Hello,
I'm currently doing one of those faster learning, change of career courses that proper electricians despise so and need help with a question on my last assessment. Before the abuse begins, I should explain that I have valid reasons for doing this type of course and am under no illusions about what it is actually going to offer me once I have finished. I regard it as the start of the journey, not the be all and end all of the journey like some seem to. I am fully aware that I won't be a "proper" electrician at the end of it, but it will get me a step on the ladder and put me in a position to gain some useful experience. I've also passed every exam and assessment without help so far and its only at this last hurdle I find myself stumped.
One of the problems with these sort of courses is the people who rep for the companies. They try to fill peoples heads with tales of getting your qualifications and instantly starting your own business which will be successful because the company will give you all the knowledge and skills you need. Which of course is utter tosh. Anyone in a similar position to me who is reading this don't be under any illusions. I'm not saying its impossible, but you need to be realistic about what skills you can actually learn with the limited practical time you will have (I've seen some people on the various practical sessions I have done who would be dangerous if they ever get qualified, so approach it with the right attitude). And also approach your studies not with the aim of passing the exams (these courses aim to teach you where to look in your books to have a stab at an educated guess), but with the aim of passing the exams and actually knowing why you get the answers you do.
Its maybe that they are trying to make people believe they will be successful small businesses that they include the type of questions below in their syllabus but I am not entirely sure the relevance to being a working domestic installer which is perhaps why I can't seem to get my head round the question.
The question is this: State how the electrical contractor for this installation may minimise costs, with particular reference to:
a) cash flow
b) efficient use of labour resources
c) effective inspection and testing.
I'm not a businessman and there was no financial management element to my studies so I can only make guesses.
For cash flow I have along the lines of ensuring a good account is held with a wholesaler and making sure payment from the customer is received before the account is due with the wholesaler. Charging a mark up on purchased materials, charging for sundries and ensuring that there is enough credit the business account to allow for unforeseen circumstances.
For labour I have, ensure that there are only enough people on site to cover the work to be done and that the right skills are on site for the jobs at hand
For effective inspection and testing I haven't got much beyond making sure the right equipment is available and calibrated.
These seem like overly simplistic answers to these questions, or maybe I am over thinking it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
PS. Sorry for the long post, I do like to waffle once I get going.
I'm currently doing one of those faster learning, change of career courses that proper electricians despise so and need help with a question on my last assessment. Before the abuse begins, I should explain that I have valid reasons for doing this type of course and am under no illusions about what it is actually going to offer me once I have finished. I regard it as the start of the journey, not the be all and end all of the journey like some seem to. I am fully aware that I won't be a "proper" electrician at the end of it, but it will get me a step on the ladder and put me in a position to gain some useful experience. I've also passed every exam and assessment without help so far and its only at this last hurdle I find myself stumped.
One of the problems with these sort of courses is the people who rep for the companies. They try to fill peoples heads with tales of getting your qualifications and instantly starting your own business which will be successful because the company will give you all the knowledge and skills you need. Which of course is utter tosh. Anyone in a similar position to me who is reading this don't be under any illusions. I'm not saying its impossible, but you need to be realistic about what skills you can actually learn with the limited practical time you will have (I've seen some people on the various practical sessions I have done who would be dangerous if they ever get qualified, so approach it with the right attitude). And also approach your studies not with the aim of passing the exams (these courses aim to teach you where to look in your books to have a stab at an educated guess), but with the aim of passing the exams and actually knowing why you get the answers you do.
Its maybe that they are trying to make people believe they will be successful small businesses that they include the type of questions below in their syllabus but I am not entirely sure the relevance to being a working domestic installer which is perhaps why I can't seem to get my head round the question.
The question is this: State how the electrical contractor for this installation may minimise costs, with particular reference to:
a) cash flow
b) efficient use of labour resources
c) effective inspection and testing.
I'm not a businessman and there was no financial management element to my studies so I can only make guesses.
For cash flow I have along the lines of ensuring a good account is held with a wholesaler and making sure payment from the customer is received before the account is due with the wholesaler. Charging a mark up on purchased materials, charging for sundries and ensuring that there is enough credit the business account to allow for unforeseen circumstances.
For labour I have, ensure that there are only enough people on site to cover the work to be done and that the right skills are on site for the jobs at hand
For effective inspection and testing I haven't got much beyond making sure the right equipment is available and calibrated.
These seem like overly simplistic answers to these questions, or maybe I am over thinking it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
PS. Sorry for the long post, I do like to waffle once I get going.