by ericmark »
Sat Aug 28, 2010 12:18 am
The C&G 2382 says you can read a book. And really it means nothing. The C&G 2391 is a hands on course and exam and it does go a long way to show you can work safely and there is a high failure rate even with time served electricians. The C&G 2392 is a cut down version of C&G 2391 and is taken by those who can't pass the C&G 2391 as to how much cut down I don't know.
There is no need for any qualifications to become an electrician however you do need to show you know what you are doing and qualifications is one method. Indentures is another as is a string of satisfied employers.
There is nothing to stop you undertaking to do electrical work with nothing but you would need to have every notifiable job checked by the council (LABC) and you may have a problem getting insurance.
Most domestic electricians become a member of a scheme so they can self certify and what you need to do is talk to the scheme providers to find what they will accept to become a member.
What you need to consider is if you can use the knowledge you have already and I would look at PLC's and SCADA and see if your skills will allow you to better move in that direction.
House bashing when the country was pushing for more and more houses was good pay and hard work and in the main repetitive. But as the new house boom crashed all the guys building new houses moved sidewards into the refurbish and repair and you will be competing against many guys who have been doing the job for years. The only way to get work is to do it very cheap and although you may kid yourself that you are doing well if you include travel, paperwork, insurance, tools and interest on money invested in the change then unlikely it will be worth our while.
So look at PLC and SCADA and see if your skills at VB could not be put to use!
