Hi All

[spadders]

Hi guys,

I stumbled across your site while looking for electrical training websites.

I subscribed because everybody seems so friendly and helpful.

I'm 40 years old and have worked in the building industry on and off over the last 20 years, and recently worked with an electrician, mostly doing first fix for about 9 months.

I'm considering doing an "intensive" course in Birmingham, with a company called RF Training ( http://www.rftraining.co.uk/electrician-courses.htm )

The course lasts 6 weeks, and I'd be interested to know what you guys think.

I know that the "right" way to do things is the apprenticeship or college route, but I really don't have the time, and I'm getting a bit long in the tooth.

I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts, especially if you think that I could gain the required knowledge in just 6 weeks.

Thanks again & I look forward to hearing your comments

Best regards

spadders

 

[sparkytim]

Working with a sparks will have given you a good idea on the practical side, if he was a good un. There will be alot to take on board in just 6 weeks, and you may find that pretty heavy going, but if you are in the job then that will be an advantage. We all keep learning in this game and you will find the 6 weeks just the starting point in understanding what its really all about.

 

[green-hornet]

It would be doubtfull that the knowledge you need can be gained in 6 weeks.

The way these courses are set up is to provide training to pass an exam.

This inexperience shows when you go on site with other electricians who have done the apprentice/college route.

There is nothing wrong with any approach providing you are aware of the limitations.

because you have worked alongside an electrician you must have an idea of the first fix stage and what is involved, but you would have no idea as to the circuit design and loading, or the reason why any certain overcurrent protective devise is chosen or why any certain cpc is upgraded to prevent possible unwanted high Zs scenarios where an extra cable is required for a disconnection time of 0.01 rather than 0.4.

Apart from that welcome to the forum this is the place to be if you want some no nonsense advise and remember no question is silly we all ask them from time to time.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Welcome to the forum Spadders, you need to check what qualifications you get at the end of the course. Also if you intend to work on your own, self certifying your work compliant with part P building regulations, you need to check what qualifications your chosen Part-P scheme provider requires for membership. I suspect these intensive courses may leave a few gaps making it harder to enroll with ELECSA, NICEIC, NAPIT, BSI etc..

Doc H.

 

[batty]

Welcome to the forum as others have said six week courses are probably not the best way to become an electrician but good luck.