Hi everyone!

[CatAdelova]

Hi there 🙂

I'm Catherine and I've joined the forum hoping to get some advice regarding training, and support as I make my way through to one day becoming a qualified plumber!

I'm 33 and have 2 children and have finally decided it's time for me to get my life in order and get a job that I enjoy and learn a trade which is something I've wanted since leaving school.
I finished school at 15 and spent 2 years in the Royal Navy. I'm a very practical person and I enjoy being hands on, I didn't get on well putting pen to paper!

I currently work part time in a Bakers Shop and I've had enough of getting by on minimum wage and standing behind the till all day.
I love being out and about, I enjoy physical work and tend to do all the odd jobs around the house. Not so long ago I fixed my washing machine and I was so proud of myself.
Also, my dad was diagnosed with Cancer 6 months ago so I want to do this now so he can see that I'm moving forward with my career.

I want to qualify properly and am waiting to enrol on the level 2 course at Colllege this year. From what I can gather I will then complete my level 3, so all in all will take around 4 years. But I do need some advice as its all quite confusing!
As I will have to wait until September I've enrolled on a Basic 10 week Course, Plumbing for the Amature, which starts in April. I'm hoping that will help me get my head into it all and help my nerves of going back to college!

I will will post in the training forum when j can as I'm after a bit more advice on the courses and training at college. Just wanted to introduce myself first.

Cat 🙂

 

[Rckape]

Welcome Cat, there's plenty of advice to be had here. Have a search through some old posts, there's plenty of people in your situation.

I'm sure you're aware but you will need to find a plumber to gain on site experience with, which is something you could start looking for now. If you post your location you might even find someone on here might be willing to help.

I wish you all the best.

 

[CatAdelova]

Thanks so much for your reply.

One of the questions I had hoped to ask was about the process and when I need to be spending time working alongside a plumber.
Is it a case of the Level 2 course being 2 years (it's a part time course, 1 day per week) - first year spent in the college then 2nd year practice and working with a plumber? Or do I need to be doing the practice in year 1?
I've called and asked the college a couple of days ago but still waiting for someone to call me back.

I'm in Winchester and will be attending Eastleigh College.
I know a plumber and am hoping he may let me spend sometime with him.

 

[Rckape]

It's never too early to gain experience. If you can afford the time to shadow a plumber then get in there. Even if your plumber can't help with formal experience, you'll still be learning by watching and any help you might give, fetching, carrying, cleaning up etc would I'm sure be appreciated.

 

[CatAdelova]

Thank you so much. I know it's going to be a hard road but I'm determined to succeed.

Ive figured out the answer to my last question now. I understand I'll get my tech certificate at college, then I'll need to be on the job to get my nvq.

I'm really hoping to find someone who I can spend a day a week with at the moment, just to gain some knowledge. It all will help me.

I know to get my NVQ I need to be in employment but I'm unsure if it has to be full time, or can you complete it working part time?

 

[CatAdelova]

So just wanted to update really as to where I'm at now as my last post was back in January!

I found an amazing Plumber who lets me come out and about with her every week on my days off from work. I've been doing that for around 6 months now and really enjoy it.
She is really keen for me to come and work for her and we are both really excited about the future.

During the Summer I completed a short evening course at College. It was just an amatur thing but I got to do a lot of practical work and I really enjoyed it!

Tomorrow is the big day and my first day at College! I'm very nervous but so excited to finally get started. I will be doing my Level 2 City and Giulds. I then should have no problems completing my NVQ as I have a job lined up ready.
I'm also lucky to have a friend who owns plumbing company who has offered to help out with any coursework I need to complete.

Everyone has been very positive and supportive so far. Its been really lovely as I really thought everyone would just laugh at me when I told them what I'm doing.

It's a long road but will be worth it in the end 🙂

 

[rpm]

Hi Cat, all sounds good and promising for you, having your friend there for you is a big bonus that many don`t have so all in all I reckon you`ll walk it. Good luck.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Well done Cat and thanks for posting your progress so far, Its great to see that you didn't sit around till your college course started but enrolled on the short course in the interim period and gained extra experience.

Sounds like you are going to be an asset in the future, good luck and keep us all posted.

 

[CatAdelova]

Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement 🙂 The really help!

So today was the day I was meant to start at College.......except they got the day wrong and it was supposed to be tomorrow!! Not too sure whats going to happen now as some of the other students are unable to make Tuesdays. Am awaiting a phone call this afternoon.

Really cant wait to get stuck in. The days I go out with Hannah (the amazing plumber who lets me tag along with her) are great. I learn so much each and every time. I cant wait for the day I can quit my job in the Bakers Shop and become a full time plumber 🙂

 

[Stoney Ground]

Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement 🙂 The really help!

So today was the day I was meant to start at College.......except they got the day wrong and it was supposed to be tomorrow!! Not too sure whats going to happen now as some of the other students are unable to make Tuesdays. Am awaiting a phone call this afternoon.

Really cant wait to get stuck in. The days I go out with Hannah (the amazing plumber who lets me tag along with her) are great. I learn so much each and every time. I cant wait for the day I can quit my job in the Bakers Shop and become a full time plumber 🙂

How strange all my years as a plumber I dream of being in a bakers.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

How strange all my years as a plumber I dream of being in a bakers.��

imagine how fat you would get eating all those bacon and egg doorstep sarnies!!

 

[CatAdelova]

That's the problem 🙂 Constant temptation of cakes and pastries are hard to ignore!