Hi Katie, like you i was ex RN (bootie), i have flitted around doing sales jobs for the past 6 years, i am now getting (hopefully ) a Professional Electritions course which will enable me to be a fully qualified spark. the course will be via home and practicals. I have been told that if i do six hours aweek i will be fully qualified within a year, if i do eight to ten hours study i will be qualified within six to eight monts. The course is in four moduels at the end of each module there is a five day practical, by the second module you are able to be a sparkies mate, it may help you to get a job sooner. The legion will fund £3000 to the course cost, which is £5,500 Plus accom (£120 a week). The training company is called ATC, www.tradecareers.co.uk, have a look and see what you think, it is hard out here at first but you do ket by with time, your time in the Navy does go for you, just need to find that right employer, try calling them.
If you need anymore advise/info just drop me a line, i may be able to not make the same mistakes i did?? lol