Training for a trade later in life...

LittleVoice

bargain_carly

Being female could be an advantage - a USP. (Not really unique but clearly less than half of the plumbing workforce.) Many women at home on their home can prefer to have a woman coming to their home.

You say you are "very qualified on paper" but have not been able to achieve an NVQ2 (which is practice based but leads to another piece of paper or four). What level is your paper qualification?

frugalpam

JennyP wrote: »

My boyfriend is an engineer and has a good job but he hates it. The hours for one thing are dreadful.
He's much more of a practical bod and fits kitchens, does bathrooms, can plaster like a pro and so on.
He'd really like to retrain for a new career as a plumber, electrician, builder or plasterer (he likes doing all four!) but the problem is that all the courses require you to do an apprenticeship working for virtually no money. Even if he did persuade a local plumber to take him on, I'm not sure how we'd manage without the money coming in whilst he trained.
People do manage it though as I've heard of people retraining after a career doing something else.
Does anyone please know how?
Thanks!

I'd suggest he arrange to see a Careers Adviser - some Connexions services have an adult guidance service. They are experienced advisers who have a good understanding of employment and training options, especially in their local areas. 'Connexions' should be listed in your local phone book.

Pam