If all those experienced plumbers on here who have complained about the lack of experience of anyone trying to better themselves has, why dont they invite those people to come and work for them? I understand public and employers liability insurance then comes into play, but even when offered as a sub-contractor to a plumber for a pound day with our own public liability insurance we still get turned away saying we are a risk.
I don't employ retrainers because i like to employ apprentices who i can mould into shape to suit my way of working. I know they are not there to only get enough experience to set up as a competitor. I don't do slave labour or serfdom either!
I've seen posts of experienced plumbers complaining that they may have to go to a job to sort out an inexperienced mans (or ladies) work, well if they helped to make one more experienced person the plumbing industry will continue; because as I see it at the moment all the experience is going to be too stuborn and ignorant to help, which will lead to a great deal of that experience lost in a generation.
I have passed my experience to many over the years and am quite willing to help anyone who wants to learn.
I understand the construction industry is in a bad state, I am feeling the brunt of it working as an Area Sales Manager for a builders merchant in the East Midlands, but despite that, now is an ideal opportunity to encourage instead of disheartening those in training while we have time on our hands.
Working for a merchant you should know the effect the recession has had on the whole building trade including plumbers. You will also have seen first hand the amount of new start ups and how long they last. What made you think plumbing was a good choice. You have, with your background, at least some insight of what you are letting yourself in for.
All people want to do is make a go of their lives because they maybe unhappy, have been made redundant or a multitude of circumstances.
The plumbing game is no greener than any other. Ive yet to meet a plumber who thinks we are in some kind of utopia.
I am currently on the T4TS course plumbing 6129 and NVQ 2 on week 4 practicle in 2 wks time. I am thoroughly enjoying it, aswell as gaining valuble knwoledge which in turn gives me confidence to speak to plumbers who use me through the merchant to help them get what they need.
2 inch and half bends and a cu9?
I wish all who read this every success with their career wherever it may lead, and hope there may be renewed attitude from plumbers who are worried about losing work. If you are a good plumber with a good reputation work will come to you.
That used to be how it was but now unless you have a really good preceding reputation and a niche market or are willing to work for what effectively, is less than minimum wage, due to the recession and massive over subscription to the trade, this is no longer the case.
Thanks
Carl
