change of career - advice please

[Octopus Prime]

Hi all.

Im 30 and been working the last 10 years as a professional carpenter. Over the last 4-5 years ive branched out into other trades like tiling and basic plumbing so I can fit kitchens and bathrooms with little external help. Im a sole trader and, not to blow my own trumpet, really good at what I do.

However, over the last year my income has taken a rapid drop and getting work is a struggle. I dont know whats going on

I enjoy plumbing more than anything else I do and fine carpentry seems to be dieing as I cant compete with larger company's.

So. Ive decided to get a loan from the bank and blow it on plumbing/gas safe courses. Ive got my eye on intensive courses at able skills in Dartford. I done a five day plumbing course there 4 years ago and it was one of the best bits of education ive had.

I need advice Though.
What is the process? Once ive done the course I need to work with someone to build up a portfolio right? How long is this? Does it pay?

What are the chances of getting a job at the moment. Who are the best companies to aproch?

I need to make this as seamless as possible as I dont want to cause to much financial stress on my family.

Any advice or help welcome
Thanks in advance

Gary

 

[wetshoes]

Hi Gary,
I've used able skills too for the level 2 City & guilds. I really liked the course but am struggling with finding work. A lot of companies, understandably want 2-3 years on the tools/time served apprenticeship etc.
I think able skills offer the option to go out with their chap to get your NVQ/gas safe portfolio done but that's additional to the course cost.
Based on your age you may be able to do the 24+ government loan on the level 3 which I think they bundle the gas in to too but depends on a few things. They'll be able to tell you more on that though.

In terms of companies to approach, I wish that I could help you, it's exactly what I'm looking for too. I'd probably guess the best bet would be to get in with a multi trade company as a carpenter then do the plumbing course/courses (I did the weekend one) then try to move within the company.

Good luck.

 

[plumben]

Although you'll get the qualification out of the fast courses/couple of weeks,
I don't think you can really learn everything you need to know to be a full time plumber, let alone gas installer on the short courses, you'd be better of "IN MY OPINION" to find a plumber who's looking for someone to work with who can teach you what you need whilst working together, if you can bring something to the table, I'E joinery and tiling which you can already do

 

[lame plumber]

grass is always greener comes to mind here!

 

[kris]

Hi there Gary, im not a great believer in these fast track courses and i dare say there are some really good colleges out there that arent far off the mark, but when it comes to trades experience is everything , Its ok doing a course but what happens if you get called to do a job and its not piped the right way or its a different style tank than the one they showed you in the college then it can be hard to know the solution, good on you for wanting to further yourself in a great trade but have you tried local companies for an adult trannie aprenticeship as this is the way to do it, granted its hard to get in as this but its worth a try - then if no joy then look at your course,,, good luck mate

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

grass is always greener comes to mind here!

funny,i seen your reply and thought of stones and glass houses

 

[SimonG]

Kris, 'trannie apprenticeship', isnt that a different forum?

 

[tomplumb83]

Carry on with doing your kitchens/bathrooms. If you cant make that pay, whats the point of doing the courses?

10 full bathrooms/kitchens a year is all you need

 

[tomplumb83]

Kris, 'trannie apprenticeship', isnt that a different forum?

Its Christine isn't it?