Advice on training

In a lighter mood , beware of signing up to the wrong thing in terms of training-

A cautionary video.

and something to consider https://www.the-esp.org.uk/our-work/ewa/skills-scan-experienced-worker-assessment/

to see where you may have holes in the experience. (no need to tell us the answers if you do not want to.)

Mike,

Confidence is developed over time. The only things to remember are 1. Don't touch live bits with your fingers. 2. Don't blow up the customers appliances. 3. Don't be shy.

Oh, and apply the mantra of The  Marharishi of Cricklewood

I can do it

I can do it

I can do it

Z.

Guidance Note 3 has pictures and illustrations so is more than just a boring textbook. It is a how to do it book as well.

Z.

Thank you so much everyone for the replies. I think I do need to just get out there and hopefully find some contacts along the way. I do find it hard to meet people willing to show you the ropes with testing, but I also understand they have to also make money so having me along side them isn’t ideal. I shall still keep trying.

Legh Richardson said:

teaching one of the three most practical demonstratable subjects, how to wire a BS1363 plug, as a theory class

Funnily enough, I did that as my practical on a "teaching the teachers" course. I had wanted to demonstrate planing a straight edge on a board on the grounds that it would have made a right old mess, but Mrs P suggested a plug. That required at least 3 screwdrivers for the different size and type of screw heads, a good old-fashioned pen-knife, and an automatic wire stripper.

Hello Legh, that is why I suggested earlier that there are some good hands-on Youtube videos covering Inspection and Testing. It's all out there if we look for it. Many of my skills were self taught before the internet was available. Books ruled then. We did very little practical stuff in the workshops at college.

Testing is only like following a recipe book to make a meal. Start at "A" and work through the processes.

Examples of old text books...

Electrical Installation Practice H A Miller First Second Third Year Books 3rd Ed | eBay

Z.

I`ve lost track on how many times I`ve seen pictures of "correctly wired 13A Plugtops" only to find the cpc not long enough to enable last to pull out being the favourite item

Zoom, a very useful book if you appreciate the limitations, practicalities of the testing procedure.  Its unlikely to be so useful without hands on experience. Although, when I started teacher training, I suprised my tutor by teaching one of the three most practical demonstratable subjects, how to wire a BS1363 plug, as a theory class.  .......

The IET Shop - Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing, 9th Edition

Z.

I jumped from Electronics to Electrical when in my mid twenties, applied for a training course at the local tech and got laughed out of the interview as I was too old to take up an apprenticeship.

I ended up 30 odd years later providing sub-contract teaching for the same company.

The informality of the training outside of a recognised apprenticeship was for me precarious but the experience, training and work comes eventually.

IMO, keep away from the five day wonder courses as even the best teachers are unable to get across all the likely skills required to make you a proficient electrician. You, basically just can't take all that information in in one go...