New Member - London Trainee Installer

[GavK]

Hi There, joined the Forum a while ago and thought I'd say hello.
These Forums have been a great help with making the decision to re-train.

I am one of these people who have taken my chances to learn some electrical skills after 10 years in IT. Having been forced to leave my job due to the economic downturn, I have been working as a Live Audio Engineer which I have always done on the side.

I have also spent the last year laboring in domestic properties working on new kitchens, bathrooms, and total refurbishment carrying out a variety of tasks.

I decided to take some Electrical qualifications with ATL in Hampshire, so far I have completed 300 hours of home study and completed 3 weeks of practical training and assessment (two more weeks to go) !!

Recently Completed Qualifications
City & Guilds 2382 - 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations
City & Guilds 2377 - In-Service Inspection & Testing (PAT Testing)
Part P - Defined Scope (Building Regulations)
E14 – CITB Essential Electrics - Electricity, Safe Working and Good Practice

Qualifications In Progress
City & Guilds 2391 - Inspection, Testing & Certification of Electrical Installations
Part P - Full Scope (Building Regulations)
CSCS Site Safety Card
Appointed Persons First Aid – Health & Safety Executive

I understand there is a difference of opinion on the validity of these fast track Electrical courses and apprenticeships and I agree with parts of both arguments.

I have found the Domestic Installer course is great for the theory learning, I am 32 so am very keen to learn. But I do not consider I have enough practical experience to go out on my own.

Does anyone one have any advice on getting work with my current experience in the London area ?

I'm a hard worker looking to learn from experienced Electricians and I am investing in my own tools ..... slowly.... kind of run out of money now.....

All the Best

 

[Admin]

Welcome to Electricians Forum | Electrical Advice Forum | An electrical forum for electricians in the UK!

Hello GavK, welcome aboard www.electriciansforums.net. Stick around, I'm sure you'll like the place.

 

[acat]

Hi and welcome pleased you joined us


Chris

 

[horsleya]

I can understand the difference in opinion on this. I have 25 years working in IT with many qualifications and a wealth of experience so I get upset when individuals fast track into IT.
However I find myself now wishing to move out of IT and wishing to fast track into becoming an electrician.

I believe that nothing beats experience but I also believe that some skills are transferrable. I have worked on green field sites building computer rooms from nothing. I have been involved in three phase installations, UPS systems, generators, Equi-potenial bonding of server cabinets etc etc. I strongly believe that this experience and knowledge will help me on my way but I also understand that I am going to have huge gaps in my knowledge and some misunderstandings.

I believe that the most dangerous engineers in any field are those inexperienced engineers that think they know it all. I will never know as much as many members on this forum but believe that any professional individual will recognise the right attitude and approach irrespective of the chosen academic path.

We do not all start from the same place so one path does not work for all.

Good luck.

 

[GavK]

Thanks horselya, I need all the luck I can get at the moment !

 

[Sintra]

Hi & welcome.

 

[Notsosmart]

Hello GavK,

(A belated) Welcome aboard.

Stick at it, as you know experience only comes with time, but if you put yourself out there as an Electrical improver/mate perhaps signing on to some agencies then hopefully (if not immediately) in the near future you will get the start you want.

 

[kung]

Hello and welcome also.

 

[Guest123]

Welcome along.

 

[Spudnik]

Hi and welcome to the forums..

 

[Phil]

welcome