hey how did the electrical course go, did you get on it?
all the best
Sorry for the late reply, I don't get on here all to often, but with recent events I had been meaning to update you all and also request a bit of help.
So I got onto the course in September last year, at a local college which was only a 5 min walk away, it was going really well, was enjoying it, then lock down came, and all of a sudden my plans were on hold.
Our tutors were putting work on MS Teams for us to complete, it wasn't much, but was better than nothing, that finished a few weeks back, mid July I think in time for the summer holidays, now we are supposed to be going back in September of this year to finish off the course, we have some outstanding practicals, coursework and a number of exams, its quite a mess at the moment.
To add to the awkwardness, due to a few circumstances I've had to move back home to my parents in Bournemouth, while still working in Bristol, and waiting for college to reopen so I can go back and finish the course.
Not sure I want to stay in Bristol any more, only lived there 2 years, but the city life isn't for me, and its a bit far from home.
I had planned on doing the next course, after I completed level 2, which is level 3, before all the lockdowns came, and I am written down as being interested, but now I'm just stuck in limbo, trying to workout what to do with myself.
Now, problem is I'm not signed up for the next course at my current college, as lockdown came before anything could have been sorted, and I haven't contacted the college back home to see if its too late or not to sign up, but I'm in a job at the moment that I don't care much for working 6 days a week I am exhausted, and its just paying bills at the moment, so I'm really struggling on whether to wait it out until this course is finished, and get a job back home, then try and get into the trade and complete level 3 in a year or 2, or move back to Bristol, keep working and try to complete level 3 there, I just don't know whats best at the moment.
Here is i'm asking for a little bit of guidance if possible. I applied for an apprenticeship with the council, which included studying the level 3 course, and unfortunately, wasn't short listed for an interview, but its not all bad.
Could anyone give me some tips, pointers on improving my personal statement, please?
This is what I typed up, talking about myself is something I really struggle with and I want to use this as a starting point to improve for my next applications.
Becoming an electrician has always interested me, as it combines my interest of practical, hands on work with my problem solving nature. I am naturally a hardworking individual with the ability to think critically, and to problem solve. I have always enjoyed working with my hands, and using my initiative to get a task completed, to the highest standard. From a young age, I was always helping my father around the house with DIY tasks, using a variety of hand and power tools, and this is something that has always kept my interest.
I decided that pursuing a career as an electrician was right for me, so last year I started my course at South Gloucestershire College. I am currently studying an EAL Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation, which I had been thoroughly enjoying, but unfortunately due to current world events, I will be finishing off in September of this year.
Within the course, I completed several practical’s, where I had to follow a layout drawing, which I finished to a high standard, installing all electrical hardware to the correct measurements, cabling up as required and testing the circuits to ensure they fall within the allowed tolerances.
Prior to completing these practical assessments, I had to complete a wiring diagram and circuit diagram to guide me in correctly wiring up my installations. I also gained a lot knowledge around health and safety, legislation and the science behind the workings of electricity.
Since working full time and studying part time, this has helped me organize and prioritize my time, to complete my coursework on time. I am a self-motivated individual and since studying this course, it has shown me that I have a willingness to learn new skills and knowledge.
My plan is to go onto complete the Level 3 course, work within the field and increase my knowledge, and skills in the area.
Currently, I am required to work as part of a team to ensure all deliveries go out on time, all orders are picked within a timely manner, and communicate with colleagues and people from around the country should there be any issues. I work in a particularly busy super hub, thus there may arise occasions when I need extra support from management, so effective communication is essential.
My current and previous employments have given me the experience to work to tight deadlines, whilst under pressure. Working in a busy and stressful environment helped develop my skills as a team player and taught me to remain calm and act within a professional manner, and also to use my initiative and communicate effectively.
In my last job, in McDonalds, as an assistant manager, it was my duty to enforce all health and safety rules and procedures to protect myself, the staff, customers and the restaurant. To ensure health and safety laws were followed, I had to verify all staff were wearing the correct PPE whilst on shift, when completing cleaning tasks and walking around the restaurant to protect the safety of the building, and all its occupants.
Through previous employment I also gained knowledge and experience in building and maintenance, installation of emergency fire exit lighting, kitchen and bathroom installations and outdoor building and landscape tasks.
Whilst working full time, I have kept myself busy, by teaching myself new skills and using my skills and knowledge to help others, and to also work on small side projects of my own. I gained skills and knowledge in electronics, car servicing and repairs, welding, and building & DIY, and basic electrical installation.
I have used my skills I’ve gained to undertake a number of home improvement tasks which include a custom built motorbike shed, a large porch / outbuilding and also a shed room conversion, all of which I installed electrical circuits and cabling into.
I am self-taught on mobile phone repairs, including laptop and tablet repairs also, which I spend a lot of my free time doing. This has taught me patience, time management, and to think and work methodically, to ensure the devices were repaired correctly, this also helped me use my initiative to problem solve.
I have a lot to offer within this field and I am confident I would excel at the job in hand. I am a quick learner, reliable, trustworthy and not afraid to ask questions. I have grown in maturity and gained a good amount of skill and knowledge. I feel that now is the time to push myself forward, gain the confidence in my ability, and pursue a career that will not only be challenging, but also rewarding and fulfilling.
I contacted the HR manager, and kindly requested any information on how I could improve and this is the response I received.
Thank you for your email, and I am sorry you were not shortlisted for an interview.
This year we received a record number of applications for our apprenticeship vacancy and it was a very difficult task to select the most suitable candidates for an interview.
As this is an apprenticeship vacancy the applications are quite close to each other in terms of grades, knowledge, skills and experience.
We received really high quality applications and when they all meet the criteria as closely as they do, personal statements become the determining factor.
In such close competition, managers will look at whether the applicant has taken their time to make a personal statement, explain why they feel they are the best candidate for the job and how their past experiences and achievements prepared them for this particular position.
When there are so many good applications closely matching the requirements, managers make the decision based on how well the applicant’s personal statement demonstrates that they want this job.
It also allows the managers to learn a lot about the candidate, their communication skills, and how they present themselves.
It was hard for the managers to make the shortlisting out of a very large, high quality applicant pool.
I am sorry you were not successful for this vacancy but please be confident that you only lost out to other candidates who took their time to make a convincing representation that they are suitable for the job.
If you haven’t completed any electrical training yet and you do not manage to find an employer you might consider contacting the college and signing up to the full time course. You can then keep trying to find an employer or get work experience during your course and if you find an employer start the apprenticeship the next year, with some technical training behind you.
From what I am gathering, he is saying I need to improve my personal statement, and also to get more experience in the field?
Is anyone kind enough to give me some pointers on how to sell myself?
It would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
