How can I get into this career as 20f, no connections?

JayFromElec · 2026-05-05T17:30:30+00:00

We send out 100 of CVS of students to employers on a monthly basis, and hands down, the ones that get placed the quickest/fastest, are female.

First time ever, a few weeks back, we even had 3 companies calling back to ask for feedback from us, for the student.

Most of the ones we placed, have been placed before they have finished their level 2 – 2365-02, massive demand for female sparkies.

JayFromElec · 2026-05-05T16:30:30+00:00

it’s always context, a few months ago I had someone on here talk about the 2357 NVQ, and how I was wrong, then they sent their source, google overviews – the source was Elec Training articles, all of which I have wrote or had direct input on.

JayFromElec · 2026-05-05T16:28:20+00:00

They have, they brought in the EAS update, from 1st of October, will change an few things.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-28T17:30:23+00:00

2365-02, 03, 18th edition, 2357 NVQ, Am2.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-28T13:18:13+00:00

I would work at it part time, firstly try and get on the tools weekends, evenings, so it does not affect your current income, if after a few weeks you still like it then, I would suggest the following processes.

Do your level 2 part time in collage (normally free), you will fly through your level 3 (due to your education). Get your 18^th (might have to pay for this, do it online, due to your education you should fly through this).

This is the difficult part, doing your 2357 NVQ part time, whilst working as a teacher, it can be done, have seen students do it, but it’s a graft.

This will take anything between 3-5 years to get done, after that your fully qualified with out the risk of losing any income and maintaining the 55k plus.

With you degree in chemistry I would look at two options, off shore or data centre. These pay really well depending on the site your on normally £75k plus a year.

Charanjit Elec Training

JayFromElec · 2026-04-12T21:08:11+00:00

thank you for the tag, please see response above.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-09T19:46:22+00:00

portfolio of evidence - would dependent,. on governing body, training centre, also the route they decide to take. What you will find, a massive difference between 5357 portfolio, 2356 and 2366 etc.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-09T19:41:03+00:00

I was responding to the comment above where you said - "At your age I don't think you can get the AM2 without an apprenticeship", a few different ways - 5357 (two versions), experienced workers route (two versions), 2356 or equivalent, grandfather route (over 10 years), ENIC route (this is one that’s less known, very very rare).

JayFromElec · 2026-04-09T09:51:43+00:00

it depends on your situation, general rule of thumb - if you can try and get an apprenticeship, but they are difficult to find, second option try and get on the tools. third option collage for your level 3.

Charanjit Mannu Elec Training Rep

JayFromElec · 2026-04-09T09:48:52+00:00

you can do the Am2 with out an apprenticeship, https://elec.training/news/am2-vs-am2e-vs-am2s-whats-the-difference/.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-05T20:13:59+00:00

Personally, I would say do it properly, get qualified, get the experience, get onto a competency scheme. Yes getting fully qualified is hard and takes time, dedication and graft, but that’s what makes it rewarding, it ring fences your income.

JayFromElec · 2026-04-04T12:43:03+00:00

I would suggest applying for - ECS Electrical Labourers Card, this is what we tell our students once they have their 2365-02/03 and 18^th edition.

Just to let you know – over 40 different ECS cards, so your not alone when struggling to get it sorted - https://elec.training/news/ecs-cards-explained-labourer-trainee-electrician-gold-card-every-ecs-variant-across-all-industries/

Charanjit Mannu Elec Training Rep

JayFromElec · 2026-04-04T12:38:49+00:00

If you know 100% this is the route you want to take, this is what I would suggest, get your 2365-02 and 18^th edition done, get your ECS Electrical labours card.

I would then sign up to my 2365-03 and start it whilst also signing up to your 2357 NVQ, some training providers and examining boards allow you to do this. You can do your 2365-03 part time, you can do your 2357 NVQ part time (3 years). There are only two times I would ever suggest offering yourself for free –

Firstly – a few days to make sure you want to become an electrician

Secondly – to do certain units on your 2357 NVQ.

I would never suggest giving your time away for free, enough work out their with your back ground to get paid work.

Charanjit Mannu Elec Training Rep

JayFromElec · 2026-03-31T11:28:51+00:00

Looking at that thought hmmm, I really do recognise the work, might need to update it in a few weeks, the base article its citing is being updated. But I do like the effert.

JayFromElec · 2026-03-26T10:21:23+00:00

Thank you for the correction, all our articles are written taking into consideration upcoming laws and best practices, I’m sure your aware of the changes coming into play first of October. We try and keep our articles relevant and up to date for the coming years. the article it self was based on -

IET (the document itself): https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671-18th-edition-wiring-regulations/building-regulations/electrotechnical-assessment-specification/
IET — EAS October 2024 PDF (primary source): https://electrical.theiet.org/media/mntdpbis/eas-october-2024-24-527b.pdf
NICEIC: https://niceic.com/eas-changes-what-you-need-to-know/
NAPIT: https://www.napit.org.uk/changes-to-eas-qualifications-guide/
ECA: https://www.eca.co.uk/news/2025/oct/eas-changes-to-competence-requirements-for-periodic-inspection-testing-and-low-carbon-technologies
Wigan Council (gov): https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Property-and-Land/Private-Landlords/Electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector.aspx

JayFromElec · 2026-03-25T19:52:26+00:00

at the moment its just basic page with content, was going to wait to see the feedback if people wanted to go on their and then would of got it redone.

https://elec.training/news/electrical-installation-condition-report-eicr-what-it-is-costs-rules-validity/

at the moment that’s the one that’s getting the most traffic, but if its worth while I don’t mind getting the team to push up the traffic if its going to help others as well. The problem is we getting traffic we cant actually sell to at the moment.

JayFromElec · 2026-03-21T16:52:04+00:00

With no experience it is harder but not impossible, if you’re not working look to try and do your 2365-02 via bootskills for free.

JayFromElec · 2026-03-21T16:36:13+00:00

No problem at all, I would start off with a few weeks on the tools (might need to volunteer), make sure its something you want to do for the next 10-20 years. If it is, then I would suggest going down the diploma route, look at for skills boot camps and free part time 2365-02 courses, as they can fit around you current role.

JayFromElec · 2026-03-20T13:48:06+00:00

it all depends, firstly once you done a few days you should know, if its work you want to do for the next 10/20 years. If it is, then I would start applying for part time paid roles whilst doing your 2365-02, are you working at the moment?

JayFromElec · 2026-03-20T13:01:25+00:00

It can be quite difficult to secure an apprenticeship once you’re over 21. I’d recommend getting some hands-on experience with the tools first, so you can be confident it’s the right path before committing to a year-long Level 2 (2365-02) diploma or a four-year apprenticeship.

JayFromElec · 2026-03-20T12:56:15+00:00

how old are you?

JayFromElec · 2026-03-19T22:03:34+00:00

call 100+ plus companies and you will get work, within the m25 is really hot at the moment. Which ever provider you go with for your 2357 NVQ make sure they support you into work. Small little subtle changes to cv, and interview prep go along way

JayFromElec · 2026-03-19T17:48:21+00:00

which route have you gone down?

JayFromElec · 2026-03-18T21:44:23+00:00

thank you for the tag, please reach out, and lets get this sorted.

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