Advise needed for career change to plumbing sorry probably seen this a million times

[Sam-g]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and have recently decided to retrain as a plumber. For the last 15 years I've been welding and fabricating which has included pipe work. Also as part of my job I've installed utility pipe work in industrial buildings with solid jointing, crimping and threaded in all different materials, so I've had some relative experience and that's brought me to the decision of plumbing as a new career path. My main goal is to be self employed, but first I need to train and am not sure which is the right certificate to train towards to achieve this. Has anybody any advise or experience to share? I would have to train on a night course because of having to continue what I do for the time being and how employable would I be to gain some experience, with skills I've learned through my current job. I'm based in Cheshire area also if anyone knows the best place to start looking in this area.

thanks Sam.

 

[Rckape]

Re: Advise needed for career change to plumbing sorry probably seen this a million ti

First off, welcome to the forum.

I'd recommend a quick search of previous posts. This is a very common topic and much advice has been given.

What is your motivation for changing career? I do hope it's not money related. Plumbers really don't earn as much as many seem to think.

Working for a company before going self employed is essential. Courses will only teach so much. The proper learning starts in the real world.

 

[Sam-g]

Re: Advise needed for career change to plumbing sorry probably seen this a million ti

Thanks for your response. I've been looking for a career change as my ultimate goal is to be self employed. I enjoy what I do now particularly the pipe work side of it and to go self employed in welding can go 2 ways, you stick to doing small work like gates railing etc where you struggle to compete with prices, or you go contracting and work long hours away from home which with a young family isn't an option for me. So it seemed the obvious route for me is to take my experience in to a trade not to dissimilar and hopefully have a head start because of it.

I'm hoping to get as much college qualification as possible before taking the plunge and the inevitable pay cut to start out working with a plumber for experience.