Looking for advice on Apprenticeships

[Clint21]

Hello

I got a placement to start an C&G in plumbing and heating at college in Sept. But I can change to a NVQ level 2 even once I start the course which I'm hoping to doing. I have been looking already for an apprenticeship for the last few months but havn't had any luck so fair so what i would like to find out is.... Am I looking to early?

Cheers

 

[tamz]

Are you leaving school after this term or have you already left?

This is about the time to start looking hard. The time for apprentice's being taken on is mainly in the summer so college placements can be arranged for the start of the term. Companies generally have priority placements for NVQ's so they need the apprentices started before the college terms.

It is all about leg work. Look up every plumbing, heating and gas company in your area and get something the likes of
i am leaving school in July, i would appreciate if you send me an application form or keep me on record for any future apprenticeship vacancies which may arise blah blah blah sent out to them all.
There are still apprenticeships to be had, usually with the bigger companies, not forgetting councils, but the smaller ones still occasionally take one or two on. A lot of it may be luck, being in the right place at the right time or having friends, relatives etc already working somewhere who can keep an ear out and put a word in.

Stay positive and good luck.

 

[Clint21]

I left school years ago I'm 27 and been in the building game for years doing all different things but plumbing was always something I fancied. Thanks for the advice didnt even think about councils ill give them a try and ill keep you posted

Cheers

 

[chris watkins]

Sorry Clint you have missed the boat !! you will get no funding so will have to pay all yourself L2 & 3 10K +
I am not being funny but I fancied doing a lot of things (doctor or nurse !, deep sea diver, stream train driver) but new my limitations or just got old.
Please read the lack of work post on here & for god sake don't do a sort course in plumbing!!!!!!!

 

[Rayner]

I left school in 2009, couldn't find a job for love nor money, all GCSE's A-C grade and when I say I wrote hundreds of letters to people I'm not lying. I still couldn't find a job and like you, did the city and guilds level 2 full time course. At the end of the course I stuck lucky, through numerous phone calls and persistence. I rung the same bloke 3 times each time he said he'd get back to me but never did so I kept ringing, offering to work for nothing. He gave me a trial and I worked for a good few months free of charge, been doing it 2 years now, my wages are cr*p for the amount of work I do but you have to put up with it for the long run. Best advice I could give is don't give up, put yourself about and even offer to work for nothing if you have to. Also google apprenticeships.org, you enter your post code and job preference and it finds all the companies looking to take on.
Good luck!

 

[Clint21]

I understand what you mean and I know its hard to get in to but this is something I believe I will be great in just need to be given that chance. But I well defiantly check out that post also what do you mean by sort course?

Cheers

 

[plumb_new]

Sorry Clint you have missed the boat !! you will get no funding so will have to pay all yourself L2 & 3 10K +
I am not being funny but I fancied doing a lot of things (doctor or nurse !, deep sea diver, stream train driver) but new my limitations or just got old.
Please read the lack of work post on here & for god sake don't do a sort course in plumbing!!!!!!!

If you are over 24 then I believe that you need to find an employer who is willing to pay the costs of the course on your behalf and then you can do the apprenticeship - might be worth investigating further if you think you can persuade an employer to take you on...

 

[Koogatubac]

There is certain funding around. When i was 20/21 i got made redundant and the firm went into liquidisation!
I got a number to contact who helps people get their qualifications. At that time i had my lvl2 and was on £300 prior. I got funding and went back down to £80 a week on a heat squad installing boilers, heatings etc however it was a price to pay to get my gas portfolio done!!
As the others mentioned it is really hard out there! I for one is starting up my own business and the help here is second to none!!
Its right what they say, experience cant be bought!!
Your at the start of your 4 year course all in all! You really need to think if plumbing is right for you. Ive been laid off in the past 4 years in total 12 times due to work shortage!
Not because im crap (well i hope not ) just because the firms cant get enough work!!
Good luck in your discision

 

[Clint21]

Thats the thing I'm will to fund it myself if thats what it takes. I've sent out over 70 emails and letters out to companys and still nothing yet, only got 4 relpys to say there not taking on just not sure what else i can do.

 

[Koogatubac]

Its not about letters or what you know, its WHO you know. U need to do alot of asslicking through your apprenticeship! Businesses get so many letters about apprenticeships. Best way is to go into the business and ask to speak to the director. Also if you say "nice to meet you mr (such and such)" it straight away tells the director that you've done your research

 

[gemma_p]

You can still get funding if u sign up before 31st of july after that no funding for over 24 so find something asap

Sent from my BlackBerry 9790 using Tapatalk

 

[fuzzy]

I left school years ago I'm 27 and been in the building game for years doing all different things but plumbing was always something I fancied. Thanks for the advice didnt even think about councils ill give them a try and ill keep you posted

Cheers

good luck mate, there will be a cost to your course even if you get a job