Career Change - Any Free Training?

VR_46

Hi - Im quitting my job in IT to become a self employed builder/roofer as I have a fair amount of experience in this field over the years as my father is a builder/roofer.

Does anyone know if there are any re-training options for me to learn things such as plastering, brick laying etc?

I've had enough of office work, its not for me so Im going to go for it while I still can

Thanks

MrsManda

Whether you will get free training usually depends on your age, previous qualifications, and personal circumstances.
You can find information about funding and ways of training such as apprenticeships on the direct.gov website HERE

Is your dad a builder?
Do you know what kind of courses you want to do? Have a look at your local college to see if they have any suitable courses/apprenticeships available.

It may be worth speaking to local contractors/builders to ask if they'd be willing to take you on as a labourer to gain formal experience.

xxhayley_hxx

You know the best way to do it is work for someone for a year/couple of years, then become self employed. You really should get into the industry and know the ins and outs before you go solo, it's not just about being able to build it's about knowing the market too. The money won't be as good at first, but for example you doing a brick laying course isn't going to suddenly make you a fantastic brick layer. I doubt these courses will be free either, so best bet is to work for someone first. Get with someone who is a small company, maybe managers 2/3/4 workers. This way, you'll have a closer relationship with your boss, get a lot of tips and they will show you how to do things properly.

Dad now runs his own building business (used to work with his brother)
Dad's brother is a multi-millionaire from his own building business

PasturesNew

Ask your dad to take you on as an apprentice and fund you.

VR_46

Hi - thanks for the replies, I will be working with my dad for the 1st year or so along with doing jobs for friends as Im not completely new to the world of building/roofing but Im going to learn a lot from my dad, what I really want to learn is plastering 1st of all, to me its a kind of art form to get walls and ceilings so smooth!

I've looked at courses but they cost around £1000 and Im not going to be able to afford that but as with all things, experience is the key but I dont want to be let loose in someones house having a go at plastering for the 1st time.

I'll check out the direct.gov link & my local colleges - thanks.