After redundancy from retail, electrical trainee Steven is now working full-time as an electrician.
COVID-19 has put a considerable strain on most businesses, and as a result, many employees have found their roles redundant.
And it’s now more difficult than ever to find a job.
At Options Skills, we often see people who have been made redundant looking for a new career they’ll enjoy, and that’s secure. People want job satisfaction and stability – and rightly so.
Unfortunately, redundancy is something Steven experienced. He had previously been working in retail management, but once businesses began closing their doors for lockdown, Steven found his role being made redundant.
A few months after we reopened our training centres after the first lockdown, Steven enquired about our Domestic Electrical Installer Award training. Once complete, DEI training allows you to complete electrical work in a domestic setting.
After chatting with one of our course advisors, Steven decided he could see himself going further in the electrical industry. So, instead of the DEI, Steven chose to enrol on our NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course.
Looking to study at our Birmingham centre, we arranged for a centre visit so Steven could look around. We operate an open-door policy and encourage anyone interested in training to come in and look around. Not only will it allow you to get a feel for the place and see what facilities we have to offer, but it’s a great chance to have a chat with the trainers.
Electrical Training With Options Skills
As of September 14th, Steven became an electrical trainee with Options Skills.
During the first stage of training, Steven undertook theory and practical work. During stage one, our trainees learn everything from the essential health & safety of the electrical trade to installing wiring circuits.
By the end of stage one, students have earned their DEI, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and ECS Trainee card. With the ECS card, trainees can work on-site as paid trainees.
As well as electrical training during stage one, electrical trainees also can complete our free employability workshop. As on-site work is essential to building a portfolio, our workshop aims to provide students with everything they need to find suitable employment.
We don’t just stop there, though. Last year, we launched our very own free career development team. Their aim? To assist students in finding employment.
Steven took advantage of both our workshop and career development team and began working with a Birmingham-based business, PGFS as an electrical trainee just a few months later.
What Did Steven Think?
“I’ve just finished up the initial 8 weeks at Options Skills and now have the remaining NVQ portfolio to build whilst at work.
There were times when I thought the course could’ve moved faster, or the days could’ve been fuller. I think they are planning to change this so that the course is 6 weeks and not 8. Personally, I think that’d be the right call. I still have the NVQ portfolio to build so can’t comment further on the ongoing support at the moment. All the trainers were down to earth and willing to support however you required.
The recruitment team, Dylan in particular, gave me a great lead for a job which I recently secured. I have changed career from previously working in retail, and Dylan has done me a great service talking to my new employer to let them know what I’ve been up to and where I am at with my training.
Thanks Options Skills – here’s to being fully qualified!”
What’s Next?
Steven will continue working with his new employer, improving his knowledge and skills and increasing his confidence – all while building his portfolio. While doing so, an NVQ assessor will visit him on-site to assess the work he’s doing. Once he’s completed his portfolio, he’ll have earned his NVQ.
All that’s left after that is to pass his AM2 assessment. Passing this will allow him to apply for his ECS Gold Card.
Want To Find Out More?
If you’re interested in a career in the trades, you can get in touch with us via our online contact form or call us on 0800 802 1306
