work with plumber/heating engineer for free Plymouth, Devon

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steveo1

Hi, I am a very reliable, punctual, well mannered, motivated and hardworking 29 year old, living in Plymouth. I am a qualified carpenter with plenty of my own tools and a good knowledge of construction. I am desperately trying to get into plumbing/heating engineering but need to get on with a qualified person in order to get on an NVQ. I am already on a L2 evening course at college which has taught me the basics of hot and cold water systems, central heating and sanitation, and I have my own plumbing tools.


I would assist with any laboring or hands on work for free, whether it's for a day or a week. All I ask for is the opportunity to work on plumbing/heating jobs with a qualified person, with the possibility that it might lead to more work in the future.
 
There maybe plumbers willing to work with a qualified carpenter, everybody and his dog wants to be a plumber. LOL
Oh and welcome to the forum Steveo
 
Thanks ecowarm. I'm surprised how difficult it's been trying to get on with a plumber. I've rang maybe 50 and sent letters to another 25. The majority understandably haven't got enough work on, but a handful seemed really interested and said that they would get back to me, i'm still waiting, but it's only been a few days so we'll see. I'm guessing that it will be a lot easier when the economy improves, but it's partly because of the downturn that it's become a good time to retrain.
 
steveo1 said:
I'm guessing that it will be a lot easier when the economy improves, but it's partly because of the downturn that it's become a good time to retrain.
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Try to understand the sentence you have stated above and think about the implications of tens of thousands of 'unemployed', careeer changers, army resetlement, apprentices (British Gas are paid by government to train more apprentices than they need), and redundant workers with cash settlements, women (who are being given grants to train for free), and those who think there is money in plumbing...all these people want the same as you. Add to this the fact that since 2003, around 100,000 people a year coming into the industry, which requires around 3,000 plumbers a year. We are also told that people retiring will have to work till 70, so the scam of the older plumbers going and a gap being opened are just sales pitches.

Government have turned a blind eye to this, because people just want to burn money.

When will things pick up if ever? The days of self employed plumbers making anything above minimum wage (after expenses) are gone. Working class wage inflation was a problem in the past, but this has been checked by flooding the labour market, its called an over-supply and it keeps our wages down, so inflation is kept down.

Sorry, but no light at the end of the tunnel here, just more business running costs (CPA1) and more risk, to earn £6.50 an hour.

Stick to the wood, at least the skill you do now, can't be hijacked by those doing six week courses. Plumbing is now an unskilled occupation.
 
Paints a pretty dull future for the plumbing industry, I agree with you though, and I have witnessed a lot of what you are saying across other trades too. My experience of college 6-7 years ago, was that about 30% of students had potential to be excellent or good enough tradesmen, but the other 70% were either useless, un-interested, or simply taking the course because it was fully funded. To my surprise they were walked through college by the teachers, and given there qualifications when they weren't ready.

It makes me wonder whether all these grants and things that are offered to certain groups is bad for the industry, and results in a lot of un-suitable people entering the industry. 50% of the mature students on my evening class are perfect for the industry, but only 1 or 2 can get work with a plumber.

Like you say I might be better sticking to what I know best.
 
steveo1 said:
It makes me wonder whether all these grants and things that are offered to certain groups is bad for the industry, and results in a lot of un-suitable people entering the industry. 50% of the mature students on my evening class are perfect for the industry, but only 1 or 2 can get work with a plumber.

Like you say I might be better sticking to what I know best.
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Steve, my apologies for painting such a dull picture, I think people can achieve and be successful, but its going to much harder for this generation, than it was for me. There could also be opportunities doing leadwork - which is usally done with ease by chippies. This niche skill can be taken anywhere in the world, and can be learned on the plumbing course.

With regard to people entering the industry, I don't really have a problem with this, other than trying to help them research it a bit better. Most people are just trying to earn an honest living, and wish to operate in a challlenging, rewarding career. But, I do feel that the plumbing industry has been well marketed, and a blind eye has been turned, and the ones losing out, are those looking for work on this forum, having been told time and time again there is a skills shortage.

Lots of plumbers, electricians, and gas-men.
 
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No apologies necessary clanger, you've got to be realistic. I'll do my best to find an appropriate way into the industry, but if it doesn't happen, so be it. I don't mind sticking with carpentry and building.

I realise lead work is well paid and requires little training, and would advise anyone looking for a new career, who doesn't mind specialising to go for it. But for me it wouldn't be enough job variety or challenge. I don't mind adding it to my skill base though, it would be handy if i'm slating a roof and can flash the chimney myself. It would save a lot of time and money too.
 
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