Newbie 33yrs looking for career change...

[Coltonfyer]

Hi all,

I've spent the past 10 years working in London as a Bobbie and am well and truly ready for a career change.

I am really keen to get onto an adult apprenticeship and get stuck into a completely different industry with a view to maybe specialising later on and working in renewable energy.

It's something I've thought about for sometime now and this year is my year to jump!

I have no prior electrical experience, no degree or relevant qualifications and I'm 33yrs old. I have however spent some time as a labourer and I'm pretty good at making tea so swings and roundabouts!

If anybody has any advice, insults or recommendations I would be very grateful.

Thanks

 

[Rpa07]

As with all looking to make a change of career (well done by the way for what you have achieved being in the police)
Take a look at the archives on this forum as there are huge amount of threads that have some excellent advice.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy the studies.

 

[Coltonfyer]

Thank you very much

 

[William Fisher]

Have you looked into getting any qualifications? You could try online learning

 

[SparkyChick]

Welcome to the forums and good luck with your plans

 

[Coltonfyer]

Have you looked into getting any qualifications? You could try online learning

I have looked into this but from what I have read, I'm more likely to gain employment through an apprenticeship with the hands on learning and experience rather than just gaining the qualifications.

Unless I'm wrong???

If I could study an online course and become qualified whilst in my current job then that would be great (financially speaking).

 

[William Fisher]

I have looked into this but from what I have read, I'm more likely to gain employment through an apprenticeship with the hands on learning and experience rather than just gaining the qualifications.

Unless I'm wrong???

If I could study an online course and become qualified whilst in my current job then that would be great (financially speaking).

Well the place I went with were UniCourse - unicourse.org - was able to work my job and get the qualifications. Try the website, see what you think. Obviously this sort of thing isn't for everyone so good to really make sure.

 

[Coltonfyer]

Are you now a qualified electrician? Or still in the same job?

 

[William Fisher]

Did my HNC electrical and now doing my HND so still working but obviously looking for something in that area

 

[Coltonfyer]

Ok thanks for the advise How long did it take do complete your HNC?

 

[Sparkie30]

Ive tried so many times to join MET but no luck. Thought about being speacial constable.
Why you leaving police?
seems to me like you already made your mind up, dont delay it.
It will be worth it.

Welcome to forum btw

Best of luck

 

[Coltonfyer]

I intend to leave for a number of reasons but I guess most of all because I've had my fill. I'm done.

It's a unique job and I've had some good (and bad) experiences but I can't see myself doing it for another 25 years.

Everybody is different and some will get a long and fulfilling career out of it but it's a time hole and sucks away at real life so not ideal for people with families.

I can't remember what it is to look forward to the weekend nor having any consistency in life. Shift work grinds you down and the job changes you and not for the better!

Anyway! I've gone off on one. Sorry.

If it's something you want to do then why not? It's certainly a life experience. I'd highly recommend becoming a special to get a feel for it first to make sure it's definitely what you think it is. I've heard a lot of specials say that they could never do the job full time.

Anyway, this is an electricians forum!

Anyone here start out around my age?
How much more difficult will it likely be for me to be taken on as an apprentice?
Any recommendations from anyone whom have been in a similar situation?

Thanks

 

[Rpa07]

If I can add to the discussion. Without knowing your family and financial details I would advise planning well for this change i.e. Plan for leaving and making the transition in 2 or 3 years and in the meantime;
save your money putting aside as much as you can so that when you are training and working as a mate or apprentice with low income you will survive.
Read as much and study as much as you can, read all topics on this forum. Read wholesaler catalogues so you will know accessories and terminology.
Search for the best way to train and if a local college has an evening course it will fire the interest.
Simplify your life in order for the frugal times. I got rid of Sky, Telephone and anything else that was taking monthly for no reason. Cheaper insurances also.
Your in a good position because you have a wage but you have a plan, so plan it well.

 

[Coltonfyer]

Good advice, thank you very much.

 

[PEG]

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