faq
Why this site?
I created this site after being asked a thousand times: How do I become an electrician? Unfortunately there is no definite answer but there are routes to take if you are serious about getting qualified rather than 'short circuiting' the process.
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Piece of string time...an apprentice is funded by the government for 42 months, or 3 and a half years. This is not always straight forward and does need a pro-active approach by the apprentice. An adult usually has more enthusiasm and one working in the industry can complete in a couple of years if they push themselves. Quicker if they have been in the industry for some time.
I want to be an elektrishun yesterday, can I?
Look at the routes. They are all recognised and if you meet those requirements, your validity as an electrician cannot be questioned. Many training providers offer short courses which are all valid qualifications in their own right, but there is no substitute for experience. Think about it, an employer is presented with 2 people with the same qualifications but one has 5 years experience the other none. Who will he take on?
Who should I train with?
Check the forums for advice from other people in your situation. The local college is a good place to start, there are many individual training providers and also the industry bodies themselves, the NICEIC and the IEE. Do some research first, find out exactly what you want and approach a provider armed with this knowledge.
You mentioned the AM2, will I need to take it?
If you are an apprentice, yes definitely. If you are an adult it is recommended to help you complete your NVQ, but not always necessary.
I want to do the 236!
Be quick then, it has all but gone. Some colleges may still offer it as an option but most have switched to the 2330.
The 2330?
Yes, the replacement for the 2351 which replaced the 2360. It is the new underpinning knowledge qualification and is a vast improvement on the 2351. Some still question it against the 2360 but to be fair it is early days for the 2330 and it is a definite step in the right direction.
What happened to the 236?
After high drop out rates, the 2360 was scrapped in favour of the rather poor 2351. Although recognised, the 2351 was somewhat lambasted by industry as being a sub-standard substitute to the 2360.
What is the equivalent to the 236 then?
The equivalent to a 236 Part 1 is the 2330 Level 2, the equivalent to a 236 Part 2 is the 2330 Level 3. There is currently no equivalent to the 236 'C' Certificate and it is rarely offered due to lack of demand.
Can I work in my own house?
There are things you can do, such as direct replacement of existing items providing they are not outside, not in a kitchen or a bathroom or a special location. If you want to do any of this, then you really need to study Approved Document P and speak to the relevant industry bodies. Individual items of work really have to be judged on their own merit.
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To pay for my web hosting. I need to sell about a hundred books to recoup the setting up cost and a further 20 books or so a month to pay for my hosting.
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