Hi all

[target4998]

Hi all,

My names Kev, n im 26. I currently work as a breathing apparatus engineer for the fire service which ive done for 5 years. Im really looking for some advice ....

Im looking to get into plumbing or gas engineer work, but i have a few obstacles in my way. Ive looked into fast track courses but quiet frankly i think these are a waste of time, for two reasons 1. I dont think you can be competent after 12 weeks or so training, and 2. i simply cant afford the thousand of pounds they ask for, so they are priced out. Ive looked for a regular college course but cant dedicate to a full time course as i work full time, and i simply cant find a part time course.

Ive written / emailed local plumbers but either dont get a reply or they wont take me on as an apprentice even tho i would be ready to take a pay cut. Ive tried british gas but i dont have the 4 GCSE's at C grade they want.

I feel like im banging my head against a wall, or chasing my own tail. I was wondering what advice / help you could offer? I am a dedicated professional who study's hard and learns fast... i have to for my line of work.

I hope you can offer some advice...?

Thanks all
Kev

 

[Blake]

Hi Kev and welcome to the forum.

The most difficult aspect of what you want to achieve is gaining experience or finding someone to take you on. The fast track courses give you the basics, the certificates, but again, without experience they are virtually useless and expensive in my opinion.

You also need to appreciate that currently, contrary to what some courses claim, there is not a shortage of plumbers, the market is flooded with them due to such courses, plumbers being laid off from building firms and going self employed etc. This coupled with the recession means we currently find that supply outweighs demand.

If it is something you really want to do, then my advise would be to offer your services for free to local plumbers to gain experience and perhaps enroll on an evening course in plumbing. That way you will still have money coming in from your day job but will be studying eves and working weekends and hols to gain experience.

It will take you a while but maybe the market will have picked up by the time you are ready to take the plunge.

 

[franz]

hi. i thought the fire service was a good safe job? your right,quick courses are expensive and employers dont take them seriously.Evening class at college then nvq2.

There are a lot of plumbers looking for work out there.
ELECTRICS.thats what i would go for
. keep trying though
regards

 

[Puddle]

Hi Kev

Welcome ,hope you can get a few pointers from various posts on the forums

 

[target4998]

Thanks for the advice and help guys its appreciated, finding a part time night course that isnt a fast track is proving difficult. Seems to be one dead end after another. Ill defo put the feelers out for free work just to gain some know how, as well as invest in some books.

Ill look into electric's too.. cheers.

The Fire service is a good job, however in my position promotion of being able to kick on is limited, the job is what it is... pretty dead end.

 

[Blake]

Where are you based?

 

[target4998]

im based at Bourton on the hill, West midlands, Gl56 9AH is the post code feel free to google it. Ive noticed that theirs quiet a few topics relating to my question. i hope this isnt waring thin..

 

[PlumbBobBob]

hi kev welcome to the forums

 

[fanlynne]

Hey,i am new here glad to be here with you.....