Career change or not

[Rob555]

I've been looking at a career change into becoming a gas engineer. I have no previous experience and was looking into going to a training school on a weekend. has anyone been to one of these and successfully gained employment afterwards?
I've spoken to a few companies who aren't keen on this as a way in to the business and all suggest apprenticeships. But at 43 and bills to pay this is not possible and I'd just like to know what other options there could possibly be.

Thanks

 

[snowhead]

What is it about a Gas Engineer's job that makes you want to be one?

And do you have any previous plumbing or mechanical or electrical experience or knowledge?

 

[Rob555]

Absolutely no experience apart the basic home requirements. Reading on these training courses they make it sound like you can be competent in several months.

As for the job I like there are multiple domestic and commercial opportunities, everyday being different and getting a role where there is room for progression, learning and having transferable skills.

 

[steadyon]

The main obstacle to getting into gas engineering is building a portfolio. Once you have finished the basic training, you need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to supervise you through various real world processes, such as installing, repairing and decommissioning gas boilers, and the same for cookers and gas fires. The difficulty is finding someone who is prepared to do that for you.

 

[Rob555]

The main obstacle to getting into gas engineering is building a portfolio. Once you have finished the basic training, you need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to supervise you through various real world processes, such as installing, repairing and decommissioning gas boilers, and the same for cookers and gas fires. The difficulty is finding someone who is prepared to do that for you.

The course I've found gets you a work experience placement to get the portfolio together. But its £6995 !