Newly qualified at 54!

[PDS]

Hi Guys, just thought I'd introduce myself.
At the grand age of 54, I have just qualified as a wet plumber.
Previously, I was a teacher of engineering at an FE college for 18 years and before that run my own motor vehicle repair business.
Needless to say, friends and family think I'm mad but I'm really enjoying the challenges that each day brings.
I guess I will be looking for advice as time moves forward and from what i have seen so far, you guys do not hold back in your support for those of us new to the trade.

 

[townfanjon]

Hello Sir and welcome .
A bit like me mate , spent years in the motor trade and then went back to school to learn a proper job lol lol

 

[PDS]

And a proper job it is too.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Hello and welcome

 

[townfanjon]

And a proper job it is too.

Both are very hard , big plus point with plumbing and heating is your overheads are very low , garage premises etc wow , fortune , I worked 3/4 days a week to pay traders policy , rent , rates , utilities etc etc etc .

 

[PDS]

That sounds about right with the insurance, big workshops to heat and staff who often f*%k up customers cars.
Mind you, after 18 years teaching i reckon I've gone a bit soft.

 

[PDS]

Hello and welcome

Hi and thank you

 

[Riley]

Greetings

 

[chris watkins]

Welcome along,
So how are you finding it so far ?
Where does your work come from & what are you doing?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Welcome to the madness

 

[WC1]

Well done on qualification. As you say it's all about enjoying the challenges. When it's a bit tricky but you get it to go right - no better feeling!!

 

[chris watkins]

When it's a bit tricky but you get it to go right - no better feeling!!

How is your Love life WC1 ??

 

[New Gas Engineer]

Im 32 and just finishing my level 2 in plumbing and heating.
Just waiting to get a start date for level 3 gas safe course but Id like to go the other.
I mean once Im 50+ Id like to go into teaching.

All our tutors at college were previously plumbers. Injuries/health related problems found them re training as teachers.

 

[chris watkins]

It is harder than you may think not only do you need to know your stuff cos if you don't the little buggers will find you out but then you have to do your A1 (assessors) followed by the equivalent of a PGC degree in teaching or what ever they are calling it now.
Still the pay is great!!! Once fully qualified with a degree in teaching, A Level 3 in Plumbing / Heating & gas + good electrical knowledge, plus your A1 award you will be able to commended the princely sum of around £34K a year.
Oh & don't tell me the holidays are good cos you will either be sick, doing prep, or sorting out the workshop ready for the next lot & if you do manage to slip away for a couple of weeks you will be paying top dollar as the schools are out to.
Still want to do it ??

 

[SimonG]

Welcome along but at 54 give your head a wobble. I'm 51 and looking at coming off of the tools in the next few years. Bad knees and thumbs.

 

[Last Plumber]

Bad knees and thumbs.

Thumbs like a beavers tail?

 

[Last Plumber]

Hi Guys, just thought I'd introduce myself.
At the grand age of 54, I have just qualified as a wet plumber.

Hello There.

 

[SimonG]

Thumbs like a beavers tail?

Just sore.

Best thing about going on holiday these days is all the aches stop and i can get my hands clean. But the muck is the oil side.

 

[Last Plumber]

EDIT:

 

[Harvest Fields]

Everyone to their own.

 

[Last Plumber]

Everyone to their own.

I had to edit that after re-reading it. Sorry HF, it sounded like an advert for PPE.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I had to edit that after re-reading it. Sorry HF, it sounded like an advert for PPE.

 

[townfanjon]

Welcome along but at 54 give your head a wobble. I'm 51 and looking at coming off of the tools in the next few years. Bad knees and thumbs.

Nob-ert a lad

 

[Chuck]

Bad knees and thumbs.

Just your back, hips and eyes to go then...

 

[Last Plumber]

Nob-ert a lad

Ecky thump!