Dalha Electrical
On site

The road to qualified electrician.

I'm Dalha Hassan. This is my record of the work: what I'm learning on site, how I think about the trade, and how far through the qualification I am.

See my progress Read the journal
2Diplomas completed,
Level 2 and Level 3
0Days on site
since 20 October
0%Of the NVQ portfolio
signed off
12Months left
on the plan to qualify
01 — Journey

Where I've been, and where I'm going

Every electrician starts somewhere. This is my route: the qualifications behind me, and the ones still ahead.

    02 — Progress

    The NVQ, live

    The City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ is made of performance units. Each needs real work on at least 2 separate occasions, seen or evidenced by my assessor.

    0%Signed off

    Plan A: NVQ and AM2 within 12 months of starting.
    Plan B: qualified by January 2028.

    03 — Skills

    What I have to prove

    The NVQ asks for a minimum range of work. This is my checklist, and it fills in as each item is done on a real job.

    To doIn progressSigned off
    04 — Approach

    The way I want to work

    Tools and techniques change. These are the habits I'm building so I can be trusted in someone's home.

    05 — Notes

    What I'm learning

    Writing things out in my own words is how I check that I really understand them.

    Safe isolation: the 7 steps
    1. Identify the circuit or equipment to be worked on, and the correct point of isolation.
    2. Check the voltage indicator and its leads (GS 38 type) are safe to use.
    3. Isolate using the device: switch, breaker or fuse.
    4. Secure it with a lock and a warning label, so nobody switches it back on.
    5. Prove the tester works on a known live source.
    6. Test that the circuit is dead, between all conductors and earth.
    7. Prove again that the tester still works. Only then start work.
    The tests before a circuit goes live

    Dead tests, power off

    • Continuity of protective conductors: is the earth path properly connected?
    • Ring continuity: is the ring really a ring, with no breaks?
    • Insulation resistance: is the insulation between conductors in good condition?
    • Polarity: are switches and fuses in the line conductor only?

    Live tests, power on

    • Polarity, live, to confirm everything is wired the right way round.
    • Earth fault loop impedance (Zs): will the protective device clear a fault fast enough?
    • Prospective fault current: how much current could flow in a fault?
    • RCD operation: does it trip within the required time?
    Why testing matters more than the wiring

    A circuit can look perfect and still be dangerous. A loose earth, a swapped line and neutral, or damaged insulation does nothing visible until the day it matters. Testing is how an electrician proves the job is safe, rather than assuming it is.

    That is why so many units in the NVQ lean on inspection and testing, and why the results go on a certificate the customer keeps.

    06 — Journal

    Notes from the work

    What went well, what I got wrong, and what I'd do differently. No customer names, ever.

    07 — About

    Hi, I'm Dalha

    I'm training to be a qualified electrician. I completed my Level 2 diploma in electrical installation in 2024 to 2025, and my Level 3 diploma between September 2025 and May 2026.

    I'm now on site building the experience and evidence for my Level 3 NVQ, working under a qualified electrician.

    I started this site to keep myself honest about my progress. I'd rather show the work than talk about it.

    • Based inSouth West London
    • Level 2 diploma2024 to 2025
    • Level 3 diplomaSep 2025 to May 2026
    • NowC&G Level 3 NVQ
    • Training providerElec Training
    • GoalQualified electrician