Canadian moving to London

[justinyarn]

So I've arrived in London, I've got a place in Wimbledon and I've just started looking for work. I had a couple more questions I was hoping someone could answer,

I've registered with a handful of agencies I found online, so far no responses, does anyone have any specific agencies they would recommend?

I've called a few companies from the phone book, but most companies are small and focused on house calls, I'm hoping to find the larger companies doing high rise towers or Olympic projects. Does anyone know the names of the larger companies, or how to find them?

I'm also looking for the best place to buy some good quality tools. Maybe even a kit for beginner's that would include basic hand tools, wholesalers in Canada carry these. Also, where does one buy PPE and work clothes here? What are the names of the bigger wholesalers in the London area?

Thanks again, Justin

 

[Zeespark]

Vital Resources is a half decent agency, they do mainly com/industrial electrics

AMEC

Drake & Scull

Online for tools, depending on what you want

Edmundons

Newey & Eyres

CEF

AndyGuinness

 

[Evans Electric]

Large contractors :-

(Don't know many)

N.G.Bailey

Did you not bring your tools with you Justin??

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Fins a branch of Screwfix and pick up a free catalogue, gives you an idea of prices of stuff

 

[sellers]

As above screwfix are quite good for tools.

Screwfix.com - Power Tools, Electrical, Plumbing Supplies & more

I have fancied moving to canada before, permanently. To Whistler for the skiing, but I don't suppose there much work for a sparky up there. How far is it from vancouver? They look quite close on the map.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Just remember though, Screwfix is not a dating agency :innocent

 

[streetlighter]

Try BAM construction they are doing a lot for the olympic village, Only other firm i know of down there is Volker highways MEWS

 

[justinyarn]

Evan's - I came with only a suitcase, got a cheap flight with minimal luggage allowance, and shipping tools was about as expensive as buying new ones. I brought my meter and a couple of personal favorites, but I figured I would find a decent set of basic hand tools. CEF has one for 120 pounds.

Thanks for the company/agency suggestions, I will look into all of those. I've made about 30 phone calls now to companies I'm just picking off the NICEIC list, no success. Starting to question why I came here. Wages seem to be about half what I was making back home, and my rent is double. Oh well, it's all life experience. I'm enjoying being here, and glad I ended up living outside of London where it's quieter, but still close enough to work/explore there.

Sellers - Thanks for the link. You're right to assume there's not much work in Whistler, but Vancouver is only a 1.5 hour drive away and you could find work there. Vancouver also has 3 mountains for skiing/boarding within a 15 minute drive so it's easy to go after work and then visit Whistler a few weekends a season.

 

[Evans Electric]

Justin , I think we all omitted to mention that its much more expensive living in and around London , sorry about that.

London union rate for an Approved Electrician (Employed) in 2010 with own transport was

 

[Ali]

Justin,

don't give up on us yet, give it some tome. England is a great place to live, especially near London. I know it's expensive but it's worth it in the end.

Ali

 

[steptoe]

^^^^

:slap

Seriously Ali ?

 

[m4tty]

Thanks for saying that steps lol I was gonna say it's more like a ghetto :slap

 

[Evans Electric]

It s full of jolly cockeneys always ready with a friendly word and a joke, love to pass the time of day with you . Just like Coronation Street really. O) :coat :tongue in cheek

 

[Ali]

Hell yeah, I love it here - only slightly ruined by you bunch of miserable whinging old men

 

[Zeespark]

LOL I spent 24 years in Northolt Ali, then moved up here to Chesterfield in mid 2004. I was back down there recently, got out of My mums car, looked around, and asked to be driven back home ray :innocent:coat

AndyGuinness