Starting plumbing at age 56 ??

[ryanjabry]

I know the age is an issue, due the corona virus i made redundant,
i am looking to change career to plumbing or electrician .Its it too late for those trade to learn and make the living at age 56.
I really appropriate you advice.
Many Thanks

 

[Scott_D]

I would say it’s too old but depends what type of work you want to do.

 

[snowhead]

Both Plumbing and Electrical are hard on the knees.

What experience of working on the tools and working in customer's homes and premises do you have?
Have you run any business before as self employed?
I doubt you'll get employment as by the time you're qualified with any experience you'll be very close to 60.
So self employment would be the only way.

You're going to be in competition with thousands of people of a far younger age who are currently being made redundant / unemployed and will see Electrical and Plumbing as a future.

 

[gmartine]

Let's assume you have some aptitude for it, by the time you get full qualified say as a GSR or NICEIC I doubt it'll be worth it. You might as well start doing a trade with less responsibility and agro like tiling, do a short course and you could up earning as much if you're decent.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I would be looking at Shopping delivery driver tbh

 

[Roy_66]

Hi Ryan,

Can you say what jobs and skills you have done to date, also what your level of fitness is. Others can then perhaps suggest some jobs (see also replies above). Also how quick do you need to be earning.

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Gasmk1]

At 56 was when I expected to be retired by 🙁

 

[Murdoch]

I'm a spark and it seems the CPS's now require the 2391 for entry to their schemes.

Starting from nothing, gaining the exams and knowledge and hands on experience could be tough - then the work isn't easy and there are many people pricing "foolishly" then leaving clients in the lurch. Anybody can be a POOR busy fool

You don't say where you are but I would recommend you do google searches for each profession and see how many there are around you............

 

[boilerburns]

I'm in the same boat. I'm 36! I done a level 2 plumbing, but no one takes you on with little experience. I'm good on the tools, what's stopped me is there's a lot I don't know. I would like to learn, anyone here want to give me a chance on the field.

William.

 

[Roy_66]

I'm in the same boat. I'm 36! I done a level 2 plumbing, but no one takes you on with little experience. I'm good on the tools, what's stopped me is there's a lot I don't know. I would like to learn, anyone here want to give me a chance on the field.

William.

Can you get work on new housing estates just to get started ? Ok perhaps only doing simple stuff to start with, and you will need the right site safety quals. Do you want to get more qualifications at same time as first job in order to move on e.g. to pressurised stuff, and gas ?

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Chuck]

I really appropriate you advice.

Starting with a clean sheet always seems attractive in a 'grass looks greener over that side of the fence' sort of way. But qualifying as an electrician / plumber is a big investment of time and money and I don't know about money but at 56 TBH you are short of time and you'll be lucky to break even on the investment.

For many people the best thing to do is not to move too far from what they've been doing previously. Perhaps take a short course to develop a new skill or build on your existing ones to fill in time while job hunting / waiting for the economy to pick up again.

There seem to be a lot of government sponsored courses available at the moment. Maybe see it any of those fit the bill:

Where to find free online learning | National Careers Service

nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

 

[Brambles]

Boilerburns, where are you based? I am looking for well motivated people in Oxfordshire for our renewables side of the business.

 

[boilerburns]

Can you get work on new housing estates just to get started ? Ok perhaps only doing simple stuff to start with, and you will need the right site safety quals. Do you want to get more qualifications at same time as first job in order to move on e.g. to pressurised stuff, and gas ?

Cheers,

Hi Roy I didn't think of that, maby it's worth popping into a new build site. And asking if I could do the second fix. It's worth a try.

Thanks for your time.

 

[boilerburns]

Boilerburns, where are you based? I am looking for well motivated people in Oxfordshire for our renewables side of the business.

That would be good but I'm in Northamptonshire. I'm willing to travel about 50 miles. Thanks again.

 

[WC1]

I'm in the same boat. I'm 36! I done a level 2 plumbing, but no one takes you on with little experience. I'm good on the tools, what's stopped me is there's a lot I don't know. I would like to learn, anyone here want to give me a chance on the field.

William.

Self emp. JFDI William. There's always more to learn. Good luck.

 

[Brambles]

Boilerburns pm or email me [email protected] currently have a site at the ex Upper Heyford Air Base

 

[Keefy]

If I were you Ryan I'd look at specialising in only one or two types of plumbing installations instead of trying to learn about everything. Being an electrician you're already half way there to advertise yourself as an electric shower installer and instant water heater installer.

Start with the above and you'll be on your way in no time.