Find out why Michael wanted to start learning electrics at the age of 79, why he chose to do a distance learning electrician course, and how he found the overall experience of learning a technical trade with a private training provider.
Continuing our student stories series, we catch up with Michael following his completion of the Home Study Electrics Level 2 (City & Guilds 2365-02).
After experiencing some electrical problems in his home, Michael was compelled to take matters into his own hands. Not because he didn’t want to pay a professional electrician, he simply struggled to find one. His solution? Learn how to do it himself!
He contacted Able Skills and explained what he wanted to learn. After talking it through, he chose the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation and opted to do the course on a home-study basis.
Nine months later and with Level 2 qualification under his belt, he tells us a little more about the whole experience.
Student story: Home Study Electrics Level 2
You mentioned to us that you chose to do the course because you found it difficult to find an electrician. Was that the only reason for deciding to train in electrics?
Last year, I decided to train in electrics because I wanted to better understand the electrics in my own home. If the problem had not arisen, it is unlikely that I would have chosen to do the course. However, I did have a little bit of unfinished business, insofar as sixty years ago, I completed one year of a BSc degree in Engineering and was unable to pursue that career because of the financial problems associated with the early death of my father.
Do you have any other plans to put your new skills to use or pursue further qualifications?
I currently have no plans to do electrical work anywhere other than on my home. Having said that, during the course I developed an interest which I might take further. Of course, because of my age, I will not be seeking employment, and that probably means that Level 3 would not be an option.
Was there a particular reason why you chose to do the course via a distance learning programme rather than completing it all at Able Skills? How was that flexibility beneficial to you?
I much prefer home study to classroom teaching. I prepared for all of my Professional Accountancy exams by home study, and I have developed a system that works well. Also, my participation is not good in the classroom; I appear to have a different speed compared to what is required; sometimes I am too slow and at other times I am too quick; I prefer to gather together the stuff to be learnt, take it home and address it. I did complete a BSc in Psychology, and, during that, I developed my system of learning based on Gestalt (Whole) Psychology, whereby I get to grips with the whole thing first, and then fit in the small details, rather than getting bogged down in the detail first.
What did you enjoy most about the course, both the home-study elements and the practical weeks where you were in the centre?
I enjoyed the home study because I employed my learning methods described above. In addition to the course manual and text book, I also used additional material, including the On-site Guide, the Student's Guide to the IET Wiring Regulations and the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations Explained and Illustrated.
There was so much that I enjoyed in centre. My instructor Keith has, in my opinion, a style of teaching that I appreciated very much. Also, I enjoyed the experience of being with young people who were trying to forge a career by way of hard work. Moreover, during each of the separate weeks at the centre, with four almost completely different groups of trainees, there was an atmosphere of friendship and benevolence, with people helping out each other.
What was the most challenging part of the course?
The most challenging part of the course concerned my hands because I suffer from both Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Arthritis and, consequently, I work slower than I would like.
What made Able Skills stand out from other training providers?
I did not look at any other training providers because, although this is the first such course I have taken, I have built up a confident awareness of the services that Able Skills provides, by accessing your website. I called into your office, spoke with Dan, and decided that your course was right for me.
Michael also left a Google Review about his experience. In it, he highlights the level of instruction that he received at Able Skills. Read the full review here.
I have been a qualified Judo instructor for nearly forty years, and I consider that I know what constitutes a good instructor. My view is that the instruction I received at Able Skills was excellent. In respect of my own coaching activities, I perpetually attempt to improve, and I simply could not have asked for better instruction, or even coaching, from my instructor, to get the best out of me.
I have great faith in our young citizens, and it was a rewarding experience working alongside them, helping each other in fraternity, as they strove to build their working careers. I am convinced that there is a great future for people who strive to gain a professional trade, and I encourage all people who wish to take the path towards a trade to seriously think about following a course at Able Skills.
Distance Learning Electrics at Able Skills
The home study programme allows students to complete the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation at their own pace, giving them the flexibility to start re-training for a new career around other existing commitments.
Find out more about the Home Study Electrics Level 2.
Electrician Training