As may be apparent from some of my other comments, I'm pretty much unemployed, and have been trying to find work for a while. I used to be an IT middle manager - but there is not much call for that shit at the moment, it seems. I've applied for a heap of jobs, contract or perm, done all the right things: working the network and the recruiters, CV at all the big places, yada yada yada. Even "lesser" roles, call centre jobs, whatever, but rarely even get a response. Managed at least to get a look at a mid-level role recently, but lost it because the other guy had more current tech skills. Getting some contract work but not enough to pay the bills. So, even though I'm still pursuing a bunch of options with it, my IT career strategy ain't working so well, and I think I might need to diversify.
I hope to move out of Auckland in about 7 years, preferably somewhere semi-rural, so I'm looking into what I can do that might make me employable there too, as I probably won't be independently wealthy by then... A mate suggested being a sparky, and that kinda makes sense - I've pulled lots of data cable in my time and that's sorta similar innit...?
So, I'm doing some homework - and have some questions for the experts among you:
- Is there room for more sparkies or are we drowning in them? Don't want to go to the expense of retraining and just end up an unemployable electrician too.
- What's the best option for getting a ticket? I understand I need to do the L2 NC Elec Eng stuff (looks quick and easy), some L3 practical work, then more study at L4, then I can sit the exams etc. Is this right?
- About how long does it take? Am I likely to be employable (at mortgage-paying wages) during the time it takes to qualify?
- Can I in fact complete this study if I'm not working in the trade?
- Where's the best place to do the study? Open Poly any good?
- How practical is it for someone with a dodgy back to be a sparky?
All advice gratefully accepted...
Alternatively, anyone else have any suggestions for other in-demand skills that I could quickly retrain in so I can get employed? Will do almost anything legal, that does not involve heavy lifting... including IT work, of course, flexible commercial arrangements available![]()
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