Retraining as an Electrician?

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Discussion

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Saturday 18th November 2017
quotequote all
Hi all, bit of background first...

I'm looking at possibly relocating back to the UK, I've lived in Norway for the last 4 years and for 3.5 of those I worked for my father in law's construction company. Most of the work I undertook was mainly as a carpenter (unqualified) but I also did lots of other stuff including electrical work such as installing electrical contact points, re/wiring old/new houses, installing underfloor heating and installing led down lights is as far as my experience took me but. Really enjoyed this type of work.

So my question is at nearly 34, how can I get I to the industry and retrain, I see these companies offering training courses are they worth it? What qualifications should I be looking at? Have I already missed the boat in terms of age?

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Saturday 18th November 2017
quotequote all
Sounds good.

It's not just about the money but for me to retrain doing something I enjoy as I've previously worked in construction anyway and it wasn't really an option available to me in Norway without the full apprentice route.

Just all the various websites and different qualifications are a little confusing.

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Sunday 19th November 2017
quotequote all
Really?

Everything I've seen seems to point towards a bit of a shortage. Besides for the plan was to try and eventually take my skill set and work abroad.

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Sunday 19th November 2017
quotequote all
Royce44 said:
Live in kent. Work in london.

Any paye jobs kn eclectrical are paying 30k-35k.
Subbys 200 a day but you doing 9 hours a day plus travel.
Where as i earn a higher basic plus the overtime, get a work car and do 10hrs door to door. Didn't need to blow 5k on traing and tools either.
So what qualifications do you have and how did you get into the industry? Currently looking at £5-7k for courses.

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Monday 20th November 2017
quotequote all
Honestly I thought with the lack of real experience other than the things I've already done, I think it might be a struggle to get a job as an electricians mate. That's why I'm looking to go down the qualifications and getting it on paper route.

Edit: Would this course be suitable? https://www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/courses/2365-cours...

Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Monday 20th November 15:55

NordicCrankShaft

Original Poster:

1,726 posts

116 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
quotequote all
expensivegarms said:
What about trying for an apprenticeship with a DNO as a jointer or linesman? I work for the one that covers the East, South East and London, and opportunities here are great.

Apprenticeship money is getting better all the time, think a couple of the guys in my yard are on about £24k(?) as a starting salary, rising every year for 5 years. Plus once you’re out of your apprenticeship, there’s standby, which you can easily double your wages with. Lots of overtime if you can be flexible with staying late/last minute standby cover. Slightly different to sparks work, but interesting and every day is different.
A quick Google and this does sound like an interesting option.

Is there a minimum age for apprentices because I'm going on 34 in a few days?