Can anyone give me any advise please??

[ChrisBach]

Hello, can anyone help me or give me any advise? I'm 24 years old and have always wanted to learn the trade, but have always been sidetracked. Last year I decided it was time to do something about it so i quit my job and went and did a city and guilds level 2 fast track course. I know that this wasnt the best way to go about it as the trade takes a lot longer to learn then a couple of months, although i really enjoyed doing the course and learning about plumbing. I still have a few exams left to finish but after realising that the fast track course wasnt the best option to take, I have been trying my best to get an apprenticeship but had no luck whatsoever. I have also been trying to find work as a plumbers mate but finding vacancies is nearly impossible. I understand thats its also a bad time work wise to find work easily but Im just wondering if anyone has any advice at all about how I can get into plumbing. Ive already gone and bought my tools and fitted a bathroom for a friend with supervision. I am really eager to start off this career, am i fighting a losing battle or is there any hope??
Many Thanks, Chris

 

[WaterTight]

Nobody really knows what your chances are. We hear no end of people in the same boat but you don't really find out how many give up or how many eventually find something. You already know it's very, very difficult. I managed to find two different people who gave me a chance but it took some finding. And I suspect my hundreds of attempts that yielded a couple of responses could just as easily have been hundreds of attempts that yielded no responses.

You've done the course, you've presumably spent a lot of money on it, and time, and money on tools. For me that was what kept me trying because I simply refused, REFUSED, to let that money end up having gone to waste. If you're endlessly determined and try and try and try you may well get something.

In the meantime keep doing jobs for friends and family. If you can fit a bathroom under supervision I imagine you could do quite a number of small jobs for people you know. Just keep your interest in it going, don't get rusty. And badger ever plumber you can find because no matter where you are there will be someone who is busy enough that he could do with a hand and it might just be the foot in the door you need.

Good luck!

 

[ChrisBach]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you taking the time. I wont give up, I already know that, even when at times it feels like im going nowhere. I think each of the local plumbers around here has had my CV and cover letter at least half a dozen times and some have even rang me to tell me not to give up and im doing the right thing which has been encouraging. Thank you again

 

[gaspastemania]

Be a quantity surveyor , get paid even when you fudge up

 

[wiggers]

Hi, Im 43 and i was in the same position but i can multi trade which is what most firms now require.
I was lucky and got a start with a local building firm and proved myself.wages were poor but i had to keep going and now three years on i am now lucky working for a large housing org.
Anyway if i can beat the odds at 43 youve got a shot at 20 odd!! just keep at it and try other skills like tiling, patch plastering and basic joinery as you will be more viable to a prospective employer
good luck!!

 

[ChrisBach]

Hi, yeah i do a bit of everything at the moment, im in charge of maintenance at a company just up the road but its only basic so im looking to put myself on courses at weekends to help me, the jbs taking me nowhere at all. thanks for taking your time to reply, this is all much appreciated. its nice to know i have a chance, i started panicking as soon as i found out i was getting over the apprenticeship age group for funding as no one at all would take me on. thanks again!!