[OT] - Becoming a qualified electrician?

["alanmiddleton74" <yahoo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sorry for the off topic post here, but I know there a electricians
and 'home' electricians on the list. I'm concidering a career change
in case the IT slow down continues so looking at becoming a self
employed electrician. If IT picks up, then at least I'll know how to
wire my house :)

I've seen lots of references to qualified electricians but don't
understand what exactly the qualification is. Is it membership to a
professional organisation which provides insurance and guaranteed
minimum knowledge from it's members or are there professional
certifications that you can take and training that provides this? Is
there an hnd or equivilant to help build basic knowledge on the
subject and does that make you qualified or at least less
dangerous ;) ?

I'm thinking of specialising in home automation work (keeping it
vaguely on topic) as I see it as a potential growth industry so what
additional certification would be required? I'm aware of the cbus
training course, but want to step back a little and concider all the
options.

Links or suggestions as to who to talk to greatly appreciated as I'm
not really sure how to kick off my own research.

Answers offlist as I don't think it's directly ha related, although
it might be useful for others to know about if they are hiring
someone.

Thanks in advance,

Alan.