Thinking of training to become a plumber

[jonbod]

Hello folks. I'm new to this site, this is also my first post so apologies for any questions regarded as idiotic!

I'm 30 and been in the specialist security sector for several years and recently after becoming a dad I've decided i want out and to get a trade.
I've been researching rates, average hours, what sort of trade I'd like to do, what I would enjoy and its come down to plumbing.
after all this I worked for a few weeks with a family friend who is a gas engineer to get an idea of the job and I really enjoyed it.

I've just recently got my cscs card and I've booked a heating and ventilation course due to start in september (apparently heating and ventilation other than plumbing is a better course for me to do to find work) not sure of that though.

I've also enrolled as a plumbers mate on a few agencies but with no prevail because of the time of year with no work about in my area (northamptonshire)

Is there anyone who could give me some advice and possibly some info on work around with in a 1:30 hour travel time?

cheers in advance!

 

[markfxy]

Best advice is don't do it! stick to what you know, why not start your own security company got to be more money in that than plumbing:smartass:

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Sheesh, we may sound like doom and gloom merchants but if it's what you want to do then go for it.
Got to remember that wages will be crap for the first few years dude.

 

[lame plumber]

if theres no work this time of year in your area there is something wrong!!!!

 

[jonbod]

thanks for the really interesting comments.

 

[jtsplumbing]

Have a look through this site ! lost count of how meny come on here asking the same question, some make it some don't , what the percentage is I don't know, What I do know is what it costs just to start the training, then it all the other bits , Tools/transport/insurance, after that its the time it takes to gain enough experience [the hard part] so that someone will employ you, Don't know what rate of pay you will be expecting or where you got the figures from ! Not the Daly Mail I hope, But it sometimes comes has a shock just what you will earn, But you could be one the lucky ones that do well, Best take a long hard look into what you will get out of it B4 you start parting with lots of money for fast track training ! Good Luck with your decision .

 

[Dai Williams]

Hey jon i started out in plumbing in oct 2013 its hard going £100 a week for the first year and then £250 second year and £300 third year
but the key thing is the experience i work with a gas safe engineer day in day out always gaining really valuable skills and knowledge. the fast courses really are just a waste of money. im only new to this forum but have already lost count of how many times iv seen a post from somebody who has done a fast course and is even offering to work for free to build up a portfolio to gain an nvq qualification.

i know its not easy and it took me over 18 months to find one but personally i think in this trade a minimum 3 year apprenticeship is the only way to go.

 

[jaydebruyne]

I second what Dai said. I did a fast track course and wished I hadn't, not only does it cost a fortune but it teaches you the very bare minimum which you have to learn all over again when you get out in the field.

I was lucky to have been picked up by a firm on the back of my city and guilds level 2, very lucky. It's bloody tough most days as I had zero experience in plumbing and building work so every day is a BIG learning curve plus the pressure of 6 to 8 jobs a day to get done. But I'm grateful to have the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

No one person will give you the answer to the best route, but from experience the best way to learn is by doing. Maybe continue going out with the gas engineer and do plumbing jobs for mates etc. Do yourself a favour and get public liability insurance though.

If you want to learn the basics then the city and guild books are a good guide if you know nothing about plumbing like I did, gives you a bit of technical knowledge which does help when you're gaining experience.

I'm only getting into plumbing at 37 years old and there are days when I ask myself why I bothered!!! But I've spent too much money on courses and tools (£10,000 roughly) to quit. Plus I'm stubborn

Good luck though mate.. and this forum is amazingly helpful, I've learned loads from the members on here and will continue to do so.. I'd be a bit lost without it to be fair

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Hey jon i started out in plumbing in oct 2013 its hard going £100 a week for the first year and then £250 second year and £300 third year
but the key thing is the experience i work with a gas safe engineer day in day out always gaining really valuable skills and knowledge. the fast courses really are just a waste of money. im only new to this forum but have already lost count of how many times iv seen a post from somebody who has done a fast course and is even offering to work for free to build up a portfolio to gain an nvq qualification.

i know its not easy and it took me over 18 months to find one but personally i think in this trade a minimum 3 year apprenticeship is the only way to go.

I take £750 pm out my company so £300 pw ain't too be TBH

 

[julesverne]

Its a hard slog mate but it can be done. But lets be honest its been a good 6 years before i started earning good money through my business. And you will struggle to find an employer as you have no experience, though not impossible?
Just dont expect the streets to be paved with gold like the training companies tell you cos its a lie.

 

[jaydebruyne]

Yup, don't trust anything the training companies tell you. They literally are just after your money ... I learned from experience

 

[DrainMedic]

Are these figures accurate? £100/£250/£300 for first second and third years?

Im paying my apprentice way too much - that'll change now!!

 

[Dai Williams]

In South Wales seems to be roughly accurate. My college class are all roughly on the same wage and we are all second year apprentices

 

[DrainMedic]

In South Wales seems to be roughly accurate. My college class are all roughly on the same wage and we are all second year apprentices

Thanks for that Dai, the lad who works for me doesn't start college until September (I only took him on in November '14) and I think I started him on the wrong wage!

I wouldnt mind mind so much if he made one mistake then learnt from it but I spend 90% of the time moaning at him to do simple stuff like not putting the toolbag down outside, to save it getting dirty for when we put it down in a customers house, and swearing in front of the customers - I've nearly died of embarrassment more than once when he's said something he shouldn't have!

 

[jtsplumbing]

Thanks for that Dai, the lad who works for me doesn't start college until September (I only took him on in November '14) and I think I started him on the wrong wage!

I wouldnt mind mind so much if he made one mistake then learnt from it but I spend 90% of the time moaning at him to do simple stuff like not putting the toolbag down outside, to save it getting dirty for when we put it down in a customers house, and swearing in front of the customers - I've nearly died of embarrassment more than once when he's said something he shouldn't have!

Kids these days ! what can you do with them
:13:

 

[village idiot]

Thanks for that Dai, the lad who works for me doesn't start college until September (I only took him on in November '14) and I think I started him on the wrong wage!

I wouldnt mind mind so much if he made one mistake then learnt from it but I spend 90% of the time moaning at him to do simple stuff like not putting the toolbag down outside, to save it getting dirty for when we put it down in a customers house, and swearing in front of the customers - I've nearly died of embarrassment more than once when he's said something he shouldn't have!

Walk away. I meant tell the kid to take awalk. I couldn't cope with the stress

 

[DrainMedic]

Walk away. I meant tell the kid to take awalk. I couldn't cope with the stress

Ive considered it a few times. I'd give you a few examples of the problems but you'd all think I was mental for keeping him on!

 

[wiggers]

I've had numerous lads working with me school leavers, bad ones from school older work experience and lads from college. None of them have ever shown any interest but now I've got a 21 yr old qualified to nvq2 and he's working voluntary I surprised by the enthusiasm he has and the drive and determination to succeed he now does everything plumbing related but our company are not expanding
he still cannot find work he's tried everything and it just shows how difficult the market is at the moment. He really enjoys what he does so I'm sure he will succeed in the end but just don't be fooled
about walking into work

 

[Dai Williams]

At the age of 16/17 it's very rare that any school leavers are really going to show much enthusiasm in work. I find after working 3/4 years or boring office/call centre jobs that any apprentice will be much more thankful for the opportunity

 

[Stanios]

Starting out as an apprentice is probably one of the hardest stages.. it was for me. You get the worst jobs, and get moaned at. You have 0 employment rights and you risk your health every day at work. What makes it worse is you dont get paid anywhere near enough. Really tests your commitment.

 

[tamz]

I think Jay covered most things here. I've got opinions i'll keep to myself.

 

[jacquiplumb]

I am a apprentice, am 35 I had been trying to get this role since 25, now in my second year, I struggle running a house on what I earn and have to plaster in my spare time to make ends meet but am gaining alot of experience, and loving it. It is hard but who said anything is easy?

 

[oz-plumber]

I think Jay covered most things here. I've got opinions i'll keep to myself.

Hi Tamz,

Please don't keep you opinions to yourself.

Unload !!!!!

Your opinions are too 'enlightening' and 'educational' to keep to yourself.

Oz

 

[newcastle phill]

He normally charges £45+vat per hour for an opinion

 

[SimplyPlumber]

Becoming good plumber will take you some time at least 5-6 years. Just ring some local plumbing company and ask if they need any apprentice - or work part time as a security man and offer to work free for plumbing company. Your experience will be very precious and will pay off