new and confused about what makes you "qualified"

[matty-=94]

hi all,

ive recently been looking into become a electrician through both the army and civilian routes, what i dont understand is what you need to be officially qualified as a electrician and if i would gain this through joining the army. the mod website says i would gain a level 2 certificate in electrical installations and a foundation modern apprenticeship, is the acquaintanceship equal to a level 3; or would it include a level 3, and would this make me fully qualified or are there more qualifications i would need. any information or advice is appreciated.

thanks, matt

 

[Manator]

From my understanding the army will train you to be fully converant with all electrical installation work, and will continue to provide additional training as per your job. They could even lead to HND or higher. A good chat with the recruitment officer would be the best way to find out more.

 

[Doc Hudson]

hi all,ive recently been looking into become a electrician through both the army and civilian routes, what i dont understand is what you need to be officially qualified as a electrician and if i would gain this through joining the army. the mod website says i would gain a level 2 certificate in electrical installations and a foundation modern apprenticeship, is the acquaintanceship equal to a level 3; or would it include a level 3, and would this make me fully qualified or are there more qualifications i would need. any information or advice is appreciated.

thanks, matt

Welcome to the forum. In addition to what Manator has said you have to remember wiring regulations in the UK (BS7671) are non-statutory and any person can legally carry out electrical work in a domestic property on both a DIY and commercial basis. (Unlike working on Gas appliances). Some parts of the industry have specific requirements such as some domestic work should comply with the statutory building regulations (Part P) These can still be met on a DIY basis by notifying the LABC before you commence the work. Construction site work would require specific H&S tests & certificates to be passed/obtained. Other commercial employers would specify certain qualifications they require you to have. Council work may require you to be a member of a specific contractor body. So in reality there is no easy answer to your question on the civilian side of the industry. Are you looking toward the domestic or commercial markets or both?

Doc H.

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Also, do you know of specific vacancies within the Army for the area you are looking at? I would think with the current employment climate this would be a good way to get some quality electrical training under your belt, that you can then utilise later for your own employment purposes. We have some ex-military members on here.

Doc H.

 

[batty]

As the Doc says i would think army may be a good route. If you go the domestic way you will probably be competing against 100,000 people trying to get into electrical installation game and army training will be a lot better.