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?

 

[Cybermatrix]

Waste of time , be better staying with what you know, I wouldn't employ you or anyone else at that age.

Rather judgemental....&whats hard about electrics that makes you think somebody who’s nearly 50 couldn’t cope? Maybe the guys had a desk job all his life has an active lifestyle and could very well be fitter than most spotty nosed teens. Not to mention because he’s a newb he won’t be broken like other tradesmen of a similar age. Add that to his life skills and soft skills I bet he’ll do just fine.....just my opinion of course

 

[James]

have you got any friends in the trade?
you might find it useful to spend a few days on the job with them to see what you think of the work before pushing on with your plans.
age is not an issue in my opinion.

 

[Charlie_]

I have a mate who has recently moved over from the building trade.
Got very good practical skills and understands all the basics..
Had him with me a few times and also helping him out with other stuff; technical aspects, pricing, whatever else he needs..
I was dubious/pessimistic at first but I’m happy and pleased for him

 

[Stuart Wilkins]

I started training at 54, two years ago. People are surprised when finding out my age. Luckily, before starting training I worked in IT and led an active lifestyle. It's not age per se that is the main issue, but a lack of time in order to learn enough to take on work with confidence. College only teaches the theory and having qualifications such as the 18th doesn't help much either. I found commercial work more straightforward, but domestic can be very problematic.

 

[Marti]

I found commercial work more straightforward, but domestic can be very problematic.

That's interesting! I found the opposite. New build suburban houses were fine but commercial sites; especially London centre ones which involve dragging a 30Kg tool-case every day on the tube were hell! Lost of manual labour followed by hanging about waiting for ..... just about anything. Pull a cable...move a tower...move it back...pull a cable. My will to live is still in a drop ceiling somewhere in London. I suspect it depends on the competence of the guy you're contracting to.

 

[Rpa07]

Keep it down lads, you may wake the sleeping Giant (****) and he’ll come back and frighten the chickens again!
Oh I forgot - ‘holy thread resurrection Batman!’