Got good grades? Don’t ignore the trades!

Vivek, 18, has just started Logic4training’s New Entrants Domestic Electrical Installer (NEDEI) course. Despite the fact he has achieved four A-Levels, including As in Maths and Physics, he’s in no rush to go to university; he said: “I can go to university at any age; I haven’t closed the door on it; it’s just not what I want to do now.”

“I decided to go into electrics because I love physics, I am already applying the knowledge I learnt at A-Level, which is really helping me get to grips with the calculations on the course. What appealed particularly about training in this way is the practical element; I don’t want to be sat behind a desk; I want to use my skills in real-world scenarios.  I like to be active, so office-based work wouldn’t suit me.”

With his amazing grades, Vivek could’ve applied to any university he wanted to. He decided it wasn’t for him, however: “I decided I wasn’t going to go to Uni mid-way through my A-Levels. I realised I could make lots of money in the trades – there’s no limit to how successful I can be, it’s all down to me, which is a really exciting prospect. I felt like university would pigeon-hole my career.

“The cost of university was also really off-putting. I will have completed the new entrants’ electrical course in four months, then I can get earning straight away! This is just the beginning, however – I have big plans for the future.”

Of the course, Vivek said: “It’s only day two, but I’ve found the course great so far. I’ve already made friends and it’s been fun to apply my physics knowledge. I’m looking forward to the practical part.”

“I’m passionate about electricity, it’s history and how it has changed the world – and continues to do so,” concluded Vivek.

Nilesh, Vivek’s Dad said:

“I presumed Vivek would go to university because he’s so academic. When he came to me with his plan to train in the electrical trades, however, I could see why he wanted to go down that route. He’s very driven and doesn’t want any limitations on his success.

“I have been extremely supportive of his decision.” Nilesh has paid for Vivek’s course – Vivek plans to pay this back quickly! The course costs around £4k, as opposed to the £50k debt usually associated with university.

“I see from friends and family how tough leaving uni can be – being left with debt and then finding it difficult to find a job. The trades are in-demand, so as long as Vivek works hard (which I know he will) he’s unlikely to be out of work.”

Nilesh is no stranger to trades training: “I am retraining through Logic4training myself – I’m currently in the process of completing the Domestic Gas Heating Installer course. I have been in Telecoms and IT since 1988, but the industry has changed significantly with the advent of cloud technology, and much of what I specialise in will soon become obsolete – at 55 I accept that younger candidates are more likely to get the job/I’m not interested in learning more about Telecoms!

“I love being my own boss and the flexibility that being a gas installer will bring. Like Vivek I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk.”