While there will always be a demand for qualified tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers and gas engineers, setting yourself apart from the other tradespeople in your local area is a good idea if you want to get your name out there among potential clients. The best way to do this is to consider qualifying in more than one skill.
What Skills Can I Combine?
Commonly gas engineer training goes hand in hand with plumbing qualifications, but there are far more potential combinations that could benefit your future career and boost your chance of success when starting up your own business.
For example, if a plumber were to undertake electrical training it would open up a variety of new work for them that they wouldn’t be able to complete otherwise without a second tradesperson. They would be able to properly install electric showers, and by achieving a Part-P qualification would also be permitted to sign off the work themselves once they had joined a relevant Competent Person Scheme.
Take note though, it’s vital that you train thoroughly in both skills. A plumber should not be attempting any electrical work without the proper electrical qualifications and the same goes for any other potential trades. Not only would you be putting yourself at risk, but your customer and their family too.
At Access Training, we offer a few different courses that cover multiple disciplines. For example, both our Premium and Professional Gas Courses include a plumbing qualification and our Premium Plumbing Course includes a gas qualification.
Still unsure if multi-skills training is right for you? Check out this testimonial from our student Rob. who started on one of our electrical courses and has now moved on to do plumbing and gas too...
If you want to master multiple trades, contact Access Training now and speak to one of our friendly course advisers - we can build you a personalised training programme that includes everything you want to learn.
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The short answer: No, in the UK, you cannot sign off electrical work in your own home unless it is considered “non-notifiable” work.
For any significant electrical work, you must hire a qualified electrician who is part of a government-approved Competent Person Scheme and registered under Part P of the Building Regulations. They will be able to self-certify their work and sign it off with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) which ensures all work meets safety standards.
What Is “Non-Notifiable” Work?
Non-notifiable work refers to minor electrical alterations, for example:
- Changing a light switch
- Moving a socket outlet
- Moving cables
- Replacing damaged cables
- Replacing light fittings or control switches
- Adding a fused spur to an existing circuit
However, it is important to note that if the work being carried out is in a ‘special location’, like a bathroom, sauna or outdoors, you must notify your local building control.
What is “Notifiable” Work?
Notifiable work includes:
- Adding new circuits/ installations
- Work in special locations i.e. bathrooms or outdoor
- Changing a fuse board on a consumer unit
- Rewiring all/part of a house
All notifiable work must be signed off by a registered electrician, who is then responsible for notifying the local authority. Attempting to self-certify any complex electrical work is not only extremely dangerous but will leave you liable if issues arise later on.
Plus, if your electrical work isn’t properly certified, it can invalidate your home insurance in the case of an electrical incident!
Wanting to save the hassle and get qualified as an electrician? Here at Access Training, we offer a range of electrician courses, suited to everyone, no matter your experience level. Get in contact with us today to find out more!
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