Help advice need about new job

[81ll]

I am trying to build my gas portfolio to become gas safe plumber within the Reading, Berkshire area.

After months of struggling to find someone to help I finally found someone.

Question I have is all I am doing is general labouring (helping make the skim, cutting wood to burn, washing tools, cleaning etc.) basically everything but plumbing work.

I don't mind as long I eventually get to do some plumbing work, thing is:

- I don't get paid for the full days work
- Have to travel out of town for the experience
- Have been asked from next week if I can start to bring in the others guys to the site (no petrol money being offered)

Is this a normal situation, I'm starting to think the guys taking the mickey a little bit.

Please advise

 

[Ermintrude]

Give it a week tell him what u said!

 

[tamz]

There is nothing normal in this trade anymore especially the road into it.
If you are picking up other guys in your car/van make it plain from day 1 they will be paying.
And yes i think he is ripping the knitting.

 

[Masood]

Do you have to go out of your way to pick the other guys up? In which case I'd (politely) suggest they all chip in to help fill your car up!

 

[81ll]

I'm concerned that if I explain how I feel he'll tell me to do one.

Did other people experience similar things when they started out.

Can anyone recommend a way to find a gas guy who might be actually able to help me?

 

[erpkid]

It is a tough one as the ends may justify the means. Just make sure that you are getting genuine signed portfolio items along the way. A friend of mine helped me through my portfolio however it took 2 years to get there. Put yourself in their shoes. What is in it for them? If you are good you are competition if not you may damage their reputation. If you are getting the proof bite your lip. If you are biting your lip without proof walk away.

 

[erpkid]

There is nothing normal in this trade anymore especially the road into it.
If you are picking up other guys in your car/van make it plain from day 1 they will be paying.
And yes i think he is ripping the knitting.

Brilliant phrasing as ever you should leave plumbing and write a book :29:

 

[erpkid]

Brilliant phrasing as ever you should leave plumbing and write a book :29:

But don't leave the forum

 

[turnpin]

seem's to me the guy is taking the proverbial ....I think you need to ask for expenses if he expects you carry his workforce what would they all do if you had no transport of your own who would pick you up ....look for another start elsewhere imho...good luck regards Tunpin:43:

 

[tamz]

you should leave plumbing and write a book :29:

If i'd have stuck in at the school and got that english o level well you never know........ :smile:

 

[Ray Stafford]

I'm concerned that if I explain how I feel he'll tell me to do one.

Did other people experience similar things when they started out.

Can anyone recommend a way to find a gas guy who might be actually able to help me?

Wander into Williams & Co merchants on the Cradock Road estate and introduce yourself to Chris Roberts, the manager there. He's only a whippersnapper himself .

Ask him if a) you can put up a notice advertising your services in return for training and b) does he know anyone who might help?

Local independent merchants usually know everyone worth knowing...and a few that aren't

 

[81ll]

Cheers Ray will do

 

[AWheating]

Tell him your missus is using the car next week and you gunna get the bus or train. Then see if anybody offers to pick you up. I'm guessing they be taking the filtered bladder water.