Any electricians on here???

Question

I'm 24 and living in london. I'm working full time in the transport industry but I would like to become an installation electrician and eventually work for myself. I've never done an apprenticeship in an electricial environment and at this stage in my life I can't afford to. My knoledge of electrical installations and the 16th edition is faifly good for a novice. Does anyone know of any self study corses I can take in order to get the qualifications I need? I have the 16th edition already but if you know of any other books that might be useful then please let me know. Many thanks!

Answer 1

the on-site user guide is a good book and takes all relevent parts of the 16th edition regs and explains them in good detail.
you will also need a book on part p, which explains the new H & S regulations on inspection and test to conform with BS2391.
you will need to go in for the 16th edition certificate, BS2381, before you will be allowed to work on industrial or domestic buildings.

Answer 2

Admittedly, as a Yank, I can't address exactly how building trades education works in the UK but I can tell you my experience. I started as an apprentice electrician at the ripe old age of 29 (I had a college degree and 10 years experience in other work but wanted to earn more and have a skilled trade to fall back on.) Your best bet is to see if you can get into a working apprenticeship program -- yes, the starting pay may seem low BUT the training is free and generally you get frequent raises as you pass through the levels of training (in the US electrical training is 4 to 5 years with pay increases every 6 months.) You cannot hope to learn everything you need to know from books -- there is too much "hands-on" skill that is involved.

I "bit the bullet" 25 years ago to get my training this way and have never regretted it. I now have a valuable skill, a trade license (which I have used in the past for self-employment) and an excellent job at the project managment and estimating level with one of the largest construction and engineering companies in the world.

There is a growing world-wide shortage of skilled tradespeople so you can't lose if you choose to go into this field. Check with your local trade unions and see what your options might be.

Good luck!