I'm a newcomer to the industry, I'm 33 years old and reached a point where I had to do something to change my life for the better. So I decided to do something about it. Due to my age and circumstances, there wasn't as many options as there would have been a few years ago. After hitting a brick wall finding adult training locally, The only other option for me was to enrol on a study at home course.
I began studying in September with Train 4 trade skills, I was lucky in that my mum had seen the struggle I was having trying to get adult training when all the funding for it had been pulled. Train 4 trade skills had put a leaflet through her door and she had decided to give them a ring and arrange to speak to one of their advisor's.
There was no way I could have afforded the course myself, and it's only for my mum signing the finance agreement I am able to do it.
I am studying towards one day becoming an electrician, as I wouldn't have felt the domestic installer route was relevant to my goals. So far I am finding the study both intense and enjoyable. I have so far found my tutors to be eager to help and fast in their response. My assignments are marked and returned promptly and any course materials arrive without delay. So far, so good. After completing a set amount of modules and assignments, I will go to the training centre for practical training and assessment. Then so on and so forth until I finish all my exams.
This process will maybe take me around 3 years. If by this time I have found suitable employment, I will also have the chance to do my NVQ 3. On successfully completing the course, I will bring away a set of tools to help towards what I will need to get, as well as a £200 tool voucher. I know it isn't much, but for me it's a great help.
The one thing I'm currently lacking is the hands on experience that is so valuable in this industry, I'm hoping in time to have enough of a basic grounding to gain employment with someone and be earning enough to afford to at least pay my rent and bills etc. Looking at the basic minimum wage for apprentices, I do worry about this, but then I'm a hopeful soul.
There's certainly a long road ahead before I can class myself to be an electrician. The study at home route although a solution to many problems can also provide some obstacles, but I believe if a person is determined enough, then obstacles are possible to overcome. I for one am setting out on a journey I intend to enjoy and learn a lot from. A journey made all the more worthwhile with the help and support of both my tutors and those of you out there who never seem to tire of helping others along. It is very much appreciated by myself and countless others. I hope to one day be in the position to carry on that help to those coming into the industry behind me.