Hey guys, this is just a general response to the thread.
I did not go through the apprenticeship scheme when i was younger, Didn't have a clue as to what i wanted to do at that age anyway, After many a dead end job, i joined an electrical company as a P.A.T tester and was trained as such. From time to time in this company i was sent to help labour for the sparks when neded, after a few years i found i was spending much more time doing electrical work than PAT testing and i got a taste for it, but felt i had missed the boat in regards of ever becoming qualified. That was untill i saw What is regarded as a 5 day wonder course, so i enrolled in it. I have since achived mt 2330 level 2 and level 3, 2391 test and inspect and full 17th edition. All of which i didn't find too dificult as i already had a sound understanding and lots of experiance. I have not filled in my NVQ3 log book yet as i just don't have the time. I recently became the new NICEIC QS for the company i work for after our annual assessment in november. The SJIB have said they will never issue me with a grade card as i never undertook a registered apprenticeship scheme with them, so i guess in their eyes and possibly others, Im not qualified,