train driver

[nlp67]

Great feed back chaps thanks,next question is would you advise a part p course to break into the trade?

 

[gerry.slater65@]

I was in a similar position nlp and if 67 is your birthyear, we are of similar age.
I have been in the same job for nearly 27 years but can retire at 50 ( hopefully) on a pension.
I have dabbled part- time in electrics for years but was nothing more than a labourer, so I decided to get my " tickets".
I went to College one day a week for three years and have just passed Level 3 2330 City and Guilds.
I only did it to have something to go to when I retire to earn a few quid but have found that I am now very interested in the subject.
I thouroughly enjoyed the course(s).
If you know the building side and can handle tools you should ( in my opinion) get as much experience on site with whoever you can and run your college stuff alongside.
You'll have to work as well.
I studied Commercial/ Industrial/ Domestic at College but will stick with Domestic stuff as it is what I know. But the other knowledge may not be wasted, who knows!
If you want to do domestic stuff then you can take quicker routes with much shorter courses and then join a "body" NICEIC, Knapit, Elecsa etc.
This allows you you to sign off you own work.
So, it doesn't really matter how much work I get at the moment, but I pick up bits and pieces.
The full time Sparks I know in London are really struggling.
For a change from your current job into a Sparks will take time and will cost YOU money so think twice!
I mix with many different trades and the only ones who are really earning good money are Heating Engineers (GSR ones)
If you have any background in plumbing I might suggest that route.
Ironically, there is much less to learn and much less "red tape"
If you need any help in any way, pm me, I will try to help.
All the best
Gerry

 

[nlp67]

Gerry
Thanks for your advice, yes your right 67 is my year 43 now and desperately need a change.like yourself l've been around most trades, plastering, plumbing and some electrics, have done most and to a good standard.ln a fork in my road now do l retrain and qualify as a sparks or heating engineer.At 43 l've done all the graft and now l'm looking to a little more brain work and get paid for what l know instead of all the heavy graft.Going soft? Maybe or just using my head instead of my body.Really nice to talk to some one of a similar view.Bless you and Thankyou for your opinion!Much appreciated.
Nlp67.aka BIll.

 

[gerry.slater65@]

No problem at all Bill.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Cheers,
Gerry.

 

[nlp67]

Gerry,thats very kind advice.for me it always was a ---- up between electrician on heating engineer????Sparky work appeals however with four children at home l'm thinking which of the two will provide best for us all?with a heating engineer there's still some electrics involved so manybe l should do a part p and then pursue the engineer route, not sure but what l am sure of is l cant continue doing a job that pays ok but l hate.Hope your well and enjoying what you do?All the best
Bill