Advice on training please??

[DIESELindustry]

Hello there guys.

I am interested in becoming a plumber and eventually a gas engineer but, as I am 31 with a family to feed becoming an apprentice will be very hard because of the money.


I have enrolled in a local college for a 4hour a week course over two nights (pending on a test and interview). Would this be advisable? I was thinking of doing this course for a while and then approaching employers and maybe offering my services for free once a week and hopefully get a job on a little bit more money than a first year apprentice after I have shown that I can do more than a fresh faced 16 year old.


My other option I thought about was a company called Plumb-rite. I have to take out a franchise which is rather expensive but they train me within 10weeks up to 6129 and then eventually my gas safe. I did try to post a link but can not so if you googled it it would come up.
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[FONT=.HelveticaNeueUI]I would have thought that time served plumbers and gas engineers would frown upon such a fast track, easy routes?? [/FONT]
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[FONT=.HelveticaNeueUI]I apologise if this is in the wrong section and would be very greatful if a moderator will move it along for me.[/FONT]
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[FONT=.HelveticaNeueUI]So any advice would be great thanks. [/FONT]

 

[Ray Stafford]

Hi Dieselindustry, and welcome to the forum.

Use the forum search tool - you will find dozens, if not hundreds of similar threads.

Despite what the naysayers will tell you, it is possible to enter the industry at your age, but it isn't easy, and there is an over-supply of trained, timeserved and experienced tradesmen at the moment. That won't last forever, but its not great timing if you have a family to feed.

I would avoid the expensive franchise if I were you. You absolutely CANNOT become a trained plumber in 10 weeks. You can't even become a passable plumber - you will just be a bloke (not being sexist, just assuming you are male) with 10 weeks of training and a much lighter bank balance.

Better to stick with the college course and keep your savings in the bank.

 

[DIESELindustry]

I thought that the fast track was a bad idea. Yes I am a male lol.

I have read other posts but they seem to be older (2 years+). So I was looking for newer info.

Thanks for the fast response though. I'm fed up with my job as a postie so need a change.

 

[lame plumber]

Haha just saw that your a postie, there are a least 2 ex posties working as plumbers down my way at present. Go College route, get to know some plumbers by fair means or foul for experience, and try little jobs when your ready, get insured, dont turn up looking a mess and get a name for tidy work. You may have to do painting, gardening or whatever to earn a crust and work to wards your goal. It isnt easy but perservere and youll crack it, cant see an issue with 31 yrs as I broke out on my own at 41

 

[spanner]

Welcome. Enjoy