I think the problem is with work is the sort of work people want to do and what pays.
If someone wants a whole house heating system renewed, boiler, rads, timers etc there is a lot more profit in this than say changing a set of kitchen taps. Obviously. So, when people say I had to wait 3 weeks to get a plumber, what sort of job is it?
I know a plumber who will not touch the small stuff, just doesn't need it or want it. Thankfully. He gives these customers my number, in return, I give him the boilers (not the two legged type!). It works well, if he gets a job that is a bit too much for one, I take a few days out my diary and work for him.
He can't employ me full time (certainly wouldn't want him to, I like working on my own), even doing the small stuff. Lets say a kitchen tap, relatively straight forward with flexi's (if you use them) lets call it £100 job, it all goes a bit wrong, drain tank, air locks blah blah. Maximum half a day, so, £100 is good (IMO).
The problem is Jase that he would have paid you £100 and may not have anything else for you to do. So, in real terms your earning more than the guy employing you.
I don't believe what customers tell me, I've phoned 6 plumbers no one's interested etc. more like the customer won't pay what is being asked!
Just a small point, not wanting to get into the boring old debate, fast trackers are rubbish, I'm a time served dinosaur etc etc.
Although the older fast tracker has a lot to offer the established plumber, over a 16 year old muppet on his phone all day, unwilling to help, unreliable etc, there is a hell of a lot to learn the tricks of the trade, how to hang a rad quickly and accurately (not the college way), I certainly didn't get paid well by my friend when I started, I do get paid more now though, although still not £100 but certainly the knowledge, experience is well worth it.
