Technician training

[Funkyrascal]

Hi all
I saw a post on here about training as a service technician so thought this would be a good place to ask.
I fitted out a micro camper this year but I didn’t do the electrical system myself because I didn’t want to get it wrong.
I would like to gain more knowledge and confidence about it and maybe even consider fitting vans for a living or becoming a service technician.
I’ve found courses through ncc. Do I need any prior qualifications e.g domestic electrical or gas engineer before I can complete these courses or gain employment?
I’ve searched the internet but I can’t find any further information.

 

[otherclive]

Hi all
I saw a post on here about training as a service technician so thought this would be a good place to ask.
I fitted out a micro camper this year but I didn’t do the electrical system myself because I didn’t want to get it wrong.
I would like to gain more knowledge and confidence about it and maybe even consider fitting vans for a living or becoming a service technician.
I’ve found courses through ncc. Do I need any prior qualifications e.g domestic electrical or gas engineer before I can complete these courses or gain employment?
I’ve searched the internet but I can’t find any further information.

Another member in Ireland recently posted of a similar change of occupation. There are two routes one is MCEA, the other being NCC AWS. Have a look under thread Caravan Technician Training. It gives costs, qualifications, timescales, equipment etc.

Caravan technician training

Hi everyone. Im considering investing in the training to become a mobile technician. Please correct me if I’m wrong but, as per the NCC website, to become aws certified you have to complete the following: - Electrical Maintenance Online - Level 1 & 2 - STGW gas course -...

forums.practicalcaravan.com

 

[Funkyrascal]

Another member in Ireland recently posted of a similar change of occupation. There are two routes one is MCEA, the other being NCC AWS. Have a look under thread Caravan Technician Training. It gives costs, qualifications, timescales, equipment etc.

https://forums.practicalcaravan.com/threads/caravan-technician-training.70672/post-637795

Another member in Ireland recently posted of a similar change of occupation. There are two routes one is MCEA, the other being NCC AWS. Have a look under thread Caravan Technician Training. It gives costs, qualifications, timescales, equipment etc.

Caravan technician training

Hi everyone. Im considering investing in the training to become a mobile technician. Please correct me if I’m wrong but, as per the NCC website, to become aws certified you have to complete the following: - Electrical Maintenance Online - Level 1 & 2 - STGW gas course -...

forums.practicalcaravan.com

This was the post I saw. It answers a lot of questions but doesn’t say if I would need previous qualifications or experience in electrics or gas

 

[IanB1485]

You can start from scratch give Paul Stapleton a ring at MCEA or email them www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk ) and he will give you lots of of helpful advice and starting from scratch is no hindrance other than the upfront costs of the specialist tools and the courses. The starter course (1 week at MCEA in Hilperton Wiltshire) will get you going .

 

[otherclive]

This was the post I saw. It answers a lot of questions but doesn’t say if I would need previous qualifications or experience in electrics or gas

The NCC AWS website explains that pre experience of electrics or gas isn’t a requirement for the course. Both NCCAWS and MCEA websites give a good range of info.

https://www.nccacademy.org.uk/become-a-caravan-technician

 

[Martin_E]

I don’t think the AWS or the MCEA will give you sufficient knowledge to achieve what you are looking for.

The MCEA course is fairly basic, and the AWS assumes you have previous knowledge.

 

[otherclive]

I don’t think the AWS or the MCEA will give you sufficient knowledge to achieve what you are looking for.

The MCEA course is fairly basic, and the AWS assumes you have previous knowledge.

Where does it say in NCCAWS link I provided that previous knowledge is required? The MCEA website refers to the Foundation Course, as Ian stated in the linked post at #5 above there are follow on courses focussing on gas and electrical safety. Perhaps the OP would be best advised to contact the two organisations directly and get accurate information.

 

[IanB1485]

I agree with OtherClive , having gone down that route myself . The foundation course was a good starting point . There were people on my particular course who were starting from scratch and others like myself who had expertise in various fields and wanted more knowledge specific to caravan maintenance. Since then I have attended various courses including manufacturers training courses , all organised by the MCEA. Also I am on a private facebook group for MCEA affiliated engineers , including some manufacturers representatives where, if we need need more information /insights/advice e.t.c other engineers who have experience on that particular bit of kit will freely impart info , very similar to this users forum(and others ) were the members share knowledge/expertise/experience to enhance the groups' collective knowledge .Everyone has to start somewhere and I am always learning as I come across different caravans and motorhomes.

 

[Martin_E]

Where does it say in NCCAWS link I provided that previous knowledge is required? The MCEA website refers to the Foundation Course, as Ian stated in the linked post at #5 above there are follow on courses focussing on gas and electrical safety. Perhaps the OP would be best advised to contact the two organisations directly and get accurate information.

I don’t believe it does, but, if someone has no knowledge of how electrics work or how to use a multimeter then best of luck to them etc etc 🤔

The MCEA is indeed a foundation course, fairly basic.

My point is that MCEA, possibly is a first point to what you need, then it would be your gas course, then electrical ect etc not a car Blanche ticket to succeed 🤔

 

[otherclive]

I don’t believe it does, but, if someone has no knowledge of how electrics work or how to use a multimeter then best of luck to them etc etc 🤔

The MCEA is indeed a foundation course, fairly basic.

My point is that MCEA, possibly is a first point to what you need, then it would be your gas course, then electrical ect etc not a car Blanche ticket to succeed 🤔

But you are failing to recognise that there are follow on course options for specialist areas. Ian’s post #8 refers and explains what MCEA can provide.

 

[Martin_E]

Sorry, I don’t believe I am failing to see anything. I responded to your post #7

 

[Funkyrascal]

I don’t believe it does, but, if someone has no knowledge of how electrics work or how to use a multimeter then best of luck to them etc etc 🤔

The MCEA is indeed a foundation course, fairly basic.

My point is that MCEA, possibly is a first point to what you need, then it would be your gas course, then electrical ect etc not a car Blanche ticket to succeed 🤔

Firstly you’re being very presumptuous.
I understand how the electric works because I assisted with the electric fit out in my narrow boat. AC/DC, inverter, battery charger, galvanic isolator, solar panels etc etc. I also had to maintain this for 15years. The reason I didn’t do the van electrics is because there’s more movement, it was in very close quarters and the system was different. Things have changed, technology has moved on and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong and set the van on fire.
I also know how to use a multimeter but I’m not a professional, I have no qualifications and I would never give anyone advice about there electrics.
I would like to start again and learn how it all works properly and be able to deal with any problems in my van without having to get anyone else involved and maybe do it as a job at some point if I enjoy it but not after the first course. I do understand that training is essential

 

[Funkyrascal]

Thank you for all your responses. Your knowledge on the subject is greatly appreciated.
I will start to make enquiries with the suggested establishments and people.
Wishing you all a great Christmas

 

[otherclive]

Thank you for all your responses. Your knowledge on the subject is greatly appreciated.
I will start to make enquiries with the suggested establishments and people.
Wishing you all a great Christmas

Thanks for the feedback, good luck in your endeavours.

 

[Martin_E]

Firstly you’re being very presumptuous.
I understand how the electric works because I assisted with the electric fit out in my narrow boat. AC/DC, inverter, battery charger, galvanic isolator, solar panels etc etc. I also had to maintain this for 15years. The reason I didn’t do the van electrics is because there’s more movement, it was in very close quarters and the system was different. Things have changed, technology has moved on and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get anything wrong and set the van on fire.
I also know how to use a multimeter but I’m not a professional, I have no qualifications and I would never give anyone advice about there electrics.
I would like to start again and learn how it all works properly and be able to deal with any problems in my van without having to get anyone else involved and maybe do it as a job at some point if I enjoy it but not after the first course. I do understand that training is essential

I don’t believe I was being presumptuous, I was merely pointing out that if there is no formal knowledge etc etc etc