Is 50 too old for a new career?

[peter.s]

Hi, I’m new here

I’ve been reading this forum and researching trade courses for some time now because I’m wanting to make a career change. I have not worked in the industry before, but I am multi-skilled and have no doubt that I have the capacity to make a good electrician… but the trouble is, I will be turning 50 in a few months.

At first I thought I could just do a C&G 2365 and then get a job and quickly qualify as an Electrician… But in reality I think it will be a lot more challenging to find work at my age. And if I did find a job, I would be working as an underling for several years before gaining my qualifications and upping my wage.

I’m keen to hear some honest opinions from the professionals. Would I be wasting my time and money to get trained up? And would any firm employ a fifty-year-old novice?

 

[buzzlightyear]

Is there anyone on here that's not 50, apart from me.
I run my own business, I am fully qualified and employ 17 full time electricians.
They range from 20 - 45 but the ones at 45 have been electricians all their life. I even employed a midget for a " short " period.
He had to go though once the new socket heights came in plus he was no use for mashing as the worktop was to high for him. I did actually like him but you have to cut away dead wood, no sentiment allowed when running a multi- million pound business.
Oh and sorry to hear your very nearly 50.

What is the Equality Act?
The Equality Act is a law which protects you from discrimination. It means that discrimination or unfair treatment on the basis of certain personal characteristics, such as age, is now against the law in almost all cases.

The Equality Act applies to discrimination based on:

• Age
• Race
• Sex
• Gender reassignment
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity

I'm glad that I dont work for you ,you are half way their any way ,just to added their no ageism any more look at some company's taking on people over a certain age ,like the Sainsburys etc .

 

[JAWS]

It was in reply to Telectrix comment above mine, but it's for anyone and everyone really, yes I may be a bit blunt at times but that's how I've got to my level at my age.
I will be retired by 50 with a fat bank account that I've earned.

If I worked for you you'd be lucky to reach 50 fella.

 

[westward10]

Cheers no not retired I would like to but would probably become an alcoholic

 

[Starjack]

Cheers no not retired I would like to but would probably become an alcoholic

You've got an ugly wife, haven't you. That's usually the main reason men don't retire when they can.

 

[buzzlightyear]

So how old are you Pete, while everyone is disclosing ages.

it not how old you are ,it is well you can do the job.

 

[Moley]

Are you now retired and enjoying your money.

Money isn't everything. I could afford to retire but I enjoy my work too much. One day you might realise that there's so much more in life than a bank balance.

 

[Starjack]

it not how old you are ,it is well you can do the job.

Why the Angry face at the end of your post.

 

[Starjack]

Money isn't everything. I could afford to retire but I enjoy my work too much. One day you might realise that there's so much more in life than a bank balance.

If I had a pound for everyone who said that then I'd be richer than I already am.

Anyway I need to get ready for a very exclusive event tonight that starts at 7pm, it's 5k a head so I doubt I'll see any of you there.
Sucks to be you right .

 

[buzzlightyear]

good match last night Moley, showed the French how to play ,any way where was I , ageism.

 

[Moley]

good match last night Moley, showed the French how to play ,any way where was I , ageism.

I don't actually like rugby. my kids were watching it. I was too busy counting my millions in my bank account while thinking how much better than other people I am. Oh no, I'm confusing myself with someone else

 

[Pete999]

How can 2 members disagree with me, are you saying he couldn't have any of the issues I mentioned or do you have a crystal ball.
Silly rating to give in my opinion.

Don't think it's just your opinions Mate, that people have issues with.

 

[sparksfly]

If I had a pound for everyone who said that then I'd be richer than I already am.

Anyway I need to get ready for a very exclusive event tonight that starts at 7pm, it's 5k a head so I doubt I'll see any of you there.
Sucks to be you right .

I nearly wet myself with excitement at the thought of you running 5k ahead of everybody else.... thats a bit short distance !!. Personally I prefer longer runs 10k plus, breathe in the fresh air, walk the dog, then spend endless hours running around fixing electrical issues, Life is too short to retire. I have enough savings to retire tomorrow...not sure what I could live off the following day though.
Enjoy your life, even though it can be brutal at times, money gives more choices but not happiness. So how Exclusive is this event ?
Could be so exclusive that............ no one else is actually there !!!
Enjoy it anyway.

 

[tudore]

I would say it is definitely possible, but not easy. It very much depends on your qualifications and experience. I started commercial work at age 53, but got 17th Edition, C&G 2391 10 years previously, had 30 years experience of DIY and studied IT & Electronics to degree level. I'm ace at fault finding and snagging, and quite often get twice as much work done as many qualified and experienced electricians less than half my age. I would add that I used to rock- climb for fun, and also work 24 hour shifts as a Biomedical Scientist, so my idea of "hard work" is probably a bit skewed!
Do 18th Edition and ECS H&S, and sign on with some agencies. Sooner or later someone will need someone desperately, and you'll do. Foot in the door, and start of work experience. Go for it and good luck.

 

[Pete999]

Don't think it's just your opinions Mate, that people have issues with.

It's more to do with your self righteous, self opinionated statements that gets up people's noses Mate.

 

[buzzlightyear]

now steeplejack has that off his chest ,that is a good advertisement for him self and his company . he should ask the worzel Corbyn gummidge what he thinks of that.