What do I need to become a qualified sparky?

[Fizzy]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am basically looking for a bit of advice.

I'm 18 years old and starting University studying a HND in Mechanical Engineering in September and will be studying approx. 2 and a half days a week and I work in the evenings so I will have time in the day to do work.

I want to get started as a sparky because I know that electricians are in demand and its something of interest, plus I can do with the extra income so I was wondering what qualifications would I need to become a qualified electrician to work casually ie odd jobs, domestic work, you know what I mean.
So what I need to know is:
- What NVQ's do I need to get started? ie 2230 etc
- Also where can I study, what are the best training centres/providers to study with? (I'm in Lancashire)
- Is there any way to study for free or get funding? I am a student so I don't really have grands to pay for training and its very hard to find an employer these days, plus I cannot really commit the hours of working for a proper employer because I have a weird timetable.

Any other advice/tips/pointers or even putting me in touch with someone you know would be much appreciated from experienced electrical engineers, domestic electricians etc...

So thats about it, thanks for taking your time out to help me out in advance,

Regards, Fizzy

 

[davethsparky]

It will likely take you as long to qualify properly as an electrician as it will to complete your HND.

To qualify properly and actually learn what you need to know the only real way is through an apprenticeship. Short courses are available but you won't learn what you need to and will become a danger to yourself and anyone who's house you work in like all the other people who have done the short courses.

- - - Updated - - -

PS, standby to receive some serious flak for asking this Q on here

 

[Engineer54]

As far as i know, HND is not part of any University curriculum i'm aware of, as it's known as a ''Part Time'' study course. (Are you sure it's a HND course you're taking, normally it would be an HNC followed by a HND add -on). HNC/HND courses are normally catered for, by local Technical Colleges. Oh, and only Experienced Fully Qualified Electricians are in demand, quick fix wanna-be's aren't!! lol!!

Have to ask, why are you going down the Mechanical Engineering course, if you're interested in becoming an electrician??

 

[trev]

In your position I'd be sticking with the route you're on mate and following it to degree level. Engineers are in demand.

 

[Geordie Spark]

In your position I'd be sticking with the route you're on mate and following it to degree level. Engineers are in demand.

Hae ye got nee graft on th'day marra??

 

[trev]

Aal dun. Orly lowse

 

[Geordie Spark]

Aal dun. Orly lowse

Champion!

 

[kingeri]

Wish you people would speak English. I feel so excluded sometimes

 

[Geordie Spark]

Wish you people would speak English. I feel so excluded sometimes

We are speaking English .... Geordie English.

 

[telectrix]

If ever there was a contradiction in terms. Geordie english is as bad as american intelligence. Neither exist in the real world. :77:

 

[Geordie Spark]

If ever there was a contradiction in terms. Geordie english is as bad as american intelligence. Neither exist in the real world. :77:

And this from a Scouser ???!!!!!

Talk aboot the frying pan caalin' th' kettle grimy ar$e !!!!

 

[telectrix]

tha nades rade a bewk cowd " arfer tow crate in staffycher" to understand proper inglish

 

[Fizzy]

Ok thanks for all the advice so far, I've done a bit of research and I've come across 'electricians mate' jobs posted about, would this be more suitable for me as I dont have any experience? (looking to get started)
Also I see alot of people asking for CSCS cards and JIB cards, I checked these out and there are alot of CSCS cards, firstly which one would I need to apply for, is it the skilled worker card (providing I have the NVQ level 2) or is it the trainee (craft and operative) card?
And can someone explain PASMA qualifications to me?
Thanks again in advance =D

 

[shagbite]

tha nades rade a bewk cowd " arfer tow crate in staffycher" to understand proper inglish

£26.54 on amazon - think i'll give it a miss!

 

[Engineer54]

Ok thanks for all the advice so far, I've done a bit of research and I've come across 'electricians mate' jobs posted about, would this be more suitable for me as I dont have any experience? (looking to get started)
Also I see alot of people asking for CSCS cards and JIB cards, I checked these out and there are alot of CSCS cards, firstly which one would I need to apply for, is it the skilled worker card (providing I have the NVQ level 2) or is it the trainee (craft and operative) card?
And can someone explain PASMA qualifications to me?
Thanks again in advance =D​

Firstly explain why you are signed up for a HNC/HND course, be it mechanical or Electrical?? All you seem to be interested in is being on the tools, which if that's the case, you're completely wasting your time being signed up for what is, more of an academic qualification that is more in tune, with a junior engineering position....

 

[shagbite]

Ok thanks for all the advice so far, I've done a bit of research and I've come across 'electricians mate' jobs posted about, would this be more suitable for me as I dont have any experience? (looking to get started)
Also I see alot of people asking for CSCS cards and JIB cards, I checked these out and there are alot of CSCS cards, firstly which one would I need to apply for, is it the skilled worker card (providing I have the NVQ level 2) or is it the trainee (craft and operative) card?
And can someone explain PASMA qualifications to me?
Thanks again in advance =D

how many hours can you work? most employers will need someone for 5 or 6 days a week. a lot of the time the work's an hour or two's drive away before you even start your 10 hour shift.

 

[telectrix]

ecs card is essential for site work. go to: ecscard.org.uk and download the Q&A pdf. the test is 40 questions from this. in 30 mins. cost £42. there are centres spread about. the site will tell you where. then try for a job as a sparky's mate. meanwhile look to a college course . was 2330, now i think it's 2365.

 

[Des 56]

Trying to get work as an electricians mate, you would likely have more chance and be more suitable for a job in ASDA

This is a serious post by the way

 

[shagbite]

des, have you seen how many applications these supermarket jobs receive? i've heard of 60 or 70 applicants for each position. they'll be asking for NVQ3's in shelf stacking soon. might be a good time to start offering fast track courses.

 

[trev]

they'll be asking for NVQ3's in shelf stacking soon.

Aldi are now offering apprenticeships. How hard is it to stack shelves?