Retraining as an Adult to Become an Electrician and Completing an Electrical Apprenticeship

Retraining to become an electrician isn't easy but we get some great advice and tips on how you can do it.
Andrew Pepper take time out of his busy life as an Electrician to talk to the learners at Tresham College. Andrew was an adult apprentice electrician in his 30’s and in this video talks about retaining to become an electrician, pressures of life, end point assessment AM2 or AM2S and the electrical industry.
It is possible to retrain as an adult an become a qualified electrician and Andrew talks about his journey to me and my learners.
👉LINKS Could help you find an apprenticeship
www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
www.citb.co.uk/bconstructive/
www.jtltraining.com/
apprentice121.co.uk/news?blog...
uk.indeed.com/Apprenticeships...
careers.nationalgrid.co.uk/ca...
== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==
00:00 - Electrical apprenticeship
00:42 - The journey to become an electrician
02:01 - Paying for your training
02:40 - AM2 or AM2S
04:00 - Never to late to train to become an electrician
Videos are training aids for City and Guilds (C and G) and EAL courses Level 1, 2, 3 plus AM2. AM2S and AM2E.
You can follow me day by day on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter lookout for "GSH Electrical.
▶️ FACEBOOK / gshelectrical
▶️ INSTAGRAM / brihzmraygdtmjmdb9lunq...
▶️ TWITTER / gsh_electrical
#GSHElectrical #Electricaltrainingvideos #apprentice #apprenticeship

[@goodwin4924]

Content like this keeps my gion im 33 with kids and a mortage working full time and doin night school and im not gion lie its hard work but one day il be there thankyou gaz and the team for the support with content you put out

[@GSHElectrical]

Michael keep working hard it will be totally worth it. Thanks for commenting and the support. Gaz 👍

[@HAPPYSLAPS1]

it's been 3 years now since you posted this comment. did you make it?

[@michalp.4975]

I started my electrical apprenticeship when I was 37. I have level 8 in Computer engineering, but I was sick of office jobs and short term contracts. English isn't my first language, but it didn't stop me from changing my life path.

[@GSHElectrical]

Inspiring comment. Thanks 👍🏻

[@pzulu5966]

I'm 37 and about to begin my journey, any tips on what to do ? Any advice is welcome

[@michalp.4975]

@@pzulu5966 Only 1, have interest in everything you do!

[@John_259]

I greatly appreciated the questions being repeated so we can hear them clearly. Good thinking.

[@Hiccup77]

I started my qualifications at 39 and AM2 AT 41. So you can teach an old dog new tricks.

[@GSHElectrical]

Great effort 👍

[@ajamespepper19]

Well done buddy

[@maxrai1899]

Hi hiccup77 may I ask what pathway you took to become qualified at your age ? Regards

[@Hiccup77]

@@maxrai1899 I was a mechanical maintence engineer before, the company i worked for desperately needed sparks, as i was doing well they put my on an apprentiship 1day a week at college. Due to circumstances i jumped around a few jobs and basically self taught myself on the back of my mechanical engineering. After qualifying I got more electrical roles, now im working upto 11kv, 3~, 1~ motors, control systems from designing and producing ourselves, automation and plc work. No matter how old you are, I'd say go for it. Eather go full time as a sparkies mate or offer 1 day a week go free with a sparky to allow you to do the college work.

[@lucapuzzoli8363]

You've inspired me

[@seandempsey9396]

Well done that man, fantastic video Gary, well done to Andrew.

[@dipeshghelani6215]

Well done Andrew very inspiring

[@UplandsJack]

Good for you Andrew... 👍 I'm due to take my AM2 in next couple of months and I've just turned 50. Started on this journey at 46. Two years at evening class to get through level 2 (colleges timetable not mine) and then a further 1yr 5 months at level 3. Tough going at my age going back to college 1 day a week. It certainly takes some getting used to again, though as a Heating Engineer, it has been easier than for some who undertake this in later life I'd imagine! Also like to add a massive big thanks to Gaz & Co for teaching or even just backing up the knowledge I've previously gained, with the use of your detailed but easy to follow videos along the way. Your Sir, are a credit to your profession 👏👍

[@GSHElectrical]

Lee what a fantastic journey you have been on. Keep working hard it has its rewards and thanks for the positive feedback. All the best. Gaz 👍

[@JD-gi9pl]

@@GSHElectrical respect to Andrew and respect for Lee. I'm thinking of going down the domestic installer route because I've already done an apprenticeship. Would love to get the level 3 from a personal point of view I just feel at 5 or 6k I'm being priced out. Interested to get your take on it. I'm an experienced plumbing, heating and gas engineer and have done a lot of electrical work within my scope. Truth is, I wish I'd done my electrical qualification years ago as I like doing the work.

[@UplandsJack]

@@JD-gi9pl My advice to you buddy would be simple, Just go for it!! Like you it seems, I did my time back in the day late 80's as a plumber, then moving on to gas at level 3. Then joining Corgi, (which of course in 08' became Gas Safe Register.) As you'd be aware JD, there's a fair bit of cross-over in the two trades (Y plan, S plan wiring / fault finding on modern boilers i.e. continuity testing, Ohms resistance etc to name a few). If it helps, what I did to overcome having to pay the massive costs for my level 3, was to take an apprenticeship part-time with a guy, who has worked on numerous jobs with me over the years. Maybe this is an option you too could explore further. As for myself, hopefully by the spring I should have completed both my diploma and NVQ at level 3. I will then only have Inspecting and Testing 2391 is it? to give me everything needed at this level. And importantly at a more manageable cost of approx £2200 all in. Anyway I hope this info helps and I wish you good luck with whatever you decide to do going forward. 👍

[@chrischalks3716]

Another great video.. Andrew I applaud you

[@eddprice4571]

Great video. Nice to have a look into the mindset for a change of career I myself am trying to change careers it's not easy. Started lvl 2 this year . Thankyou for your time Andrew really appreciate u taking the time to explain your journey all the best.

[@Goldfishdave]

Same for me. Sometimes I have doubts that it's been the right choice and worry about the level 3 and apprenticeship programme.

[@lewissimmons6887]

Gaz! Have been meaning to watch this clip for some time now and I can honestly say I should've watched ages ago. Similar position to that of some of the other people leaving comments, as in, I'm an adult learner and desperately trying to work out the best and most practical way to change career to become a fully qualified electrician. Videos like this are a huge help and I will be watching more of your helpful clips. Thanks

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and all the best with your training Gaz 👍🏻

[@RaithUK]

Another great video there guys thanks for the info.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks Raith 👍

[@harveywakefield7139]

Gaz great video! Sometimes I sit and think am I doing the right thing or am I actually good enough to make it. But with your videos and hard work I’m sure I’ll get there. Hoping I can!

[@GSHElectrical]

👍🏻

[@deanm1984uk]

Just come across this video, enjoyed it by the way great talk. My story is similar, I took my self back to college 3 years ago at the age of 35 with responsibilities. Worked in Electrical wholesaling for 15 years or more and decided I wanted to be on the other side of the counter. I have my level 2 2365 , level 3 8202-30, Bs7671 18th edition and 2391-52. I never took my NVQ AM2 as being an adult learner I never did an apprenticeship. But 3 years on the tools now , employed as an electrician with great knowledge and picked up skills quickly I feel there's no need for an AM2. I hate the word AM2 to be honest. Why do you need to stand in front of a bored for 3 days to prove your an electrician as it's nothing like the real world. It's a shame you need it to register with the NIC or Napit now. I do feel sometimes that I wasted 2 years doing my level 2 and 3 as it feels like it's not worth anything because you need a NVQ am2. Advise to anyone doing this as an adult to do your home work on what's required first as the college won't explain this to you and make you believe once you have your level 3 your good to go. Apparently not.

[@Midnitedreary88]

I really admire the effort put forth by the trades in the U.K. to demonstrate to the public trade awareness. That isn't a thing anymore in the U.S. great video.

[@GiffordsElectrical]

Great vid gaz. Well done to Andrew. It can be tough as an adult learner.

[@ajamespepper19]

Cheers buddy

[@matthewlewis6790]

I’m 52 and will start my career step change from offshore oil and gas into electrical this year

[@delrey-p]

Love this. I'm 32 and I've just enrolled in my C&G 2365 diploma part time. I have 2 kids, a house and a car.

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@benfearn702]

I'm nearly 50 years old and training at my local college 2 nights per week after work, its hard but i want to do it and thats the difference

[@GSHElectrical]

Great work and please keep me updated on your progress 👍. Gaz

[@Don-ym8cm]

Well done mate. I'm nearly 50 as well and I'm going to give it a go .

[@piotrlobacz]

Very lucky man with boss who pays him decent rate for being apprentice. Don't find them often .

[@cw3728]

Thats why I had to give up my mechanical apprenticeship, 1 they didn't train me I was just a cleaner, and 2 I got £40pw and had 20mls each way to travel. Was only 16 wont get mugged again.

[@rebelmnk2382]

It's all in the mind regardless of age!

[@GSHElectrical]

Agreed

[@andyrhodes9435]

Just starting my training soon. 35 years old and taking a totally new direction in life. Got a mortgage so can’t do it full time but want to try to do as much as I can

[@rmmj7james293]

To be honest mate as long as you are working on site as you do the night/weekend school and banking that time on site experience you'll be well placed for the AM2, which is pretty tough as exams go. Really pay attention to the way they teach the testing. That's invaluable for the AM2.

[@andycampsall3832]

I’m 46 and just looking in to re-training as an electrician 👍

[@GSHElectrical]

Go for it 👍🏻

[@barney630]

What would you recommend to someone who done c and g at college 5 years ago, had his 18th edition and needs to do his 2392 inspection and testing when he hasn't done practical work for 3 years?

[@haych6782]

How difficult is work as an electrician do you have to be really smart? Are there times when there’s not work available? Also what’s the best route to learn and best sector within the industry ?

[@BP-td5gv]

What are “all the qualifications”? Can you sign off your own work?. Also, what JIB card do you qualify for at that point? Also about that “commerical” speech, what large commercial wiring system isint planned by an electrical designer? I can't imagine someone walking up to an empty factory and being able to design a safe wiring system on the fly. (hope this doesn't read badly, I am just curious).

[@mragrego1]

I retrained at 29 it wasnt easy but im glad i did it

[@hoopz954]

Did you do this part time

[@kingbling7729]

Iv got my c&g level 2 and 3 whats my next step as im finding it hard to get an apprenticeship

[@GeLBoIHoRtOn]

I have done my 2365 Level 2 and 3...do I now do the NVQ once I find a full time employer? or do I have to do a separate Apprenticeship and go back to college?

[@petemartin1891]

Hi im 37 and just wondered the 18 day SS1A domestic courses you offer what can you actually do at the end of that? ( my aim is to refrurb properties ( domestic )

[@husky701sm6]

I'm 42 and looking at getting qualified as a sparky at some point. But due to work and family commitments I cant do a night course or go to college for 1 day a week, so I have to look at training providers like trade skills 4 u which are expensive.

[@piotrlobacz]

I am I same boat. I have got electrical qualifications from my country of origin which are not recognised here in UK. I have done 16, 17, 18 edition of bs 7671 in the past but nothing else. Now wanting to become fully qualified with mortgage, family and full time job I don't like. Only way for me to do ot is through experienced worker assesment comprised of a few courses, NVQ3, ECS environmental assessment and AM2E which still requires time and money to complete.

[@jokey87gonads]

This is my situation right now, 33 & getting ready for am2 in june/july (covid dependent) finding it really hard to find an employer who will even respond to an email, nevermind take me under their wing or give me experience

[@GSHElectrical]

Try Apprentice121 he is on LinkedIn and Instagram if Mark can help he will. All the best and thanks for watching. Gaz 👍

[@pzulu5966]

I'm a 37 year old with the common responsibilities kids , mortgage , etc , Do you have knowledge you can share for getting into the industry ? I have just been for my first college open day and have been advised to do functional maths

[@efif7308]

Can some help please. I have completed level 3 electrical installation 2365 and level 3 in inspection and testing 2391 but i dont know what to do next also i can't find apprenticeships im 23 years of age.

[@piranha_finance]

I am 18 years old from London who just started my first year of Uni studying Economics. I've realised Uni isn't for me. The thing is I don't know where to start or what to look for if I want to begin a career in being an electrician. Could you provide me with guidance.

[@GSHElectrical]

Contact your local college they will be able to advise you on your options. Good luck and keep me posted. Gaz 🦾

[@piranha_finance]

@@GSHElectrical is there a certain institute/college you recommend… there’s a lot of stuff on the internet and it’s hard to separate the good from the nonsense

[@Davechaoes]

@@piranha_finance I’m at Harlow college atm doing my level 3 electrical installation and tbh it’s very good the teachers are the best and will help you with any thing and everything.

[@_______unknown_______]

@@Davechaoes uno when u done ye level 1 what did they teach ya? Im in yr 11 and after school in going to do level 1 in college and i just wanna have a head start ig🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Davechaoes]

@@_______unknown_______ they teach you basic electrical and some plumbing

[@tomclay3153]

For me as an older learner who is looking to make a career change this was very unrealistic. You brought in a man who pretty much had this handed to him on a plate who had a bit of background knowledge and worked in a field which helped him. I have pretty much the same commitments as him. But I work in the public sector. I am close to finishing my level 2 and I'm wishing to know where to go from there.

[@staminaman77]

I'm interested in becoming an electrician and just assumed it would be mad expensive, I work full time at the moment in a job I don't enjoy and would like to gain valuable qualifications and life skills and start a new career path as an electrician. There is so many different courses and routes, I've seen level 2 level 3 etc.. the guy in the video mentioned he paid around £1500 to get started initially. What course did he take? Electrical installation course at college? I can't find one listed as an available course at my local college and I don't drive, however I'm motivated to make the needed changes in my life and start. Anyone got advice?

[@user-pw3hw4nz7r]

I'm just about to finish level 3 and it's cost about 7k and I still need to do a lot more before I can sign off any work do a lot of homework before you hand over any money I'm glad I've done it but I just think they should be more upfront about how much it costs Hope this helps

[@staminaman77]

Thanks. I ended up giving up on this in the end.

[@raeesahmed9740]

I am 40 with no previous experience of electronics. I would like to start the process can you plz help

[@GSHElectrical]

I would recommend contacting your local FE College for support and assistance on courses available to you 👍🦾. Gaz

[@dextermorgan6665]

Do you have 2 serve 4 years in americaa like in ireland to become a qualified tradesman

[@GSHElectrical]

Generally the answer is YES

[@barrybritcher]

I hope to give this a shot in couple years hopefully the right side of 40 lol

[@GSHElectrical]

All the best 👍🏻

[@shix1Resolve]

I want to become an electrician and have been asked to fork up £6000. Is there an alternative? Because like him I have family and a baby on the way with bills to pay. £6000 is too much.

[@trojanhorse7990]

Ìs it worth it?

[@1288felix]

£1500? Mines costing 5 times that. I'm 33 and retraining as a full scope electrician + solar PV with domestic electric vehicle charging around my job. My children won't be making the same mistakes I made.

[@left-hand-threaded]

Well I wish I was as lucky as this guy , nowhere hires apprentices and pays them a full wage

[@larrys.5423]

What state???

[@GSHElectrical]

More details required to answer your question...?

[@larrys.5423]

@@GSHElectrical what state is the apprenticeship available?

[@mohammedzada6665]

@@larrys.5423 This is based in the United Kingdom (UK) not America

[@samm2130]

£1500 for everything? I find that very hard to believe. £1500 just for level 2 yes but Level 3 will be around another £3500 and then the nvq and am2 at least another grand.

[@ajamespepper19]

I did it through a college which has it subsidised, they get money through me re doing my key skills. I see if you do it through a specific provider you will pay that price also it took me 3 years not weeks

[@samm2130]

@@ajamespepper19 OK fair enough. Yes I'm talking years here too not two week wonder courses.

[@ajamespepper19]

@@samm2130 good luck buddy I past mine with a year to spare it's all worth it and your doi g it the best way

[@SteveFrench_420]

Yup. As soon as he said "grow room" I thought marijuana.

[@GSHElectrical]

🤦🏻‍♂️😂