Was it worth it?

[Aqua Mechanica]

Three years ago I started on a retrain to become a plumber, since then I have done a two year college course and gained Tech Cert Level 2 and NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing. Additionally I have gained a certificate in Domestic Unvented Hot Water Systems and a certificate in Part P Energy efficiency. So far I have spent around £2,400 on training, around £1,500 on tools and £2,600 on a van. I am also about to pay £1650 for a ten day course with a three day assessment on the end to gain just the CCN1.

I have worked always as a self employed subcontractor and have only ever found pricework which I find even in London to be very low for the work I have done (just been working between 10 to 14 hours a day earning a little over £100 a day).

Sure I have some new qualifications, nice bits of paper with my name on but even with all these qualifications, the pay is still not able to justify all the training.

Finding an employed job with a salary has seemed to be impossible so far, which is something I would prefer if available.

So, after all this, is it worth it? If someone had told me about all this before I started down this path, maybe I would have done something different.

 

[Dava811]

I would be happy with £500 a week, and im a trainee plumber, hell its what i strive for. Sure beats queing up at the dole office.

 

[quality]

train from scratch, spent a few grand then in 3 years on £500 a week

Give yourself a pat on the back

 

[andyg0507]

yeah i would give yourself a pat on the back 2 aqua, theres lads at my college who have been training for 2 years and only geting paid £150 a week.

 

[Blackcatgas]

Three years ago I started on a retrain to become a plumber, since then I have done a two year college course and gained Tech Cert Level 2 and NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing. Additionally I have gained a certificate in Domestic Unvented Hot Water Systems and a certificate in Part P Energy efficiency. So far I have spent around £2,400 on training, around £1,500 on tools and £2,600 on a van. I am also about to pay £1650 for a ten day course with a three day assessment on the end to gain just the CCN1.

I have worked always as a self employed subcontractor and have only ever found pricework which I find even in London to be very low for the work I have done (just been working between 10 to 14 hours a day earning a little over £100 a day).

Sure I have some new qualifications, nice bits of paper with my name on but even with all these qualifications, the pay is still not able to justify all the training.

Finding an employed job with a salary has seemed to be impossible so far, which is something I would prefer if available.

So, after all this, is it worth it? If someone had told me about all this before I started down this path, maybe I would have done something different.

I agree with everything youve just said and Ive been doing it 14 yrs.
working for £100 a day as a subby thats crap Jesus I didnt know it was that bad.
Plumbing has never been aswell paid as people think.

 

[justlead1]

Hi. If you had gone to university, your debt on completion would be far greater than that which you described, and chances are you would gain no work. Enjoy the journey. Your knowledge and skills gained can only improve and can not be taken away. When new to the game, price work can be off putting but its the best way to make a shilling, with out the responsibility of the supply and fix market. Try and watch the good earner. This should give you ideas of how to improve speed. Good Luck

 

[moony]

yeah i would give yourself a pat on the back 2 aqua, theres lads at my college who have been training for 2 years and only geting paid £150 a week.

do i know you haha,


yeah seriously aqua im currently completing my level 3 nvq done the first 2 years and level 2 apprenticeship in college one day a week, 30 yrs old, 2 kids miss's popping another one out in 2 months, and trying to live on 165 a week - is it worth it - i bloody hope it is lol

 

[Aqua Mechanica]

I watched Soccer AM this morning and they said that Mido, the new West Ham striker had taken a pay cut and was on the same money as a Plumber. The hosts and guests sumised that he was on £1,000 a week.

I always thought £1,000 a week was a plumbers wage before I got into this.

Being honest though, plumber should be on about seven/eight hundred quid a week right? That's what I'm looking for ;-)

And you're right, these skills will never be taken away, and I do thoroughly enjoy the work otherwise I wouldn't have done the 14 hour days

 

[moony]

I watched Soccer AM this morning and they said that Mido, the new West Ham striker had taken a pay cut and was on the same money as a Plumber. The hosts and guests sumised that he was on £1,000 a week.

I always thought £1,000 a week was a plumbers wage before I got into this.

Being honest though, plumber should be on about seven/eight hundred quid a week right? That's what I'm looking for ;-)

And you're right, these skills will never be taken away, and I do thoroughly enjoy the work otherwise I wouldn't have done the 14 hour days

in ten years mate got enough experience good customer base - contracts with local connections etc etc maybe a grand is achievable. but after a couple of years training just getting into the game your doing quite well matey

 

[oldplumber]

if you're employed as a plumber, youll only get the lower end of the wage scale, its the boss who risking all and therefore earning the golden egg. If you are willing to work on your own and establish a customer base over several years then £5k a month net after buying all the boilers etc is achievable, but its hard work getting there. Sorry guys this is life and on a level 2 nvq etc you have a little way to go yet, but stick at it and you are on your way.
Ps pray for snow it helps keep the bank at bay.