Wanting to start a new career - earn a trade

xxmrksxx

Hi all,

I believe this should be in the right forum.

I'm in a 9 - 5 office job which I do enjoy, have worked in office pretty much since left school ten years ago.

However over the last few years I've always thought I'd like to have done a trade sparky or plumber, as its always something thats appealed to my.

Am I right in assuming there are no aprenterships for over 25s? (If there are where's the best place to look?)

I cannot afford to come out of work, so either on the job training or learning in my own time (however my concern is I would alot more whilst working within the trade, then my current occupation.

I've looked at home university courses, however would prefer to a Saturday, evening or if my work allows it one day out course (however cannot see them agreeing to this, as they would understand it to leave at a later date)

Any advice on where to look?

Thanks in advance.

dandelionclock30

Your local construction college would be the obvious place to start.
Most of these do undertake part time courses, you will have to look at what days and times are available.
Also you will have to pay you own fees because you are working.You can check the cost out with student services.

saintjammyswine

Asd per dandelionclock30 but you could also try;National Apprenticeship Service
Next Step
Also contact your local college to find out if they have access to ESF Workplace Learning Funding. This provides funding for courses for people who are employed, self employed or formal volunteers.


Apprenticeships are available to anyone but the funding providers receive reduces with age so the employer may have to pay a contribution.
From April 2013 the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan comes in which is for courses and apprenticeships at Level 3 and above.

scooby088

Apprenticeships are open to all ages but companies/training organisations only get full funding for 25 and under's. So basically apprenticeships are out of reach for anyone over 25, best bet is to stay in your job and self fund your training.

tonyh66

you also realise that no one will give you a job if you get your trade qualification because you have not been working in the trade while learning.

Dunroamin

tonyh66 wrote: »

you also realise that no one will give you a job if you get your trade qualification because you have not been working in the trade while learning.

You'll need site experience to get the full NVQ but this doesn't necessarily mean working in the trade. I've known people to do the practical skills assessment by working part time or during annual holidays with a friend or relative in the trade.

tonyh66

Dunroamin wrote: »

You'll need site experience to get the full NVQ but this doesn't necessarily mean working in the trade. I've known people to do the practical skills assessment by working part time or during annual holidays with a friend or relative in the trade.

Great if you know someone who fancies some free labour, otherwise your classroom qualification is worthless. Unless of course you go freelance like all the cowboy traders who are out there at the minute.

Dunroamin

tonyh66 wrote: »

Great if you know someone who fancies some free labour, otherwise your classroom qualification is worthless. Unless of course you go freelance like all the cowboy traders who are out there at the minute.

I'm not saying it's easy but it can be an alternative to paid employment - getting the site experience is always the most difficult part of getting the qualification.

scooby088

I would advise OP against going into either of those trades as I was told by our heating engineer that there is now alot of competition for work from those who are already qualified and experienced.

tonyh66

scooby088 wrote: »

I would advise OP against going into either of those trades as I was told by our heating engineer that there is now alot of competition for work from those who are already qualified and experienced.

renewables is the way to go in my opinion.

Mistral001

xxmrksxx wrote: »

Hi all,

I believe this should be in the right forum.

I'm in a 9 - 5 office job which I do enjoy, have worked in office pretty much since left school ten years ago.

However over the last few years I've always thought I'd like to have done a trade sparky or plumber, as its always something thats appealed to my.

Am I right in assuming there are no aprenterships for over 25s? (If there are where's the best place to look?)

I cannot afford to come out of work, so either on the job training or learning in my own time (however my concern is I would alot more whilst working within the trade, then my current occupation.

I've looked at home university courses, however would prefer to a Saturday, evening or if my work allows it one day out course (however cannot see them agreeing to this, as they would understand it to leave at a later date)

Any advice on where to look?

Thanks in advance.

The above highlighted quote would probably rule you out as a plumber or electrcian. I have never met a plumber or electrican who says that the "enjoy" their job.

Edit: However, I wish you all the best if you decide to get a trade. Perhaps try to get some work experience with a plumber or electrican, say offer to become a helper on your days off. Maybe difficult to get, but if you are willing to pitch in and do any job they might be willing to give you a taste of the job for a few days.