Apprenticeships

[Osmosis]

Hi, I will start by saying sorry about my lack of knowledge about plumbing.

I will be starting college in september and was wondering how would I be able to be taken on as an apprentice by a company. The course title is: Plumbing 6129 Level 2, it will be my first year at college and was hoping if anyone could tell me how I can get an apprenticship as well as what I will need when I start my course at college. I am 18 and looking to be a part of a fairly big company. The ones that stick out to me are 4C's and Leakbusters, my friend is with a company and I asked him if he could put in a word for me but he wants me to do it on my own (be independent he said) so I shall but first I just need a few pointers. Could anyone point out good companies in London nearby tottenham doesn't have to be close though.

I know little about plumbing, I want to know if that will hinder my progression in becoming an apprentice?

Many Thanks,

Osmosis.

 

[Unregistered]

Can no one help????

 

[razal]

Good luck in finding a position, it aint gonna be easy though , your mate sounds like he,s protecting his bum a bit to me ?
You are going to college because you know little about plumbing , you dont ever need to apologise for that. Do the course and hassle for a job, most of the bigger companies will want a minimum of C,s in gcse,s, if you aint got that think also of getting better results through evening classes perhaps.
You may find once you learn some plumbing and have a bit of hands on experience that it aint for you or you may really like it, in either case I say best of luck to you.

 

[Osmosis]

Good luck in finding a position, it aint gonna be easy though , your mate sounds like he,s protecting his bum a bit to me ?
You are going to college because you know little about plumbing , you dont ever need to apologise for that. Do the course and hassle for a job, most of the bigger companies will want a minimum of C,s in gcse,s, if you aint got that think also of getting better results through evening classes perhaps.
You may find once you learn some plumbing and have a bit of hands on experience that it aint for you or you may really like it, in either case I say best of luck to you.

Can you tell me of any companies that will take me on? Also how soon should I join a company? Can I or should I join one now? I was predicted B's and C's in my GCSEs however I only got 2 Cs and the rest were Ds and Es do you think this will hinder my chance of getting into a company? Thanks for replying and I hope I find a company soon.

Thank You Again!

 

[anz]

Can you tell me of any companies that will take me on? Also how soon should I join a company? Can I or should I join one now? I was predicted B's and C's in my GCSEs however I only got 2 Cs and the rest were Ds and Es do you think this will hinder my chance of getting into a company? Thanks for replying and I hope I find a company soon.

Thank You Again!

Hi,

Finding an apprenticeship isn't easy, believe me, I've been looking for years. The grades that you have got will definitely affect your chances as most companies look for grade C and above. However this dosen't mean it's the end of world, it just means that your going to have to look harder then other people, and perhaps instead of looking at the bigger national companies you should apply at the smaller independent businesses in your area.
As I have said I have been looking for an apprenticeship for the past two years and I have attended hundreds of Interviews/assessment days and I have been told that between the final few candidates there is little difference so it's just down to luck then, but you can make your chances better by enrolling on on to a plumbing course at college and doing some GCSEs again (the vital ones e.g. Maths, English, Science). You will only do this if you don't find an apprenticeship this year.
My GCSE grades are brilliant A-C but I found that this wasn't enough so I completed my 6129 plumbing course earlier this year and I have found that with the extra knowledge gained through this I will find myself an apprenticeship this year. I have already sent a few applications off and I have got a few interviews/assessments in the coming weeks and I feel that I would probably be the best candidate for these jobs.
Now is a bad time to start looking for an apprenticeship as many company's close there application process early in the year, however there still are a few companies out there that are still recruiting. I am not going to tell you who they are or where they are because then you will be competing with me for a already highly competitive position.
During the few years that I have been looking for an apprenticeship, I have learnt a few tricks that makes the whole process a lot easier, I don't want to share this secret at the moment, however when I am placed on to the apprenticeship scheme I will be looking at helping guys like you because I know how difficult it is.

Finally I would like to wish you good look and I hope everything works out for you.

Thank You

 

[Osmosis]

Hi,

Finding an apprenticeship isn't easy, believe me, I've been looking for years. The grades that you have got will definitely affect your chances as most companies look for grade C and above. However this dosen't mean it's the end of world, it just means that your going to have to look harder then other people, and perhaps instead of looking at the bigger national companies you should apply at the smaller independent businesses in your area.
As I have said I have been looking for an apprenticeship for the past two years and I have attended hundreds of Interviews/assessment days and I have been told that between the final few candidates there is little difference so it's just down to luck then, but you can make your chances better by enrolling on on to a plumbing course at college and doing some GCSEs again (the vital ones e.g. Maths, English, Science). You will only do this if you don't find an apprenticeship this year.
My GCSE grades are brilliant A-C but I found that this wasn't enough so I completed my 6129 plumbing course earlier this year and I have found that with the extra knowledge gained through this I will find myself an apprenticeship this year. I have already sent a few applications off and I have got a few interviews/assessments in the coming weeks and I feel that I would probably be the best candidate for these jobs.
Now is a bad time to start looking for an apprenticeship as many company's close there application process early in the year, however there still are a few companies out there that are still recruiting. I am not going to tell you who they are or where they are because then you will be competing with me for a already highly competitive position.
During the few years that I have been looking for an apprenticeship, I have learnt a few tricks that makes the whole process a lot easier, I don't want to share this secret at the moment, however when I am placed on to the apprenticeship scheme I will be looking at helping guys like you because I know how difficult it is.

Finally I would like to wish you good look and I hope everything works out for you.

Thank You

Thanks for the heads up, its a shame that you can't fill me in a bit more about companies and tips on how to get recruited, but thanks anyway!

 

[Smcart5]

Contact all the local plumbing companies, every one of them.

I work in a garage at nights, so if your fortunate to work in a place where 100's of people pass through every day stick a sign on your till while your working saying your a plumbing student and need an apprenticeship (my sign has been up three days and already got a phone number that the guy thought might be able to arrange something.

Go to the local plumbing suppliers, they will usually let you advertise there.

Supermarkets where i live have free ads that you can pop up a small card, its usually on the way out so most people stop and look.

There's lots you can do so spam as much advertisements and contact as many plumber's as possible, ask friends and family if they know any plumbers, your bound to find one that will take you on eventually.
And get a car, you'll need it at some point.

Good luck

 

[Osmosis]

Contact all the local plumbing companies, every one of them.

I work in a garage at nights, so if your fortunate to work in a place where 100's of people pass through every day stick a sign on your till while your working saying your a plumbing student and need an apprenticeship (my sign has been up three days and already got a phone number that the guy thought might be able to arrange something.

Go to the local plumbing suppliers, they will usually let you advertise there.

Supermarkets where i live have free ads that you can pop up a small card, its usually on the way out so most people stop and look.

There's lots you can do so spam as much advertisements and contact as many plumber's as possible, ask friends and family if they know any plumbers, your bound to find one that will take you on eventually.
And get a car, you'll need it at some point.

Good luck

Thanks for the advice, I can tell your a cool guy

 

[Mushybees]

Hi, I'm in the middle of an apprenticeship.

Finding an apprenticeship isn't as hard as some people like to make out. Years finding an apprenticeship? I can only imagine that there's some vibe you'd have to give off to put off so many plumbers.
If you are punctual, polite and well turned out there's no reason someone won't give you a start. Being meticulous is a good attribute as is a sense of humour.
Know when to shut it as well No-one like a cocky teenager.


Also consider why you want an apprenticeship and be a plumber.
Saying you want to learn from first hand experience instead of paying to take a fast track college course is a good start.
So is because you want to earn an honest living by doing something practical but also technical.
Being able to stand back and derive satisfaction from a job well done is a good reason.

My employer has shown me a couple of letters he's received and they're cringe worthy. One guy couldn't spell apprentice (apurentise) and the other guy was gushy about how he'd like to start his own firm as soon as he's qualified.

If you speak to a plumber and he turns you down on the basis that he's already training someone there's no harm in asking when his existing apprentice's training will be complete and whether he'd consider taking you on afterwards.
I know there are few people looking to expand at this time but you never know.

Offer to forward your details for consideration when times are looking up. Chances are it'll go in the bin because he doesn't have time but you never know. The more you send, the more chance that someone will hold onto it.

Above all don't ever send a text message asking for a job and always ask on the phone if now is a good time to call. Answering a phone whilst on a ladder is no fun

Best of luck!

 

[razal]

Excellent advice Mushy'.

All valid points, the sort needed to sustain a well trained, experienced plumbing force for the future....somehow I know you will do well.

 

[Osmosis]

Hi, I'm in the middle of an apprenticeship.

Finding an apprenticeship isn't as hard as some people like to make out. Years finding an apprenticeship? I can only imagine that there's some vibe you'd have to give off to put off so many plumbers.
If you are punctual, polite and well turned out there's no reason someone won't give you a start. Being meticulous is a good attribute as is a sense of humour.
Know when to shut it as well No-one like a cocky teenager.


Also consider why you want an apprenticeship and be a plumber.
Saying you want to learn from first hand experience instead of paying to take a fast track college course is a good start.
So is because you want to earn an honest living by doing something practical but also technical.
Being able to stand back and derive satisfaction from a job well done is a good reason.

My employer has shown me a couple of letters he's received and they're cringe worthy. One guy couldn't spell apprentice (apurentise) and the other guy was gushy about how he'd like to start his own firm as soon as he's qualified.

If you speak to a plumber and he turns you down on the basis that he's already training someone there's no harm in asking when his existing apprentice's training will be complete and whether he'd consider taking you on afterwards.
I know there are few people looking to expand at this time but you never know.

Offer to forward your details for consideration when times are looking up. Chances are it'll go in the bin because he doesn't have time but you never know. The more you send, the more chance that someone will hold onto it.

Above all don't ever send a text message asking for a job and always ask on the phone if now is a good time to call. Answering a phone whilst on a ladder is no fun

Best of luck!

Wow this is like the best advice i've heard on how to get an apprenticeship.

EXCELLENT!

Thanks!

 

[Osmosis]

Any others with helpful advice?

 

[Osmosis]

Arsenal are the best!!!

 

[Mushybees]

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

 

[koceuk1]

im on my module 4 of my btsc college .
im looking for apprentice job in oxford.ive asked few companies but they said that because of recesion they are not taking any more of us..
anybody know for any good plumber companies in oxfordshire ..
many thanks for your help in advance

 

[Osmosis]

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

I don't even know the basics. I think I'll be better off if I start college, then get to know the basics, then move on to bigger and better things. What do you think?

 

[fuzzy]

im on my module 4 of my btsc college .
im looking for apprentice job in oxford.ive asked few companies but they said that because of recesion they are not taking any more of us..
anybody know for any good plumber companies in oxfordshire ..
many thanks for your help in advance

you and hundreds of others are looking for work.

the credit crunch does play a part but i think most firms are using this as an excuse not to take you with no experience or quals

 

[Piper]

EXCELLENT advice all through, Mushy, and good grief, he can use a spell checker!
Personal qualities are extremely important. Anyone who's scruffy, loud, impolite, disrespectful, moans if he has to work a bit late, always late arriving, smokes, has too many earrings, is on the phone too much, is inappropriately "matey" with the customer, and so on and on, is a liablility nobody wants.
Next thing - start plumbing! Use your friends, family and mates as victims for little money. Radiators, bathrooms and tap repairs aren't hard. Get what books you can - and there's plenty on the net. Learn how to wire a Y plan and an S plan and a C plan. Practice getting floorboards up without making a mess of them. Find out about fixing things on poor walls.
Get catalogues from fittings suppliers so you know about what you'll be handling.

An apprentice is a huge liability to start with. Learn enough so that you can hit the ground running and you'll find it much easier to get accepted.

 

[paulbrogden2007]

hello guys i hope some one can give me real advise and not be nasty about it. as some plumbers refuse to help and in fact ive seen posts where some one has asked for advise but got nothing but abuse i supose some plumbers regard people getting into plumbing as competition.

any way here goes im looking for a career been working in call centers for the past 3 years previous to that i did college studing film and graphic design which went no where previous to that i was doing mig welding and fabrication and manufacturing. any way im looking to train up but looking at the nvq structure it could take 5 years if i did it part time. their is a course being run by dewsbury town hall paid by the job center im going for an interview on the 18th. but its only run for 37 weeks. running for just 2 days a week i need advise how can i get to be a plumber i have applied on some apretance courses with kirklees council and leeds homes but not hered any thing for months.

please could you advise me im 30 unemployed and wondering if the course is any good even if i get on it as i supose many people will be going their and i think their will be a test to do. im a little dyslexic so i hope the test is not too hard.

i would like to here from real plumbers in the trade and students. if you can post a reply i be very gradeful if you do can you state if your a student or a fully qualifyed plumber and thanks for your advise.

 

[Osmosis]

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

I sent out so much it's unbelievable! I've got nothing but "Thanks for taking interest in our vacancy, we will get back to you in due course." And they never do! It gets harder by the day.

 

[paulbrogden2007]

tony bryden from train 4 trade skills


hi i had 2.5 hours interview today from a college adviser a so called person who seemed very nice but at the end i realized he was a salesman turning up in a black audi wanting to discuss the plumbing course where he talked about the shortages being out their however i have a relative in the plumbing trade who says because the down turn plumbers are not needed as much as the gov, say. any way tony discussed my situation such as my debts too wanted to know about my work history the things i had done i live in batley but i found it a very intense interview at the end then he discussed the costs by the end i felt if i had the money would have signed up.... if its a scam i must say its a very good one. any way the costs involved was £3950 or 22.50 per week i think they offer you fianance for the coursethe domestic course part lasts for 1 year which involves 6 weeks practical the rest is theory and virtual relialty training on the computer... their after another year for nvq level 3 and gas training. the full training including the proffesional part costs £5700 and or £35 a week.

he was still insistant their is work out their and claimed after doing the first year... could work doing basic plumbing to pay for the course it is still a loan you have to pay it is quicker than college he claimed full training takes in all about 2-3 years he claimed.

but given what plumbers are saying as well as my relative it appears work is short so maybe becoming a plumber is not a good idea but he was insisting that you need qualifications in a set trade to make a good living and was banging on about this he was saying the evening welding course i was doing wont get me any where as its only a certificate it seems i wont be able to get a job at all based on what he saying very depressing he kept going on about how does it feel to be unemployed how depressed does it make you.. what do you people think? thanks for reading...

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