I want to be a plumber....Please advise!

[Henry83]

Hi, I'm 29 and live in Manchester. I have reached a point where I am not enjoying my current career in the hospitality industry and sincerely believe that a career in plumbing would give me a rewarding and challenging new career. I realise I am slightly older than your average apprentice/student but would work my arse off to achieve this goal, so would greatly appreciate any serious advice on courses and apprenticeships, or anything that you think may be of use to me. Thanks in advance.

 

[mountainman]

Hi Henry
You'll receive good advice on your potential future career on this forum.
Do yourself a really big favour and heed it.
MM

 

[SimonG]

Welcome along Henry As MM said have a search on here with regard to similar topics it's an interesting read.

 

[Barry98]

welcome fella try to avoid any fast track courses they will get you no where and teach you little .

try and find a bloke whos coming upto retirement and offer him your youthful willingness in exchange for his years of experience.

ignore all the hype that all plumbers are millionaires etc. its a hard trade which is flooded with members

most of all if you want it keep at it ,

good luck

 

[Henry83]

Thanks bod, was just reading a Guardian article I found in another thread you commented on, suffice to say I'm going to steer clear of such organisations! So essentially, I should follow the traditional route of college and apprenticeship?

 

[Deleted member 25704]

I should follow the traditional route [/B]of college and apprenticeship?

The traditional route is apprenticeship and then college, we have just been indoctrinated to think that we need to go to college 'first' to learn a trade - but it sells courses.

Mainstream courses in Further Education colleges will arguably offer better value than fast-track courses. However, don't be mislead by this also. It seems a poor investment to shell out thousands on course, for a job which massively over-subscribed, which you might not get (even if you become self employed).

Try to get some work experience to begin with, that way you can learn the problems of this industry first hand (no work; high overheads; non-payers; legal pitfalls with gas; hassle from customers because you are inexperienced).

 

[jtsplumbing]

i think you stand a better chance for long term employment, advancement and job security in what you are doing, your in a nice warm, clean environment and want to give it up, to have a chance of poor working conditions, in and out of work, finish up with bad knees and back, If you have been watching Plumbers where you work and think that looks a nice easey job and listening to fairy stories about high earnings, well its just that Fairy stories.

 

[TBServices]

i think you stand a better chance for long term employment, advancement and job security in what you are doing, your in a nice warm, clean environment and want to give it up, to have a chance of poor working conditions, in and out of work, finish up with bad knees and back, If you have been watching Plumbers where you work and think that looks a nice easey job and listening to fairy stories about high earnings, well its just that Fairy stories.

Agreed. Honestly if i could walk into something else, I would.


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[jtsplumbing]

What about swaping jobs with Henry83 ??

 

[TBServices]

Couldn't do the commute lol


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[frankjames]

welcome fella try to avoid any fast track courses they will get you no where and teach you little .

try and find a bloke whos coming upto retirement and offer him your youthful willingness in exchange for his years of experience.

ignore all the hype that all plumbers are millionaires etc. its a hard trade which is flooded with members

most of all if you want it keep at it ,

good luck

Sounds like a good plan !

 

[Meterman1]

My Advice: Is Forget It ,Give yourself a Lucky Break.Get on the Next Flight Out of the U.K , Start a New Life Down Under / Canada / or Anywhere but here. Give Yourself / Your Family a Better Life & Start your New Career Move in Plumbing .Ten years from Now you will Reply to me Informing Me this Was the Best Career Choice you could of Made... If you Got the Cash You Have Passed in this Country..No Bull**it

P.s ..Im happy to Assist You in any Way
Meterman1

 

[chris watkins]

So I think thats a NO to the plumbing trade then ?? or have I misunderstood.

 

[Meterman1]

No Chris Get into this Trade ..I was trying to say if your going to get into plumbing /Gas ...Go for it .... If I was in your shoes I would Get out of the U.K & Start a Fresh........ After a few years working your balls off to get some where in life you will then notice all the effort dont get you anywhere in the U.K .unless you have a Lot a ££££ or Aint got a pot to **** in...then U.K is great...People like us on this site / us who hope to get somewhere in Life are Dommed in this Wonderfull Land of Ours... ..
P.S if you need any assistance / Advice .just ask..

Meterman1

 

[Petefinny]

Dont become a plumber!! Its Flooded with them!! Gt yourself outta the country and start a fresh!! Become a sparky!There alot better paid than Plumbers