Becoming a qualified electrician in the UK

[mianchen]

Is this the right forum to talk about it?

Since I started visiting the EEVBlog and watching videos of electronic related stuff, Mr. Google keeps showing me a lot of ads related to electrician training and examinations in the UK. I had a quick look at relevant stuff, it seems that the cost is not that high. It got me interested in taking some courses and trained as an electrician.

Don't get me wrong, my main purpose of doing the training is not to get into the trade. I'm in a completely unrelated profession, which I like and it treats me well. I dunno, maybe just want to be qualified and be able to DIY here and there at home or helping family and friends. I don't mind the odd paid job here and there, if I have time. 

So what is the minimum requirement to be able to work in a domestic environment? Is 17th Edition Courses enough? 

[Bored@Work]

Your government has this https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/pages/electrician.aspx to say about it. Scroll down for the "Entry requirements" section and following sections.

[djsb]

It's not easy to get training as a "mature student" at local colleges as the funding is only available for under 19 year olds. However if you have the money and live in the south east of England you could try this place

http://www.ableskills.co.uk/

The full course is several thousand pounds.

There may be other options available I've not thought of.

David.

[Alex]

You could consider speaking with someone/some organisation already in this trade. Choose carefully.

A

[Monkeh]

You can do DIY electrical work without having to get qualifications.

[Neilm]

You can do DIY electrical work without having to get qualifications.

This is true if all you are doing is replacing an existing fitting that is not in a wet area (bathroom, kitchen). If you are adding sockets where there aren't any then the work needs to be approved by a "competent person". If it isn't then there will be issues when the house is sold.

[Monkeh]

You can do DIY electrical work without having to get qualifications.

This is true if all you are doing is replacing an existing fitting that is not in a wet area (bathroom, kitchen). If you are adding sockets where there aren't any then the work needs to be approved by a "competent person". If it isn't then there will be issues when the house is sold.

'competent person' is not strictly defined. If you perform the appropriate tests, fill in the appropriate paperwork, and get it signed off by LABC, you're fine.

Also, a kitchen is not a special area.