Name: Nick James
Course: Bronze Course Package – EV Installer

What did you do before training to be an electrician?

Before re-training I spent 20 years+ in catering and retail, including 5 years as a chef, ending with 2 years in facilities management. During this time I had a few attempts to reinvent myself. I spent 2 years working for a bank, but found office work is not for me. I also qualified as a Hypnotherapist while also working for the Tribunal Service as a court clerk at Mental Health section cases. I found both these areas very interesting, but difficult to build to a career.

What was your reason for training?

I sustained a relatively successful career in the same industry for many years, but I had a lot of different positions with a variety of companies. Often I found it very difficult to settle in to the culture of a business and struggled with the social to understand the ‘politics’ involved.

Tell us about why you choose to become an electrician?

About 2 years ago I was in the process of setting up a handyman business and was offered the opportunity to work for a local builders. This gave me a greater understanding of the various trades along with practical experience. As one of the owners was an electrician I was able to get involved with a variety of electrical installations as well. I found that as my understanding increased it was an enjoyable job and also the most sustainable for someone starting a trade in their mid 40’s.

Why did you decide to take the Domestic Electrician & EV course?

I chose the Domestic Electrician and EV Charging Package as it gave me all of the practical and theoretical knowledge I needed to carry out basic domestic electrical work while giving me a focused skill to offer customers with EV charging installations.

What other courses are you hoping to attend at Trade Skills 4U and why?

There was a lot of discussion, while on the course, about the future of EV charging, with some suggesting that solar charging of Tesla batteries could be the future. I will look into the Solar PV course as well as the Commercial EV.

What was your overall experience with TS4U?

I found that the staff were absolutely first rate. I have quite specific requirements due Aspergers, but I was able to openly discuss this with the staff at the centre who freely made the adjustments I require to enable me to attend the course successfully.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

Learning something new and finding out my brain still works.

What did you find most challenging about the course?

The 18th edition section was particularly challenging. It was a lot of information to take in in a short space of time. However, even though the course was tough the tutors helped explain things and supported me in this part of the course?

Did you manage to get any on-site experience whilst studying – if so what?

I had previous on-site experience which I found invaluable for the practical aspects of the course.

Have you found employment since training with TS4U?

I am not looking to be employed and hope to expand my own business to include electrical work. For example I am currently working on a landscaping project for a customer and I am now able to offer garden lights, outside sockets etc. as part of the project which will increase my turnover.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of training to become an electrician?

It seems like a great area to get into. Environmentalists believe that electric is the future. Not only with electric vehicles, but with a focus to remove gas boilers only means electric replacements. I think that gaining some practical on-site experience as well as having an experienced electrician contact, would be very beneficial.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to grow my business to a point where I can take on some staff and build a good reputation.