many households and the last thing they want to spend out on is Electrics unless they are forced to with say a fault.

Your difficulty trying to find an apprenticeship should tell you what the local market is like and you may find yourself spending thousands on a full 3-4yr course and find there just isn't anyone to take you on especially with no experience.
Hopefully things are starting to pick up but still could be many yrs yet before we are back to pre- recession work demand levels ...you have to way up whether to take the risk but i would advise against taking the course without an apprenticeship as you will walk out into the big world with zero experience and not many firms will employ someone qualified in theory but no onsite experience, i know i wouldn't take anyone on in that situe as there qualifications demands a certain wage but their experience won't justify paying them it.