Name: Jason Mears
Age: 45
Location: Coulsdon

I studied the Bronze Domestic Installer Course.

When did you take the course?

November 2012

How did you find the course?

Thankfully I found the course very easy, I had previous experience within the automotive industry as an engineer, and I’m very used to being pushed thanks to my 14 years in the armed forces.

How long did it take you to find work after the course?

Immediately after qualifying I gained some experience working for someone else and once I learnt the ropes I set up my own business working in the domestic sector, I started by registering my details on a number of websites such as; ratedpeople.com and mybuilder.com. These sites sold me leads for example; ‘plug socket in lounge’, then it would be my job to sell my services, I filled my days with these small jobs to earn myself a living.

How long have you been working in the electrical industry?

Since I left 3 years ago, my business has gone from strength to strength.

What were your initial goals when training with Trade Skills 4U?

My initial goal was to become my own boss and set up my own business. Since the course I have successfully done this and I couldn’t be happier!

What did you think about the training and facilities here at Trade Skills 4U?

My tutor Richard was a fantastic mentor, thanks to his wealth of experience and real life examples he helped me qualify with flying colours. He used real life examples during his classes, we had lots of group discussions during the day and he answered every question that we had. The facilities in the centre are fantastic and you feel as though your part of a family when you entering through the Trade Skills 4U doors, everyone is really friendly from the front of house staff to the tutors who always recognise me when I come back in.

What would you say to someone thinking about training with Trade Skills 4U?

Do it, you get value for money, it’s a family environment, and you learn so much in such a short amount of time.

What has your training helped you to achieve?

Since my training I have set my own business, which has a fully branded company website, van, uniforms with a social network following.

I network on social media sites such as Facebook and Linkedin to build my company profile online and liaise with potential customers.
I’m trying to expand my business at the moment; my aim is to make contact with a house builder who has a large contract for a new build housing site where we can install all of the smart meters.

I’ve built my business on hard work, good customer service, reliability, cleanliness and common sense. The reason I get more work is because I’m recommended. We have 30 5 star reviews online from real life customers in the last 3 years. My company offers a number of services; re-wiring, heater controls, data cabling, and smart meter installation.

I’m registered with NAPIT with 3 employees, 1 apprentice, 1 full time electrician and 1 ex army who is currently doing his training, if we get a contract with a house builder we’ll be looking for more staff in the future, so watch this space.