Feasibility of retraining at 37?

[Lee1983]

Hello, I have just signed up.
I am 37 and I’m unhappy with my current career.
I work 9-5 sat at a desk.
I have a home-earning job too.

Is it realistic to retain as an electrician at 37?
My mortgage is less than £300 a month even on a high interest rate so I can afford a drop in earnings, whilst training, & have no kids etc.
My home-based job can provide an income and I can work anytime I have access to a computer. So from that point of view I’m fine.
I’ve got grade B maths and C English GCSE (as well as countless degrees, PGCE etc).
I’m not after earning tonnes, just a job I actually have an interest in that gets me moving.
Any advice and experience appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[GBDamo]

Yes its feasible but what exactly are you expecting.

It can be the physically exhausting work which is given to trainees and apprentices as they are, more often than not, young and fit.

If you go down the apprenticeship route, are you prepared to be a tool carrier, floor sweeper and brew boy at 37?

There are other routes, short courses, into the industry but they are very limiting to your future prospects and not greatly respected.

If you want to do site work then the full traditional path, C&G - NVQ - Apprenticeship - AM2 - Gold Card, is your only real option.

 

[Red Tony]

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum. What's your career history so far? You say your in an office job currently, has this always been the case or have you past experience of any physical jobs?
Also what area are you living? The best way of training to be a sparky is to be employed by a company to get on site experience whilst your gaining your nvq 1…2 and finally 3. This would be as an adult trainie but I'm not sure many firms take adult trainees on these days especially when your competing for spaces that apprentices take up so you may be 'forced' to go the college route crash course to become a sparky.
If this ends up being the case my advice to you would be do as much in your powers to get hands on experience in anyway possible. Even if this means work for peanuts or free for example on weekends. No amount of college theory work can compete with good old hands on experience with a sparky (who wants to help you learn not just use you for cheap/free labour).
If work experience is hard to find through the normal channels do a bit of digging, for example get some practical cards made up saying studying theory side of becoming electrician just need hands on experience with your details on and your best bet is go around all your local electrical wholesalers and kindly ask if they can put it near their till so will catch sparky customers who may need a hand on a job.
Anyways I wish you luck and please keep us updated on here. Also don't be shy to ask any questions whilst your studying if you do make the move.

 

[pc1966]

Welcome, and agree with the above: it can be done if you really are willing.

Do you have any background in science or electrical theory in particular, etc? That obviously give you a bit of a head start in learning what you need to understand.

 

[Lee1983]

Hi guys,
Thanks for replies so far.
My experience is in social care. For the past few years I’ve been a lecturer and trainer.
I live in Tyneside.
I’ve also notice there’s courses on PAT testing.
I’m wondering if this is a way in to the industry.
I can work part time and casual. I’m still registered as a relief care worker And my job at home is marking work for a distance learning company, which can be done any time.

 

[Moley]

I wouldn't recommend PAT as a way in unless you have the ability to turn off mentally. It's mind numbingly boring with very little income. I'm lucky as I just do it for the equipment that we carry on our vans. The rest of the time I'm at power stations.

 

[Red Tony]

Noooo even sparkies don't like working on dear old PAT!! ?

So you have no hands on knowledge or experience in your work history?

Practically - are you a DIY enthusiast? Can you wire a plug? Have you ever owned a tool box? Drills? You know the difference between a posi and a flat head? You like getting your hands dirty?

Theoretically - Do you know what an RCD is? You know what twin and earth is? Ever heard of trunking or conduit? You know how circuits work? And the difference between parallel and series?

If you going in completely blind then it might be wishful thinking in all honesty as can take years to master the skills necessary and that's without thinking about the technical theory side.
If you answered yes to the majority above then you'll have a decent chance.
If not and you really still want too then do as much research as you can and be prepared to graft.

 

[7029 dave]

Its a long road for sure, but not impossible if you are prepared to put blood sweat and tears in.

 

[Lee1983]

I have wired a plug and used tools on minor DIY jobs at home.

by the sounds of things, I think I’ve left it a little too late and should try looking for something else.

 

[GBDamo]

I have wired a plug and used tools on minor DIY jobs at home.

by the sounds of things, I think I’ve left it a little too late and should try looking for something else.

Don't be so defeatist, have a trawl through some of the YouTube electricians and see if you can hack it.

Offer you services for free for a few weeks and see how it feels.

THEN, run back to your desk and thank God you've got air con in summer and heating in winter, a bit of skirt to ogle and you don't have to get undressed before you go into your home after work.

Its not too bad, really...