Plumbing & Progression

[Aqua Mechanica]

I previously wrote a thread that is now locked, giving a concise route for the domestic plumber.

Since then, I have transferred from domestic to healthcare and wanted to tell you a little about it.

I (fortunately) gained a job through an agency into my local hospital for plumbing maintenance and thought this will tide me over whilst the recession is on.

Since that fateful day, my life has changed. I never thought I would opt out of domestic installation and maintenance for a maintenance technician job in a hospital.

I have since decided to drop Gas Quals (they're expensive and not needed where I work) and now I look forward to possibly gaining a degree instead.

I started with your ordinary NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing, the unvented hot water, the energy efficiency and water regs certificates.

Now I am starting college again in September 2012 to do a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering (BTEC Nationals from 2010  | Construction and the Built Environment  : Edexcel)

Which, dependant on my pass mark (hopefully DD - Distinction), will lead me into a BEng or BSci degree in Building Services Engineering and then hopefully a Masters.

I work in an employed salary role, I get holidays, I get sick pay, I have had a course on Industrial Boilers and Pressure Systems paid for (dealing with anything pressurised or compressed), I have had a management course paid for, a health and safety course paid for and a first aid course paid for. Every day I have off for training I get paid for, I have a pension, life assurance, a benefits scheme, all my tools were bought for me for insurance purposes.

If this sounds of interest to you, i would contact agencies such as Randstad, Hill McGlynn, Coyles, Hays recruitment agencies etc and ask to be placed in the Facilities Management/maintenance sector. Whether its hospitals or other buildings, you get looked after and I don't think i'll ever return to domestic plumbing apart from the odd private job.

I hope this has been helpful and helps you decide on an alternate career path within the scope of plumbing.

 

[tamz]

It is a good move and i hope it works out for you. Certainly better than this rat race.

 

[dontknowitall]

Sounds great and it's good to hear some pleasant news!!

Not for me though. I know with hard work self employment can be really financially rewarding but I'm not in it for this reason.

At my level (not working REALLY, REALLY hard - just normal, average hard!) I can pick and choose my days off, I can spend time with my family during the holidays, I don't have to suck up to an employer day in, day out, etc.

Granted this doesn't happen for every week of the year, but generally if I want a day off next week I can alter my timetable to suit and don't have to worry about holiday rotas and how much allowance I've used up during the year.

BUT - this ain't about me!

Fantastic news for you and hope it continues to go well!!!

 

[fuzzy]

horses for courses. anything that is stable is usually less well paid, do you want the consistency or the money and flexibility? but that comes at a price

 

[Deleted member 25704]

I think self employment has had its day.

Well done on getting out, and good luck with your further qualification

 

[Aqua Mechanica]

What I want is what everyone wants, an enjoyable existence. I love learning and the path i have chosen enables me to carry on learning.

I just wanted to show that there were over avenues that you could go down.

Coming from a dismal domestic new build house bashing crap pricework background, I feel I have found my way in life now.

If this interests others, it will help them achieve the same.

It's true, this isn't for everyone but it's another option for us plumbers.

I'm excited as i'll now be going into design and management for a large corporate company (no need for sucking up, if you wanna reach your potential, they want that due to their size)

Good luck to all, whatever path you take. To your health and your wealth, cheers