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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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It's the issue that jobseekers in pretty much every sector recognise: it's difficult to find work when you have no experience, and it's difficult to gain experience when you're unable to find work!

Gaining work experience as an electrician is no different, that is why we have put together this blog post that highlights the importance of electrical work experience as well as discussing what electrical work experience options are available to you. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Experience Important for Electricians?

Hands-on electrical experience is important for trainee electricians, as although classroom training provides important theoretical knowledge, applying these concepts in practical situations is a different ball game altogether.  

Working with electricity can also be extremely dangerous and practical experience helps to enhance understanding of safety protocols and hazards in a real world situation. Plus, this experience is crucial in helping trainee electricians become more confident with their work, knowledge and tools. This practical training will not only help reduce on-site injuries, but will ultimately create more confident, efficient and knowledgeable electricians.

Why Is It Difficult for Trainee Electricians to Gain Work Experience?

It can be particularly difficult for trainee electricians to gain work experience because many employers require prior on-the-job experience. This creates a catch-22 situation where new electricians struggle to get experience, without having experience!

In addition to this, many companies are hesitant to take on those who are inexperienced due to the dangerous nature of electrical work, and therefore would rather hire experienced individuals that are already familiar with the job.

To overcome these challenges, there are a couple of different options:

• Get your qualifications and complete an NVQ

A NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification that demonstrates a person’s ability to do a job. At Access Training, both our Professional and Premium electrical courses include an NVQ, but with our Premium course, you can get your Level 3 NVQ and a guaranteed work placement.

This means that not only will you be completing the portfolio of work required for the NVQ, but also gaining valuable work experience that will help you find work later on.

• Enrol on the Access Apprenticeship programme

With our Access Apprenticeship programme, once you’ve completed your Level 1 Health & Safety training and obtained your CSCS card, we can get you a guaranteed interview with a UK construction firm who can then employ you as a groundworker or labourer.

This will provide you with invaluable on-site work experience early on in your programme while you complete your other electrical qualifications.  Plus, all of our Access Apprentices earn a standard site labourer wage – so you can earn while you learn!

So, if you’re struggling to find work experience as an electrician, give Access Training a try today. Get in touch or use the links below to find out more!

Electrician Courses  Electrician Apprenticeships

SHORT ANSWER: Yes, plumbing can be a very good career indeed. The work is very rewarding, and plumbers are in constant demand, so there's no shortage of opportunities for someone with the right skills.

Plumbing pays very well indeed, and if you want to be your own boss, you can choose to strike out on your own as a self-employed plumber.

Plumbing is also future-proof. If you're looking for a career that can't be made obsolete by AI or computers, plumbing is a pretty safe bet.

Read on for more reasons why plumbing is such a good profession to get into, plus everything you'll need to kickstart your successful plumbing career!

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Changing careers is never an easy decision and for those who have spent years in retail and are considering a shift to a trade profession, the transition can seem daunting. This blog will go over why a transition from retail to the trades could be the perfect opportunity for personal and professional growth and will discuss how Access Training can help you make the leap.

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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!

Contact Access Training   Contact Access Training

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.

Get In Touch & Enrol Today!