Nvq level 2 plumber as of 2008 looking for domestix experience!

[CarlMac]

Well hello UK plumbers forum!!

my name is Carl I am a Nvq level 2 qualified plumber as of 2008 via Croydon college in south london. I have spent most of my career on building sites working for a leading mechanical company D G Robson Mechanical ( Now owned by T Clarke ). My domestic knowledge is limited havin spent a couple of years during my Apprentiship in domestic dwellings my hands on was limited. I then joined DGR and gained the ability to run pipework hang air codnditioning units and also worked using steel crimping pipework and test it alongside using mechanical drawings and completing final installation drawings of the royal london hospital in east london. I then broke my leg and during recovery joined wolseley uk aka plumb and parts center and have since flourished in sales mostly because i already knew what everything was and am hight adaptable to new surroundings. Now that my leg is 100% as of June last year I am looking to get back on the tools and continue what in my opinion is at least a 5 year Apprentiship in plumbing, all these young guns who think 2 years and your mr pimlico are wrong as the plumbing industry is so vast and has so many different avenues to be explored. I am from south west london have a decent set of tools and would be more than willing to be taken on at an improves wage an brought along by my potential mentor. I am 22 have a 3 year old son so potential employers should hopefully realise I am keen and deadly serious about my work if not for me but also for my young family. If you click on my profile and check my about me section you will see my cv.
Mlook forward to heating from you guys!!!

 

[Deleted member 25704]

You have some experience so that is a key factor in your favour, along with the fact that you have worked on commercial sites. Many of your competitors have no or little experience, so push this if you get an interview.

I would skip the domestic sector completely, and don't buy any qualifications - they are not worth it and they will not get you more work. Domestic sector has been flooded with new entrants, new gas safe guys, self employed numbers going through roof.

Try to get back into commercial sector, but its still difficult here too. Best way to go, is to suit up and visit firms offices and meet people, use your contacts through plumb centre to talk to commercial managers and project supervisors.

If you are in employment of any kind, stick with it and ride out the recession. Don't be tempted to go self employed, it just creates jobs for professionals e.g. van vendors, accountants, bankers, lawyers, tool sellers, insurance companies.

I hope you get a break.

 

[CarlMac]

Thanks clanger,

i am employed by plumb center at the moment but on the tools is we're my real passion lies and as I say it is only due to breaking my leg that I came off them. My career has been stop start and now I am back to full health I am dying to continue my Apprentiship and I see it as a bonus that any potential employer would not have to put me through college etc as I already have the ticket just lack the knowledge!! I am mature am grown up enough to know that init because you have an Nvq in plumbing does not make you a plumber it is at least 5 years or perhaps more so I would only ask for say an improvers money but trying to gain employment as an improver is difficult as people want fully competent plumbers. Highly appreciate your feedback though for this I thank you greatly