Life's a Gift, Safety first!

There's been a lot going on since my last post, the usual mix of ups and downs. My Dad was quite poorly for a while with his Heart, and we were all quite worried. Thankfully, after numerous visits back and forth to hospitals and trying different treatments, he is seemingly much better and on the mend. 

Since my last post, I have also become the proud owner of a Martindale Veri-test Multi function test meter, which was very kindly given to me by a Spark off the forum. I saved up for a while and got some new test leads and now have the means to practice some inspection and testing. My next aim will be to get it calibrated, if only for the peace of mind that I'm getting accurate test results. It has been a God send!

I had the not so awe inspiring experience recently of accidentally stumbling upon work undertaken by some Registered Electricians, and a dodgy Alarm fitter too! Both jobs were in my mind despicable. I had to change the fuse in the fused connection unit which fed my Dad's washing machine. On isolating the supply to the ring, the Burglar alarm went off. The Guy who fitted the Alarm had decided to fit the alarm to the 30A circuit breaker supplying the ring, using 2.5mm cable straight to the alarm panel. On closer inspection, he'd snapped off the Circuit protective conductor, and installed a battery that was over 12 years old, which was incidentally now knackered. We contacted him, he then decided to start ignoring his phone! So I decided to rectify the problems myself.

 As I was working in the consumer unit, I decided to check all the connections for tightness. Guess what? Every single connection to the Circuit breakers were loose and I mean extremely loose, and the busbar cover was hanging off. They had recently been to do a PIR and obviously not bothered to tighten up the terminals after testing. The date of next inspection sticker was also incorrectly dated with the same date for the next inspection as the date it had just been carried out. I obviously rectified those problems too. My anger at the state that things had been left in however hasn't gone. These were  registered sparks, working on behalf of the local housing authority. They had left my Fathers installation in a dangerous condition. There could easily have been a fire had I not accidentally happened upon the mess, and I could have lost my Dad because someone got lazy and couldn't be bothered.

Experiences like this bring it home just what a responsibility we have to one another. If someone puts their faith in us to undertake work on their homes, they are trusting us with the safety of themselves and their families. As an electrician, a builder, a plumber or whatever trade we have to always be mindful of the absolute responsibility we have to our clients safety and welfare. Cutting corners can so easily cost lives. I am sickened to know there are people out there who are happy to play Russian roulette with the lives of their customers for the sake of getting away a few minutes earlier. I'm just thankful that that particular fuse went on that particular day whilst I was there. 

I am now waiting for dates to come available to go for my exams, I am nervous and excited in equal measure! I am now finding more time available again to study, which is good. The past 2 years have been a roller-coaster of ups and downs, but when I get the time to sit down and concentrate on my studies, I feel extremely happy and blessed to be on this journey. I love the fact that I still feel this is the direction my life was meant to go and I will one day be able to call myself an Electrician. One thing's for sure too, There will be no cutting corners. Life is a gift, far too easily taken for granted and far too easily gone. The day we get complacent, is the day we should be hanging up our tools.

Bit of this,bit of PAT....

I recently tagged along for a day of PAT testing with a friend, I was a little worried in case I didn't pick it up being in an office environment with lots of eyes watching. Thankfully, I was soon into the swing of it. Again, it's been an invaluable bit of experience and helped me to get a clearer grasp on what I'm studying in the books. I had a great day, it's uplifting when I do manage to get bits of hands on experience here and there!

I'm still studying my last module before I can apply for the dates to go and do more training and exams. The next two weeks away will be pretty full on, and I want to take the time to try and make sure I've absorbed as much as I can before I go. Unfortunately, the MFT I want to buy is still eluding me. I'd really have liked to had some more practice testing before I go, but it's looking highly unlikely it's going to happen.

It's also looking very likely I may have to give up the house and move in with a friend in the New year, my debts seem to be mounting and come April, things will get worse. I'm not overjoyed at the prospect, but I'm sure in the long run it will have been the only right decision to make. The house is just digging me further into debt and it's draining money I can no longer find. I'm not looking forward to getting rid of everything and packing up, but once it's over and done with, I'm hoping 2013 will then start to slowly improve and the rest of the year will be more productive than this past year and half has been. I just hope my friend can tolerate my post it notes all over the place and building practice boards!

I'm hoping in the next month or so to be able to tag along on a P.I.R, it's not definite, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed it works out. There's been a few missed opportunities this year with things cropping up to put a kibosh on plans. I've not had as much time as I'd have liked to take opportunities, but some things in life have to come first. I am, however, glad I managed to at least get the Driving test out of the way! All I need to do now is find an insurance company that can give a realistic quote. Somehow, I think that I'll have far more luck in passing my exams than I will in getting a decent insurance quote though!

This next week I'm staying with my Dad, back and forth to hospital appointments. It's just nice to spend time with him. Then for xmas I'll be staying with a friend. I doubt I'll be posting again until after new year. So, I'd like to wish everyone a great Christmas, and I hope the new year brings great things for you all!

Wherever I lay my hat, that's my classroom...

I've not kept up with the blog much lately as I've had a few more pressing things to deal with. I've been between looking after my Dad, Helping a friend out, staying with her for a while and dealing with Losing Bruce, my dog.

He began not eating much, and he was seeming under the weather for a day or two, then I discovered blood in his stools. He was taken in to the vets for tests as they suspected Cancer, they rang me while he was still under anaesthetic to confirm  and that nothing could be done. So it was kinder to let him go there and then. It's been an horrible blow and I miss him like crazy.

So the blog has been on the back burner. Thankfully I've still found time to study, and now have one more assignment to complete until I can get my dates to go to centre. I'm hoping to be ready after Christmas.

I've been finding the study modules are getting more in depth now and there's a lot to try and take in, I'm currently looking after my Dad's house while he is away, I've more or less re-decorated the place with Post-it notes! I'm sure he won't mind..... If there is one area in particular I'm finding a struggle, it's the maths. I've always had a deep seated dislike for the subject, and am finding I have to spend time just concentrating on teaching myself from maths books, one of which was kindly sent to me by Barry my tutor.

I really wish more than anything I had towards my collection of relevant tools for the Job, I had a Multi-function tester. I'd feel much better being able to get more practice in testing and getting used to various readings and fault finding scenarios. Unfortunately, they're not exactly cheap, so it's going to be a long way down the line when I can finally get one.

I was given a link to a free exam simulation for the 2330 -201, it is produced by a company called EQ electrical exams. They produce a range of simulators for the different exams. I can't afford to get the others, but am finding this free one useful  so am including the link for others: http://www.examsoftware.co.uk/downloadeq-201
Also here is a link to their site for anyone interested in what they have to offer: http://www.electricalexams.co.uk/

I have also still been finding the learning lounge subscription to be a great tool to have when it comes to study, and the videos and quizzes are excellent. I've posted the link before in the blog but will add it again here:  http://www.learninglounge.com/

As some of you may be aware, I like to get involved in helping the re-homing of Shelter Animals. It's something I feel extremely important, it breaks my heart on a daily basis seeing the amount of abused and abandoned Animals up and down the country in desperate need of loving homes. Bruce was a rescue. When I lost him I wasn't so certain I could go through it again, but my close friend, within 2 days, had me in the car and to the local shelter. I am now therefore owned by another Dog. So I'd like to introduce you all to Charlie.

Charlie is a 3 year old Collie/staffie cross. He was found tied to a fence, dumped. He is extremely friendly, great with kids and other dogs, house trained and knows all his basic commands. I don't think I'll ever know the reason he was dumped as he's a great Dog. I think Bruce would like him too. Who knows, one day he might even carry my tools for me too.

Chomping at the Bit!

It's been some time since my last Blog post. I've been quite busy with study, attending training weeks and training for the Great Manchester run, as well as doing driving lessons in between. I am looking forward to taking part in the run this coming Sunday and would like to take this chance to say a massive Thank you to those who Sponsored myself and my cousin to take part and raise Money for the Stroke Association. Your donations are really appreciated!

I attended my first 2 weeks at the ATL training centre in Featherstone over 2 separate weeks in March and April and Must say the training was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and was lucky to be with a group of great people on both occasions. We undertook various lessons and practical tasks, practical assessments, and 2 exams. We were blessed to get a tutor named Rob who is one of those people who are born to teach. He made the whole process both interesting and enjoyable. As someone who spent some years having to instruct teenagers on what could be often mind numbingly boring subjects, I know first hand how important it is to make those subjects enjoyable and for the students mind not to switch off with sheer boredom. Some people struggle to achieve this, I'm sure we've all sat in on lectures where in the end the only thing our mind can concentrate on is how long until we can escape! Luckily for our group Rob had the ability to make the whole learning experience something our minds wanted to reach out and grasp. Credit where it's due, This guy is an asset to ATL Featherstone.

Just for those who may be reading this and due to attend the ATL at Featherstone, I stayed in a local B&B. The Rolands Croft guest house and found it to be a comfortable and friendly environment. The owner Pete was a Lovely bloke and I'd certainly stay there again. If you not driving to the centre yourself, Pete will try and fix you up with a lift from other students. If not, there is a taxi service, but be sure to book it early. It cost around £3.50 from the B&B to the centre. I'm including a link here to the B&B: http://www.rolandscroft.co.uk/

I am now in the process of doing a pre-attendance test before I can submit more assignments to be eligible to go for weeks 3 and 4. So until I get this over with and out of the way I'm at a bit of a standstill. I am ready to hand in my next assignment once it is done with and get back to being able to study for the following assignment. The test is Health and Safety based and so far I've failed it 3 times, though thankfully I don't seem to be alone in failing it so I don't feel too bad! Still, it will be nice to get it behind me and be able to get on with my Electrical studies!!

The next 2 weeks at the centre will entail units for the City and guilds 2330 level 2, as well as the 2377 PAT testing exam and the 2382-12 17th edition exam. I'm looking forward to eventually getting there, though I don't know yet when this will be. It will be dependent on when I can complete the required assignments to be able to apply for a date to attend, but after my first 2 weeks at centre, I can't wait to get back there and carry on. I enjoy my studying, but getting to the centre and getting the hands on is far better! I'm itching to get back there. So much so that coming home from the first 2 weeks was quite a come down. Now I'm chomping at the bit to return.





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What I've been up to

Since my last post, I have been catching up with my studies and awaiting dates to go for my practical training.
I now have the dates, and will be attending the centre for a week in March and 3 days in April, I am really looking forward to getting there and getting on with it.

I have been doing driving lessons, passed the theory test and went in for the practical. Unfortunately,my  nerves got the better of me and I failed. I have suffered anxiety in the past, and having someone sat so close and watching my every move seems to bring it to the surface. I'm hoping Beta blockers from the doctors will help alleviate it for next time, fingers crossed, as a driving licence is a much needed requirement in looking for work in the industry.

I have also enrolled myself in the Bupa Great Manchester 10km run, to raise money for the Stroke association, in Memory of my Mum, and my Cousin has offered to join me too. Mum was an avid fundraiser for numerous charities through her life, and I decided it would be a sad thing for that to die with her. So, I got myself a cheap pair of running shoes, and am currently training to be ready for the event in May and we're trying to raise as much money as we can.

My reason for choosing the Stroke association as my first charity is due to how Mum died and my feeling that had I been aware of the signs of Stroke, maybe I could have done more to save her. The Stroke association do wonderful work in educating the public, not to mention the support they make available to those who survive Stroke and who's live's need to be re-built. So I'm proud to be running on their behalf and carrying on in Mum's footsteps.

It looks like a busy 4 months ahead, but all of it should be rewarding and I'm looking forward to doing everything. If nothing else, I should certainly be a whole lot fitter!
Please feel free to Dig deep and donate, every penny makes a difference and will be very much appreciated by both myself, and those who's lives it goes to helping. Just follow the link: http://www.justgiving.com/Amanda-Shaw0

Rewarding Re-wire

This past 2 weeks I've had the pleasure of tagging along with a friend who is a Spark on a rewire. It's been a thoroughly rewarding experience for me, and gave me a taste of what the future holds. I got to see first hand some of the snags that can crop up, and how to think things through to find solutions. It was a good way for me to learn about some of the building regulations, and to gain valuable experience of routing cables and positioning accessories etc. There has been so much to learn and take in, and I've found the whole two weeks a massive help towards my studies so far. I've loved it. So much so that I feel a little lost now that it's over!

Whilst it's been going on, I've not had so much time for study, but I managed to get assignment 11 in, and am now waiting to receive the next modules of my course and, the best bit of course, is I should now soon get my dates for my first 2 weeks at the training centre, to do some practical work and assessments. I'm really looking forward to getting there finally and it will be the first milestone complete.It's all well and good studying from books at home, but there's just no amount of study that can compete with good hands on experience. Unfortunately, my friend isn't able to afford to pay to take someone on at the moment, though I'm just grateful to have been able to tag along and learn what I can. I've also been able to bring away a few things for my practice boards, so I hope to get some more time over this next week or so having a bash at a few lighting circuits etc. 

My next move will be to try and buy a cheap second hand multi-function meter, just so I can get plenty of practice in testing on my board and my own circuits, and be able to become proficient in the full range of dead and live tests. No doubt that will still amount to a fair bit of saving up, but after this fortnight I think it will definitely be worthwhile and of great benefit. Before that though, my first investment is going to be in some snickers work pants and decent knee protection! I've managed grudgingly with the pair I have, the trousers themselves are not too bad, but the knee pads have already proved themselves pretty rubbish. I'm going to give snickers a try and see how I get on with those.

A little hands on...

This week I've been revising over some past work, I find I am having to do a little at a time as my concentration levels aren't at their best just now. I've been getting a little frustrated with myself, so yesterday, I decided to have my first attempt on my practice board, just to see if it would help bring things back to the front of my mind a little. I had a quick go at a Ring final circuit with what materials I have so far. I'd have liked to have added more to it, but I'm getting the accessories as and when possible, so it had to, for the time being, be a vary basic crack at the whip.

I trundled off down the cellar accompanied by Bruce my trusty sidekick, leaving the books upstairs, and got on with trying to put in practice what I could remember. It was the best idea I've had all week! As I was going along making the circuit, things seemed to just pop to the front of my mind again and I found myself recalling things I'd forgotten about. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was only upset by the fact I wanted to add more and carry on, but due to lack of 2.5 cable and extra surface mount boxes and socket plates, I had to be content with What I had.

It was a really useful experience as I was realising better ways of doing things as I was going along, and I walked away from it when I'd finished, having found a bit more confidence in myself again and in my ability to retain information. I've come to the conclusion it's mostly still there, it just needs a little shove. Ok, it's not the most complicated circuit, but I was happy that when I finished and stood back and looked at it, I was fairly happy with it. I really needed a confidence boost, and it seemed to help.

The one thing with home studying that you really miss sometimes, is having your tutor physically there to take a look at your work and give you some pointers. It would be nice to have a virtual "Barry" who could pop up and be able to assess what you've done. However, the next best thing I can do is post some photo's on here, and hope for anyone reading who has any criticisms, pointers etc to comment. One thing I don't want to do is get into a rut of turning out work I think is ok, when actually it needs improvement in areas. So I'd very much appreciate comments.

I'm hoping to slowly acquire more accessories, and continue getting a little hands on where I can in making more complicated circuits. I've found it very beneficial, if not even a little therapeutic! I'm determined to get through this whatever has happened and be the best I can be. I think my practice boards are going to be a big part in helping me towards that end. They're not a substitute for on the job experience, far from it. Until that day comes along however, the more time and experience I can get in having a go at as many varying circuits as possible, the better. I have found a real passion for something, and starting on this journey has been the best thing I have done in my life so far. I've found something that I enjoy and that really has a grip of my interest. I wake up and I want to learn more and more. If I don't get through the day feeling I've absorbed something, then I've had a bad day.

 

I'm hoping at the end of this week to get out and buy some more cable clips, some more earth sleeving, and a couple more surface mount boxes and possibly a bit more 2.5 cable. I intend to extend the circuit, add some non fused and fused spurs etc. Then I want to get more things together for a lighting circuit, and get some experience in that, especially to have a go at intermediate switching. Between now and then, it's back to the books and flash cards, and see if I can't train Bruce to make the brews in time for my next venture into the cellar ;)

I'd like to say a big thank you to those who donated some accessories etc to help towards getting my board set up. I really very much appreciate it. The all round help and support from those in the industry has been amazing and I feel blessed to have made some great friends and acquaintances. You know who you are, and Thank you!!!