Changing Carreers, Electrician Advice Please

Soundood

Soundood

Soundood

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Hi guys this is probably aimed at the sparks in the house, I was a sound engineer for years, and also have done a lot of electrical installation in Theatres over the years, I am familiar with three phase etc,

now...I am thinking of moving over to becoming a 'working spark' in any area really, and have been looking at courses, as to get work I need the paperwork so to speak,

so I guess the 17th edition is a defo, but will I really need to sit the City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations? it is coming in at just above £7K, and to be fair I can afford it, but don't want to drop this kind of money on something I don't really need,

is there a specialist area that is hot right now? like smart meter installs? solar panel fitters?

any advise and guidance would be truly appreciated, as I need to get the ball rolling and get 'another' career ASAP :D

thanks in advance
 
17th edition is indeed a defo, and if you're doing installs on domestics you'll want Part P (these are usually both included in any decent sparkies course).
 
Soundood said:
I am in London, would this still be an option?
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Hmm depends if you are willing to travel. Off shore is an option, you will work shifts. 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off for example. But if off shore if something you fancy doing you would need sea survival, fire fighting at sea etc. Every electrician on site with me started house bashing then moved to this industry.

I miss read slightly though, thought you had your papers already.
 
Diddums said:
17th edition is indeed a defo, and if you're doing installs on domestics you'll want Part P (these are usually both included in any decent sparkies course).
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yes the Part P was a defo as well, but do I really need the C&G parts 2&3 behind me for a potential employer to consider me?
 
It's a tricky one really. If you want maintenance work I can probably put you in touch with the right people, it's quite easy and not hard to get in to so you can earn a bit whilst you study as C&G is a good few years.

You'd be looking at £26k-£30k as a maintenance spark, maybe more if you're open to shift (which would help with your studies).

I think that without someone to help you get your foot in the door, today's employers won't give anyone the time of day if they don't have the right quals.
 
Diddums said:
I think that without someone to help you get your foot in the door, today's employers won't give anyone the time of day if they don't have the right quals.
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Anyone can easily get qualifications now if they have the time and money, even the highest level ones.
What you can't get easily though is the experience that employers demand so don't expect to be given a job just because you've spent £1000's on courses and training.
 
JohnnyG said:
Anyone can easily get qualifications now if they have the time and money, even the highest level ones.
What you can't get easily though is the experience that employers demand so don't expect to be given a job just because you've spent £1000's on courses and training.
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What I meant was that nobody will employ him now, and his quals will take at least 3 years. 3 years is a long time with no income, hence why knowing someone to help him get his foot in the door in the industry in the mean time will help ;)

He'll get experience like that whilst he learns too.
 
JohnnyG said:
Anyone can easily get qualifications now if they have the time and money, even the highest level ones.
What you can't get easily though is the experience that employers demand so don't expect to be given a job just because you've spent £1000's on courses and training.
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I totally agree with this, as a sound engineer I had very little qualification on paper, but worked at the highest levels for years, all based on who I knew and experience I had gained,

Diddums, I will trust you a message with contact details (if I can work it out) I am a solid hard working guy, and can provide own transport for work, with a clean current driving licence, and thank you for your offer of help, to be honest all I need is a little step up, from there I never disappoint. ;)
 
Some guys I've worked with on site offered to work for free just for the experience and just to cover their nvq

Don't think you can get ecs card or a cscs card these days without an nvq

1 way you could try get in the industry is to try and get a job as an electricians mate whilst doing night college
 
Brutal biff said:
Some guys I've worked with on site offered to work for free just for the experience and just to cover their nvq

Don't think you can get ecs card or a cscs card these days without an nvq

1 way you could try get in the industry is to try and get a job as an electricians mate whilst doing night college
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Depends on what type of CSCS card you're looking for. Some can be had with just the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test.
 
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