Career change course advice

[TiimH]

Hi All.

I would like to call on your experienced advice, so any help very much appreciated.

I am looking to change my career path, with the ultimate aim to being self-employed and in a more practical role again.

Im 31 now and my career started after completing a degree in Marine Engineering, which was hard, but managed to complete, although I dont feel im very academic. I then joined the Merchant Navy for 4 years, and now work as an applications engineer for an internal combustion engine manufacturer. So I do have some electrical knowledge and experience, but not nearly as much hands-on as I want, as that to me cements understanding and gives you real job satisfaction.

Basically Im unhappy sat at a desk and want to return to a practical job, much like I did at sea, but with purely electrical work and landbased. Electrical engineering is my weaker knowledge area (being mainly a mechanical biased) and is now fast becomming my strong interest.

I am looking at gaining the qualifications I need to work as an industrial electrician or power electrician.

First thing I should mention is that Im very slightly colourblind, but pass City University and Farnsworth D15 tests - I had to for my work at sea, to be able to work on the 3 phase systems etc.... I only fail the ishihara. Is that ever an issue on land?

I have been looking at C&G courses, and Im not yet 100% clear on what is right or required for certain fields.

So far one training centre said that many ex-military people complete a 4 week package they offer - inc. C&G 2382-10, 2392-10, 2393-10, 2391-10. Is that the route I should take?

However I also note 2330, 2339, and 2322, and told about 2395, as in future with more experience I would want to design systems and then install them etc...

Not sure what I need to do to be legal, or initially to gain experience as employable to work on 3 phase systems etc...

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Tim

 

[NozSpark]

TBH it all depends on your previous experience, knowledge and qualifications.

Before I went self employed I used to repair avionics instrumentation and equipment for the RAF (civvy - indentured apprenticeship) and have a HNC in elecrical/electronic engineering; I then did my 16th edition (2381 as it was) and 2391 as 3 and 4 1/2 day courses respectively.

If your knowledge and experience aren't great then It'd probably be better if you enrolled at a local college for night classes rather than use these expensive training centres - they will teach you how to pass the course, but not how to apply that knowledge in real life

 

[ivixxiv]

Depends what you want to do in the future, if you want to work on site 2330/2357, 17th Edition and 2391 is the way to go

If you want to get into design in the future do the 2395 then 2396 - If you do the 2391-10 you cannot transfer this to the new 2396 (old 2391-20)

 

[Guy]

I did what your considering last year and I completed level 2 and 3 2330, 17th and 2392. I would never advise to stay in a job you dont like (unless supporting kids/mortgage etc) but I would think very carefully about this as there isnt much work out there at the moment for mates/improvers and I cant get any in my area. I believe London is still ticking over nicely if you are based there or if you have secure access into the industry, eg a friend that will take you on for 6 months maybe go for it. Also bear in mind that alot of employers are far more interested in time served than qualifications and although I am a shake'n'bake I cannot blame them.

 

[TiimH]

Thanks.

All sound advice.

Looking like I do 2330/2357 for starters.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Guy]

I made a mistakes which you can learn from. I did not start to organise my cscs/ecs card until I had finished college, the process takes longer than you think it would so get that sorted so you have it ready for when you finish. Good luck

 

[TiimH]

Thanks for the tip Guy. Much appreciated.