retraining as an electrician

[simonruss]

hello, am looking for a career as an electrician, was wondering if anyone has had any experinece of these 'short courses' that cost thousands but promise to have you qualified within a few months. I have tried the night school course when i got my city&guilds in plumbing and found that 2 years at college still didnt make it any easier getting work (as im early 30's, not a spotty school leaver). many thanks folks!!

[HillyHugger]

I'm not too sure age really comes into it's more about experience & what's on your CV. I have computer qualifications of various types but never worked in the field . I applied for a job doing data entry in Excel . I have Excel ECDL advanced but didn't even get a reply .

[CheekyChops]

I personally think they are a waste of money. You might get all the qualifications but you will still have no practical experience and that is what most people will be looking for when employing an electrician.

[simonruss]

thanks cheeky chops, if thats the case then why would any adult consider re-training? i am mainly asking whether any ab'ers have any experience of these types of 'fast track' courses. I myself am dubious but am hoping somebody out in the world may have more knowledge of them than I have

[buildersmate]

As I'm sure you know, having the necessary qualifications for undertaking electrical work (and some aspects of plumbing work associated with gas and oil systems) are essential to get any work.
The main usefulness of changing career in this way and getting the qualifications is to be able to set yourself up in business - either working for members of the public directly by advertising yourself, or working on subcontracting work. The latter work is generally obtained through having a network of contacts to draw on - not by direct employment. Large employers who employ electricians (on their payroll) are, I'm afraid, very likely to want to take on youngsters.

[simonruss]

thanks buildersmate, Im aware that most employers only want to take on youngsters (i found this out after I qualified in plumbing), the outcome of any electrical training (self employed being the main probability) is not the main answer Im looking for, Im asking about the types of training, mainly regarding the 'fast track' or 2+ years at night school 2 evenings a week and if anybody has any experience of the fast track courses. When I was working towards my plumbing qualifications the 'fast track' courses were scoffed at by my tutors, however it turned out that they were not too honest about some things either!! Hopefully someone out there in Answerbank Land may have had (or know of someone who has) experience with the 'fast track' way of learning. Many thanks in advance.