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Hi All,

I'm 26 year old, I currently work in hospitality in a managerial role, and I hate it. I've been wanting to get out for ages but unfortunately with having a mortgage and all sorts of bills to pay it`s quite difficult.
I don't have any experience in anything else. I`ve been working bars, airports, restaurants, coffee shops etc. for the past 7 years.

I`ve studied at an Energy Technical College before coming to UK and I loved it. Unfortunately my circumstances from that time led me into the Hospitality Industry.
I've now settled and decided I want to learn a trade and being an electrician really interests me. I'm looking for some advice on how to get into it from someone else who's done it.

I first contacted local colleges regarding adult learning and evening courses but unfortunately the next course only starts in September and I`ve also reached out to a few apprenticeship providers but the pay is to low and it would not suit my current situation.

After some online research I found a company called TradeSkills4u and I`ve also seen it mentioned a couple of times on this forum. The course I am planning on taking is the C&G 2365 level 2 and 3 including the 18th edition exam.
From my research I also found out that once successfully completed I will then have to move onto a NVQ lvl 3 that can only be achieved while employed.

I`d like to ask a few questions and hopefully clear some of the grey areas:

Has anyone had any experience with TradeSkills4u and would be willing to share it with me?
I`s also like to find out how difficult would it be to find work once finished the course?
Could anyone recommend any resources for learning before starting the course?

Sorry for the long read and thanks in advance for all you answers.
All other advice is welcome!
 
TL;DR
Has anyone had any experience with TradeSkills4u and would be willing to share it with me?
I`s also like to find out how difficult would it be to find work once finished the course?
Could anyone recommend any resources for learning before starting the course?
the route you have planned is right. you have trade skills 4u as posted, also XS training (forum sponsor). i suggest that you contact both these providers and glean as much info as you can.
 
As per Tel's reply really, I'm going down the college run; currently on a Level 2 course, leading to 3 next year and other courses beyond that.

Depending on how you see your learning progressing there are a few basic books it would be worth getting;

IET On- Site Guide ; Consider this a smaller compact version of the regs, it offers quick and easy reference to various information.

Unite The Electricians guide to Wiring Regulations & Unite The Electricians guide to good practice; similar in vein to the above in a more condensed version (pocket size almost)

City and Guilds do books for the 2365 course but the latest edition also covers the level 2, level 3 and electrotechnical apprenticeship

IET Electrician's guide to Building Regulations, again by IET, gives guidance and pictures about ensuring you are compliant with building regs (there is also Approved Document P which is the section of the building regs pertaining to electrical work).

IET Guidance Note 3 offers information regarding inspection and testing of an installation.

Just make sure any publications you pick up state they are updated to/for 18th Edition; these will generally either be blue in colour or have a blue banner/marking stating updated to 18th Edition.

There are more publications you could get but for me these are what I use most often in College
 
Hi @MariusCA

how are you with general DIY stuff. Do you enjoy mucking around with drills, saws, screws etc? Or do all the shelves you put up come out all wonky?

it’s a question I always ask prospective apprentices. Bring an electrician has a high degree of just plain non-electric activities together with problem-solving.
Does that fit your profile?
 

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