Longshot...

[ARL]

Hi lads, and ladies. I'm 17 and I'm currently at college studying Level 2 City and Guilds plumbing course. To be honest I've found that the course hasn't been much use as the college seem to cut as many corners as possible, I would love to be out there on the job and actually learning the trade, in real life situations. I know this question must get posted everyday now, but I was wondering if there's any plumbers in the Coventry area looking for an apprentice? I've sent numerous letters and emails off, with no success and I'm beginning to get a little bit disheartened by it.

Thanks in advance, Alex.

 

[Ecofrank]

Write to all your local plumbers and ask. BUT... tell them what you can do for them.

E.g.

"Next year I'm going to start up on my own (sign-written van, flyers locally and paid Google ads) and I'm going to get a lot of jobs that will be too tough for my level of experience - and I will forward all that work to you..."

Or...

"I'm not going to do gas work... but you do. Help me out with some experience and when my phone starts ringing - all boiler fit enquiries go to you!"

That's just an example. Think from their shoes.

 

[ARL]

Thanks for the help mate!

 

[Phil]

One thing that will absolutley gaurantee that you letter goes straight in the bin is starting it "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam"

You need to find out the name of who you're writting to and try and personalise it to that person/company, receiving a letter and knowing full well that it is just one of many sent in a maill shot will never get a response.

Try and get face to face with prospective employers as well or you'll just be another anonymous letter sender, maybe try and get a Saturday morning job in a plumbers merchants or something??

 

[ARL]

Thanks Phil, will definitely give it a go!

 

[WHPES]

One way to guarantee not getting a job is failure to thank anyone for any advice or offers they may send you, or failing to acknowledge emails. A student wrote to me last week and I sent an email repy with advice and suggestions. No response or thanks for the effort! Won't be offering him anything if it comes up!