Newbie 19 year old seeks advice

[Kris Carling]

Hi

I’ve only just joined this forum and I’m hoping to find some good advice from those experienced in the electrical industry. 

I’m 19 and have just completed my level 3 C&G Diploma in Electrical Installation (building & structures) 600/5498 at college, but I do not know whether I’ve passed yet -  I do hold level 2 already in the same qualification.   Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, my practical experience is virtually zero, apart from some basic wiring at boards or stations in college. 

I have applied for a CSCS electrical labourer’s card, and I’m in the process of sending off CVs to apply for apprenticeships, or just unpaid work experience; however, I live in a rural area (Lincolnshire), so opportunities are limited, although I do drive.   

My question is in two parts:

(1)   Has anyone got any advice on what I could do to gain practical experience to help my CV?  I do practice basic wiring but my parents are not keen for me to do too much around the house! Are online tutorials valued by employers, if so, is there a way of gaining certification for  watching these?

(2)   Are these short courses to qualify as a domestic electrician valued, and would these enable me to work in anyway?  I have saved money working part in a supermarket but I worked hard to save 2K, so don’t want to waste it if the courses do not enable me to progress in anyway, or are a false economy.

Apologies for the long post, but advice at college was limited, and it’s difficult to find any experienced people to ask. 

Thanks

 

[Sharpend]

This course that you have done what is the City and Guilds number? Is it the current version of Electrical Installation, more importantly what has it been teaching you? 
It sounds as though it is a precursor to doing the NVQ lvl 2 in electrical installation? 
You may not be permitted to do electrics on site without an ECS grade card which will give you Electrical Labourer, trainee. 
as for short courses you are wasting you money.

who advised you to do the diploma course as opposed to the NVQ course? 
Have the college not got any NVQ courses in electrical installations? 

 

[Kris Carling]

Thank you very much for your reply.   The course I completed at college was the City & Guilds diploma in electrical installation (600/5498).  My understanding is that I would then go on to complete an NVQ level 3  in electrical installation as part of an apprenticeship in order to qualify.  My college is large, so when first signing on with the intention of training to become an electrician, I assumed the course they select would achieve this but it sounds like it may not be the case from your reply.   I have now got a JIB / ECS electrical labourer's card (had to take the H&S test), although it's very difficult to find an electrician to offer any work due to the fact I have limited practical knowledge (due to the limitations at college because of the pandemic).  I do drive, I've practised electrical tasks at home, done online tutorials to build my practical knowledge, and have sent numerous CVs out to larger companies.  However, I live in a fairly rural area (Louth, Lincolnshire) and many electricians operate as individuals and do not want the red tape that seems to go with an apprenticeship.  I have said on my CV that any work experience would be welcomed but I think many sole electricians are too busy to train someone.  Anyway, I'll keep trying but I must admit, I'm now considering a change of plan as trying to get on the apprenticeship ladder is seemingly impossible, where I'm based anyway.  

 

[Sharpend]

How old are you Kris? 
 

sorry just seen back on your first post. 

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

How old are you Kris? 

I'd be guessing..... 

Newbie "19" year old seeks advice

But I may be wrong?

:coat

:innocent

 

[Sharpend]

I would suggest that you take your CV and actually visit some of the more established companies in your area, I include the slightly wider area to you as well. Have you done a notice and put it up in local wholesalers? Wholesalers can be the first to know who needs an extra pair of hands. 

I'd be guessing..... 

Newbie "19" year old seeks advice

But I may be wrong?

:coat

:innocent

Easy tiger! I noticed just as I’d hit the button. Hence my self correction. 

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Hi Kris..   can't really offer much practical help or advice..

BUT I will say keep on trying, knocking doors, asking around, googling local electrical contractors etc...

As the reality is that 99.9999% of the time it is who you know NOT what you know...

(you need to build up contacts and get your name & face know to those who select people to fill job vacancies).

I am not up to date with the various current City & Guild qualifications course numbers....  so can't help on that level

But you are most probably correct with you assumptions about the red-tape and hassle for small companies taking on new staff..

I have been self employed since 1999...

and even if you lived next door to me, the admin, costs, liabilities and hassle of taking on an apprentice mean I probably wouldn't even consider it in the current climate..

You probably need to find a medium to larger company, who would benefit from a younger trainee, to do some fetching, carrying and manual pulling & fixing cables..

I may be wrong..

But online tutorials don't carry much weight for anyone looking to take on staff..

especially if other prospective candidates already have real practical hands on experience..

The basic problem you, (and others have), is that electricity can kill a healthy adult in less than a second..

so any company taking you under their supervision will have serious legal obligations to protect both you.. and any of their customers you are working at...

Excluding working with Gas, not many other building service trades run similar risks to their employees or customers if someone drops a clanger!!

BUT...

on a positive note...

with all of the "Carbon Neutral",  "Green Energy",  "Smart Meter",  "Climate Crisis" issues that need to be addressed..

electrical work in all sorts of sectors should still be in demand for many years to come..

have you tried googling any companies working in some of the more "specialist field" sectors?

Immediate thoughts come to EV charging points and/or EV garage forecourts...

I haven't looked myself but there possibly may be job opportunities in start-up companies in some of these more "Green" industry sectors..?

Basically..  don't give up, keep trying...

All I can do is wish you well with your search.

Guinness