In today’s world, there is a strong push towards pursuing university degrees and higher education and so the immense value of learning a trade is often overlooked. Whether it’s construction, plumbing or electrical work, the benefits of pursuing a trade are vast and varied. In fact, for many people learning a trade may be a far more rewarding career move than a traditional university degree.
So, why is learning a trade so appealing? Let’s dive into the key benefits.
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If you're thinking about learning a trade with Access Training, you might be wondering if the courses we offer are too good to be true. Is Access Training really a legitimate training option for those looking to learn new skills and become qualified tradespeople?
We'll spare you the suspense: the short answer is a resounding YES!
For the longer answer, keep reading.
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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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If you’re looking to install a new electric shower, you may be wondering whether you should call a plumber or an electrician. A plumber will be well-equipped to handle the water supply connections and pipework you will need for your new shower; however any electrical work should always be carried out by a Part-P qualified tradesperson.
This Part-P qualified tradesperson will need to be able to:
- Assess your current electrical system to ensure it can handle the additional load of the shower.
- Choose the correct cable size for the shower’s power rating.
- Have access to the equipment needed to test new electrical equipment and installations.
- Correctly fill out an electrical test certificate for the job.
- Safely connect the shower unit to the electrical supply.
- Test the installation to ensure it functions safely.
- Inform the local building authority control to let them know that electrical installation work has been carried out in a room containing a bath or shower.
In summary, you will need to find either a qualified electrician or a Part-P certified plumber to install your electric shower, as they will be trained in both the plumbing side of the installation and qualified to do the electrics.
This is essential due to the dangerous combination of water and electricity that this job involves; hiring someone that is not experienced or qualified for the job will not only be hazardous but will ultimately cost you a hefty sum for repairs in the future.
Do you wish you could install your electric shower yourself? Why not considering changing careers and training as an electrician?
Access Training offer a number of bespoke electrician courses to people of all ages and backgrounds. With qualifications including general installation, Part P training, PAT Testing and more, we're certain we have the right electrical course for you.
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One of the great advantages of learning a trade is how seamlessly you can transition into becoming your own boss. Once you have completed your electrical training and got some work experience under your belt, you might be thinking of striking out on your own as a self-employed electrician.
Starting your own business can be very exciting, but also daunting. We’ve created this guide to get you off on the right path.
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This coming Friday (25th November 2022) is Black Friday, and we've got a very special offer for everyone who enrols on one of our trade courses this week.
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We are pleased to announce that Access Training is now partnered with Rated People, the UK's top online marketplace for trustworthy tradespeople.
Anyone can post a job on the Rated People website - for example, if Joe Bloggs needs a plumber to fix his leaky sink, he can submit a request via Rated People and nearby tradespeople will be able to offer their services.
Once the job is done and dusted, Joe can post a review on the plumber's profile page to let others know whether that particular tradesman proved reliable.
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So you’ve just received your A Level results and they’re not what you expected – don’t fret! Thousands of students each year find themselves in this position and although you may be feeling like these results will determine the rest of your life, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Ultimately, A Levels are a small hurdle in the grand scheme of life, and there are plenty of exciting opportunities and options to choose from – even if you didn’t get the grades you wanted!
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