Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ when considering a new career as an electrician
Q) What are the genuine prospects in the electrical industry?
A) Very good for those that work hard and apply themselves.
Q) Why is there such a shortage?
A) Traditional apprenticeships have declined as well as new industry sectors offering competition. Electrial and other constructions skills are declining as more people look for a job within the IT or the service industry. There is an also an elderly skills base who are retiring, ensuring more people are needed than leave. Finally the Government wish to build more houses so the demand is likely to always be there.
Q) How does Tutorial support in practice work?
A) With professional Tutors it works very well. The Tutor is the main contact during the course and as such his input reflects how well the students learn. We only consider the best Tutors who can emphathise with students, and can be both friendly and professional. We will always try to answer your questions by telephone promptly, and within 24 hours Monday to Friday by e- mail.
Q) Do you supply all materials for the course?
A) Yes we do. Just wear casual clothing wuth appropriate footwear for practical training
Q) What employment route do you recommend for new entrants?
A) You may obtain work experience with an electrical contractor before considering self employment. This is to gain valuable "real life" work experience working alongside an experienced person.
Q) Can't I therefore become self employed after your course? I've set my heart on this.
A) Yes of course you can, and we would guide you through this process. Self employment can be very rewarding for dedicated electricians. We would give advice as to what to do and what not to do. If you're working for someone else to start you can take on small private jobs through friends and family and their friends and families during evenings and weekends. This way you gain extra experience, earn extra money, and build up a customer base before leaving paid employment to set up your own business. It is important that you have a Public Liability Insurance policy in place so everyone is properly insured.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/employment/self-employment_checklist.htm
Q) What about VAT registration?
A) We would usually recommend electricians are VAT registered if they set up their own business, conduct their own marketing and advertising and buy and supply materials. There is nothing to worrry about, and it is of huge benefit to law abiding businesses. You can offset your VAT against your business costs. The quarterly return you submit is easy to complete and we'll show you how to do this if you're unsure without paying an accountant to do this for you. Adding VAT to a customers bill will not usually hinder your ability to win work. It creates a professional image for you. You do not have to wait until you reach the VAT threshold to register. Furthermore VAT can be backdated for up to 3 years for capital expenditure eg computers and tools you may have brought.
Q) How about company set up?
A) Further information is supplied within our course material
Q) How long do you allow to complete the course?
A) New entrants should try to complete our main course syllabus within 12 months but we allow you 18 months. We will extend this period if required.
Q) How do I book myself into the training centre when on the course?
A) Simply telephone or e-mail ourselves with your student enrolment number, we will inform you of the next available dates and if this suits you we will reserve your space.
Q) I have seen other courses that seem to offer me a "too good to be true" route into the industry when in a week to 4 weeks I can be qualified. What should I do?
A) Unfortunately many new entrants to the industry do not carefully consider all the facts and their individual circumstances beforehand and enrol for a residential training course from as little as 5 days to 2 to 4 weeks. These type of courses are more suitable for people already working in the industry who have a fair amount of technical knowledge. Let us ask you a simple question? Do you think a complete novice can be trained in such a short period when it takes an apprentice several years? How can you possibly gain the same knowledge from 4 weeks. Furthermore can you take 4 weeks off work, and / or leave your existing job? Why take this risk and put everything in jeopardy? Study in your own time and remain in paid employment until you're good and ready.
Q) if I could study full time how long will it take me to get through the course?
A) Usually not less than 6 months for a complete beginner.
Q) When would I begin?
A) As soon as we have talked things through, if we have spaces available in that month we can proceed. We do strictly limit the number of students each month to ensure quality of training. Once your money has then cleared we would provide the coursework and you would start straightaway.
Q) How do I receive my coursework?
A) We would deliver using a courier service. All instructions are contained within.
Q) Do I need a PC to do the home study?
A) No. We supply all the course work as reading books and manuals. We do appreciate that not all delegates wil have a home PC.
Q) What are the prospects for work long term?
A) Excellent. The skills shortage is not going to go away, and infact is likely to get worse. The Olympics will create lots of work, the Government has committed billions of pounds medium term to the infrastrucure of the UK, and new houses in much bigger numbers will have to be built to meet the growing demand.
Q) What if I don't have all of the funds to pay for the course?
A) Your Course Advisor will discuss all options with you.
Q) What about refunds of course fees?
A) We offer a full 14 day cooling off period once you have signed our paperwork. After this period no refunds are due unless exceptional mitigating circumstances are offered. At all stages of the enrolment process your Course Advisor is here to help you make your decision to enrol the right one. If he feels it is not right for you then we would say so and walk away.
Q) Why should I enrol with you?
A) Because if you've read this far you're probably serious about a new electrical career. We give you all the facts, will never mislead you and consider our training and support will provide you the best route to learning new skills. We firmly believe in the welfare of all new entrants and hope to build a long term relationship with you.
Start your new career as an electrician with confidence with Main Electrical Training.
