Apprenticeship... at 40?!

[eccles291]

Having read so many things (mainly derogatory) about the short courses that appear to be so abundant these days, I've been looking into the possibility of training 'properly' and getting myself onto an apprenticeship. The only unusual thing about this is that I'll be 40 in January. :shocked3: So am I mad thinking about doing this 'at my age'?! :rolleyes4: LOL Has anyone else done an apprenticeship at a similar age? How did you afford to survive on the low wages? I'm the main breadwinner in our house, I have a wife and 2 small children to support, so it's not so straight forward doing it this way. I'm wondering if tax credits would make up the shortfall in the wages. Has anyone done a similar thing or have any knowledge about this situation?

Thanks in advance.

 

[alarm man]

I didn't think you were having a pop at all. Starting with the basics whilst I'm driving would be my intention. I've already found a couple of useful sites to read up on the theory side of things which don't cost a penny. The more I can learn for nothing, the better.


HGV driving really isn't anything like what it used to be. Even if I was looking at agency work as a Class 2 driver I'd struggle to get more than £7/hour. It is a 'steady' job at the company I work for but it only pays £6.35 an hour, which is pretty pathetic in my book. Especially as we are expected to take a 'lay day' (a day with no pay) when things are quiet at work, which means that for the rest of the week you're trying to make up for the lost hours.

Let me illustrate this a little better - we are contracted to do a minimum of 50 hours a week (5 x 10 hour days). I had a lay day 2 weeks ago on a Monday. Over the remaining 4 days of work that week I did: 2 x 14 hour days; 1 x 12 hour day and 1 x 11.5 hour day = 51.5 hours for my whole week. Despite busting my gut for those 4 days I was only entitled to a measly 1.5 hours of overtime, which equates to a little over £14 before tax! Effectively I did a day's worth of work for free during that week because of the lay day. :mad2: Tell me that isn't going to stick in your throat when you really need the money!


I don't believe the hype and never have. :wink5:


At the risk of repeating myself again; I'm not saying, nor have I ever said, that I will be an electrician after a couple of weeks on a short course. I'm just trying to better my life, as getting up between 2:00am and 5:00am almost every day for the money I'm earning is not something I'm prepared to accept for years to come.


But JIB rates for an electrician's mate are £9.67/hour with your own transport - which I have. Even that is over 50% more than I'm earning now.

try asda then,being a spark isnt just a job,its a career,at 40 i doubt you will benefit from it starting out at that age..

 

[torrens75]

dont do it...i doubt you will make anywhere near your current pay which i presume is a steady job,by the time youve gained anywhere near any knowledge it will be time to retire,you make your bed as they say..such is life..

How rude. I suppose your one of those "time-served" folk who hate anyone new coming into what you make out is YOUR trade.

Met plenty of your type, not good for anyone really are you?

 

[eccles291]

try asda then,being a spark isnt just a job,its a career,at 40 i doubt you will benefit from it starting out at that age..

What a really helpful reply! :dozey:

 

[MDJ]

Anyone who wants to re-train and work at 40 has my respect, good luck fella, I hope you get things going your way. too many bums on the dole, at least you really want to work, well done my friend.


Mike

 

[jimmy c]

My uncle was about 40 something when he re-trained from a lorry driver to a plumber, he now has his own plumbing business and doing rather well (well he's just bought a bigger house), it will take a lot of hard work but its certainly achieveable

 

[ambrad]

why do some people pull others down so quick. What is wrong with using the courses that are there, studying and getting the knowledge. After working with a local electrician for a couple of years he will have enough experience to be classed as competent. Why is that so wrong.

 

[ExArmy]

AND the scheme providers are just about to raise the barrier on new entrants by demanding a (non short course) level 3 qualification.

what do you mean by non short course? I'd love it if this were true!

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Not of much help to you Eccles as you are employed. But here's my tale.

Was a self employed Die Technician in the aluminium extrusion industry (think toolroom bench hand). Travelled the globe and then about 6 yrs ago I went "over the edge".

In July '11, as I was long term incapacity, got offered a place at Finchale College which retrains long term sick but mainly geared towards ex military.

Got onto a 9 month course for domestic installers which finished after 6 months (we were clever! Oh, and an excellent tutor!). At the end got a 4 week placement, the fella who I got this with asked for it to be extended to 6 weeks. After I passed the final (Part P) exam, He took me on board for 13 weeks on a modest 60 sobs a day. When this finishes, if he's got any re-wires lined up he's said he'll bell me.

I think I've fell lucky, and thoroughly enjoying myself. At the same time I'm fully aware I'm not a true "sparks" and I'm looking to further my education etc.

Hope it goes well for you.

Elmer you did well there.

 

[martinxxxxxx]

How long do you think it is going to take you to get a JIB card?

Cloud Cuckoo if you think this will happen within the next four years.

 

[martinxxxxxx]

what do you mean by non short course? I'd love it if this were true!

Well it was supposed to come in on Jan the 1st this year but has now been moved to Jan 2013 Part P CPS which would mean Qualifying Supervisors (QS) would need an NVQ level 3.

Last year we told you about the changes to the requirements for joining a Part P CPS which would mean Qualifying Supervisors (QS) would need an NVQ level 3. While this will be the case eventually, the deadline has been extended to 2013, not this January as previously stated.
Come next year, those who wish to be designated as the QS will need to have achieved the appropriate Level 3 NVQ certificate – this will be a new qualification and should be available from June onwards.
Currently, QS’ have to complete the 17[SUP]th[/SUP] Edition Wiring Regulations and demonstrate competence in inspection, testing and certification – Logic4training delivers Part P courses which cover these areas. Businesses which join the Part P CPS before the deadline will not be required to complete the NVQ.
This is good news for the sole traders and small businesses for whom completing an NVQ 3 is a prohibitive task in terms of cost and time. If you, or anyone else in your company, needs to join a Part P CPS this year our advice is to get this sorted before the new requirements come in
See Part P CPS update | Logic4Training