Dual Trade Questions

[jimiemick]

I'm a fully qualified Refrigeration Mechanic (finished my time in November) And I was thinking about also doing my electrical apprenticeship (been doing electrical work with my father for years)
So I was wondering how I would go about doing my A grade. (and then having dual Trade qualifications)

Any help would be good

[Tankstand]

There's nothing stopping you!

It's not illegal, just find someone to apprentice you.

If you don't mind living on apprentice wages for another 4 years!

I'm a fitter and turner, have recently gained my NREL (B class elec.) and have considered doing an adult apprenticeship as a diesel fitter!

[thatirwinfella]

good luck with it, and you'd hardly have to live on apprentice wages, it'd probably be easy enough to get work on the side as a fridgie.

perhaps the hardest part about it would be to get someone willing to employ a mature age apprentice.

[AV Elec]

I am both a fridgy and sparky. You should be able to go to TAFE at night and do a "journey mans" course (i think that is what it was called).

You will be exempt for probably half your sparky TAFE subjects. Once you have done the TAFE, you need to get some hours under your belt. You will need to get references from people saying you have done work as a sparky to make up approx 3 and a bit years. You might be able to get some time from your fridgy employer.

Once you have both time, and tafe certificates, you present your craftmans certificate to fair trading for review to be licensed.

You can do the tafe at oten via online, but I recommend you go to the classes.

TO ENROLL IN TAFE, GO NOW AND YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO SQUEEZE IN A CLASS. Alternatively, you might be able to start mid year.

You will need to do the capstan test after you finish tafe. It wasn't around when I did it, but i am told most people fail the first time.

That is how I remember it. I completed A/C trade in 94, and sparky in 98, so it might be a bit out of date...

EDIT: You might not get exemption for half the subjects. I have done so many subjects, I have lost track of what course they were for...

[nev25]

AV Elec what state are you in

[AV Elec]

nsw

[jimiemick]

Thanks AV Elec, Im going to try and get on to RMIT today/ tomorrow, Id really like to have both under my belt Ive got no problems doing more schooling or even being on a lowish wage, Id like to try and get on to union sites as there allowances make it that bit better pay wise.

Ill write back to let people know how i go so then people know next time some one ask's

[nev25]

AV
I think things are a bit different here in VIC

jimiemick
Id be curious as to what they say and how you get on

As far as I know Duel trades are permitted but frowned apron in certain trades and trade unions.

IMO the problem will be is getting someone to sponsor you in the electrical trade.
And from what I believe you have to be sponsored to do an electrical apprenticeship.

As a Sparkie I wanted to get an endorsement to do Aircons (gassing etc)
BoxHill tafe run a course but when I inquired I was told that I would have to get approval from the gassfitters and plumbing board to do the course.
And as a sparkie I wouldn't have a much of a chance as its the old demarcation thing
Sparkies doing plumbers work Plumbers doing Sparkies work etc

Let me know how you get on

[AV Elec]

AV
I think things are a bit different here in VIC

As far as I know Duel trades are permitted but frowned apron in certain trades and trade unions.

Yeah, the union movement seems a bit stronger in Victoria. I agree with them in most ways, but sometimes they do some strange things.

Dual trades are very common in NSW. I know of quite a few people with them, and going to TAFE for my sparky course was very easy for me.

I know of an auto electrician who is studying through OTEN (distance learning) to become an Electrician. I don't agree with doing it via distance...At least make the effort to go to TAFE!

The hardest part was to get sponsored. I was lucky, in that we had many Electricians at my fridgy company to give me experience so I could get the time signed off. Maybe look for a fridgy company who has a few sparkies to help you get your time.

Ironically, after working in A/C for 12 years, and doing advanced certificate, I never plan to work in A/C again...I left to go to an industry I really enjoy. I don't regret doing A/C, it tought me a lot, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn a trade. The combination of electro/mechanical is a great basis for a career. It would be pretty easy to get triple trade - fitter and turner as well...

[patty]

If he is in Nsw he should not have a problem I know plenty of blokes who hold dual trades in both Plumbing and Elect Work and Elect and Fridgey work what do they say it all about multi skilling!!!

[Vernonv]

I know of an auto electrician who is studying through OTEN (distance learning) to become an Electrician. I don't agree with doing it via distance...At least make the effort to go to TAFE!

What's the difference if he goes to TAFE or does it via distance education.
He will probably put in more time doing it via distance and will still have to show that he has met the required level of knowledge/learning.

[AV Elec]

What's the difference if he goes to TAFE or does it via distance education.

I have personally done some management courses from TAFE both at the campus, as well as through OTEN. It was the same course, I just did some of the modules through OTEN.

I found that you can learn more from direct interaction with the teacher. This would be especially relevant with a practical course such as Electrical.

Just my opinion, others might feel differently.

[Timmo]

I'm another dual trade. I'm a fitter who went on to become a fridge/aircon mechanic. I also did a cert iv in marine engineering. to mix it up a bit.

My employer offered me the opportunity to do my electrician's trade as a journeyman but I turned it down, It's not the direction I want my career to head. I simply don't want to be on the tools for the rest of my life. The idea of holding another ticket is good but not worth a 3 year setback to do it.

I know the unions are anti dual trade, but I'm anti union.