2330 course training places

[steve]

Hi, Im a sparky thats got his own company, my son this year leaves school and would like to become an Electrical apprentice working with me.
I have contacted 3 colleges/ training schools and attended an open evening at Guildford, only to be told that its very doubtful that my son will be able to enroll this year as 1- he has no experience within the industry?, 2- that there will be better academic qualified people applying, so as to receive their funding quicker would go for these people (so called 18 24 year olds who have taken "no hope career A levels". sorry if I upset anyone.) Guildford have as at last week over 100 people applying!!
what has happened to the training side of the industry, any school leaver who wishes to take on the trade and has there mind set on becomming a spark , Like my son, now has to get in line behind people who wernt intrested in the trade, took an easy couple of years at college, dident do well (if they did why choose electrician when university would be the choice.) and now rob people of places who really want the training.
:?

[wolfie]

Steve

There are loads of courses advertised online that can qualify somone as an electrician. They very from from 6 week intensives to going at your own pace. Your son could work with you whilst qualifying at his own pace over a couple of years. Then when qualified he should be a lot more competent then someone who has done a 6 week course. I am not an electrician just enjoy the subject and do not know how the industry feels about qualifying this way or if it is completley sufficent.

Hope that helps.

Wolfie

[AngelaD]

To be honest this course is an utter waste of time if you know the basics, having just wasted a year I honestly feel i could have read the course notes and still passed with flying colours and I have learnt nothing of any practical use at all.

[Ian B]

Having finished level two last year,I am currently in exams for 2330 level three, but, am struggling to get into the industry,having said that im 43 so apprenticeships are out.Im looking at finishing this and going onto possibly 2381 then 2391 and then part P, so as at least I can concentrate on domestic as the alternative NVQ route will be very difficult to secure at my age..so im told.I have taken both as distance learning courses via Harlow college (This means each level is completed in a year).
I would suggest that yes, if you know your way round the basics then 2330 level two may be not more than a certificate in terms of knowledge,however for a beginner I think level two and three are a good route onto the NVQ for your son, and a good grounding for 2391 and part P.From my complete beginners novice perspective from everything i've read I reckon 2330 is still the best starting point.However the choices for this at harlow are full time (no thanks),2 eves per week or distance learning and due to placements I had no hope of getting on to anything but distance learning.Harlow is also one of the very few colleges that runs this as distance learning (have been told by tutor that the next nearest is Belgium!).Having said that imagine private Co's may run 2330 as distance learning.
Personally I think 2330 is still the best start..however these are the words of a novice at the mo! hope some of this helps.good luck.

[jamaicajoe]

Hey Guys.

I am presently in the building trade as a brickie but would like to train up to become an electrician.

I am 45 and would like some advice on the best way to go about doing this. I am confused on what route I should take....... ie 2330 level 2 and 3 or take a chance and take a distance learning course that promises the world in a matter of months, which does not seem possible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. Joe.

[andyw]

I had that problem too. And I wanted to go to Guildford. But they were far too busy so I applied for a few others aswel - Nescot, East Surrey and Central Sus***. I ended up only getting accepted into East Surrey and I can see why - no one wanted to go there, its a complete dive. But the course is pretty alright so it doesn't matter too much how rubbish the college is.

Now I've got problem finishing the NVQ with my firm because they're mostly in boiler maintenance and don't do much electrical installation anymore.

If your son can get into it I would recommend Central Sus*** college in Crawley as a very good college. Although obviously it depends on how far away you live.

[sanjlon]

There is a big hoo haaa about not having youngsters on apprenticeships...if i was you i would carry on working and showing my son how to do electrics in my company and pushhhhhhhhhh very very hard to get on an apprenticeship...get whatever department to pay for his training... and then if u can't anywhere ...write to the bloody Prime minister and make a case for your son...this country has become the dumping ground of cheap labour from poland, india and other eu countries... to get anything u must fight for it. good luck...
send your son to these organisations and speak to people in senior positions only...not some secretary! or some admin fob!