Starting out advice needed please!

[Jimbob82]

Hi All, just found the site today- great resource!

I've nearly completed the City + Guilds 6129 plumbing course and am looking to find a job ASAP. I've been working as a foreman (and carpenter) for a small scale construction company for 7 years.
Can anyone advise me on my next move please? Have a 4 month old baby and partner is a full time mum- hard times
I'm guessing next step would be to find experienced plumber and complete NVQ 2 on site.
Cheers!

 

[fuzzy]

you need the nvq, so yes you need an employer, who are you going to do the nvq with? a college?

 

[Jimbob82]

Any tips on letters to prospective employers anyone please?

 

[Jimbob82]

Hi Fuzzy, CTS Norwich (construction training specialists)

 

[fuzzy]

not thought of going to a college. you could convert your 6129 into a nvq and full apprenticeship framework certificate

 

[Jimbob82]

no places left at city college sadly

 

[fuzzy]

thats odd, june and they have no places left for sep? most colleges are struggling to get employed apprentices?

 

[Jimbob82]

I spoke to college yesterday and apparently things have changed and its not possible to take the NVQ alone now- only as part of joint course with the c+g!! this has only been decided in recent weeks- I'm a bit worried what this means for me as I've just paid out and am nearly finished my c+g 6129

 

[fuzzy]

hi jimbo,

NVQ with a C&G???? the NVQ is a C&D credited qualification. Do you mean NVQ as part of a tech cert? Does this help?http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-courses/19487-c-g-tech-cert-nvq-eal-facts-you.html

The new qual is a diploma and replces both the tech cert and nvq. you have to be working in the industry to complete the qual. its been on the cards for 2 years so anyone in education has known it was coming

 

[justlead1]

Hi Jimbob. Keep your job as formen and blackmail plumbing contractors working for the company to give you say two days a week plumbing. After having put the plan to your employers. Their benefit being cheap plumbing for a year or two whilst your finding your feet. Good Luck

 

[PlumbBobBob]

great idea justlead1.

 

[REDSAW]

jimbob,
you must be mad!.

the college you mention only cover experienced plumbers employed within the industry to take the nvq.
first, you have to find a paid job as an intermediate plumber for a firm. with a 6129=very slim chance of that at the moment.

secondly, i note the prices for this are 4 times more than a f.e college fee of around £800 for the first year and i am sure you will get it funded.

either way, start and end results will be more the same but money and prospects will play a major part,imo.

 

[Jimbob82]

Thanks guys, all info and advice much appreciated.

I'm thinking of writing an e-mail and sending off to ask all plumbers in area asking for work- any work! Can anyone give me advice on how to word the e-mail for best response please? Also somebody mentioned getting insured as it would make me more appealing- any info on this would be great too.
Cheers, Jim

 

[Jimbob82]

just asked this question in a new thread so up to you to which you respond

Cheers Jim