Osmosis

Hi, I will start by saying sorry about my lack of knowledge about plumbing.

I will be starting college in september and was wondering how would I be able to be taken on as an apprentice by a company. The course title is: Plumbing 6129 Level 2, it will be my first year at college and was hoping if anyone could tell me how I can get an apprenticship as well as what I will need when I start my course at college. I am 18 and looking to be a part of a fairly big company. The ones that stick out to me are 4C's and Leakbusters, my friend is with a company and I asked him if he could put in a word for me but he wants me to do it on my own (be independent he said) so I shall but first I just need a few pointers. Could anyone point out good companies in London nearby tottenham doesn't have to be close though.

I know little about plumbing, I want to know if that will hinder my progression in becoming an apprentice?

Many Thanks,

Osmosis.

Unregistered

Can no one help????

razal

Good luck in finding a position, it aint gonna be easy though , your mate sounds like he,s protecting his ass a bit to me ?
You are going to college because you know little about plumbing , you dont ever need to apologise for that. Do the course and hassle for a job, most of the bigger companies will want a minimum of C,s in gcse,s, if you aint got that think also of getting better results through evening classes perhaps.
You may find once you learn some plumbing and have a bit of hands on experience that it aint for you or you may really like it, in either case I say best of luck to you.

Osmosis

Can you tell me of any companies that will take me on? Also how soon should I join a company? Can I or should I join one now? I was predicted B's and C's in my GCSEs however I only got 2 Cs and the rest were Ds and Es do you think this will hinder my chance of getting into a company? Thanks for replying and I hope I find a company soon.

Thank You Again!

anz

Hi,

Finding an apprenticeship isn't easy, believe me, I've been looking for years. The grades that you have got will definitely affect your chances as most companies look for grade C and above. However this dosen't mean it's the end of world, it just means that your going to have to look harder then other people, and perhaps instead of looking at the bigger national companies you should apply at the smaller independent businesses in your area.
As I have said I have been looking for an apprenticeship for the past two years and I have attended hundreds of Interviews/assessment days and I have been told that between the final few candidates there is little difference so it's just down to luck then, but you can make your chances better by enrolling on on to a plumbing course at college and doing some GCSEs again (the vital ones e.g. Maths, English, Science). You will only do this if you don't find an apprenticeship this year.
My GCSE grades are brilliant A-C but I found that this wasn't enough so I completed my 6129 plumbing course earlier this year and I have found that with the extra knowledge gained through this I will find myself an apprenticeship this year. I have already sent a few applications off and I have got a few interviews/assessments in the coming weeks and I feel that I would probably be the best candidate for these jobs.
Now is a bad time to start looking for an apprenticeship as many company's close there application process early in the year, however there still are a few companies out there that are still recruiting. I am not going to tell you who they are or where they are because then you will be competing with me for a already highly competitive position.
During the few years that I have been looking for an apprenticeship, I have learnt a few tricks that makes the whole process a lot easier, I don't want to share this secret at the moment, however when I am placed on to the apprenticeship scheme I will be looking at helping guys like you because I know how difficult it is.

Finally I would like to wish you good look and I hope everything works out for you.

Thank You

Osmosis

Smcart5

Contact all the local plumbing companies, every one of them.

I work in a garage at nights, so if your fortunate to work in a place where 100's of people pass through every day stick a sign on your till while your working saying your a plumbing student and need an apprenticeship (my sign has been up three days and already got a phone number that the guy thought might be able to arrange something.

Go to the local plumbing suppliers, they will usually let you advertise there.

Supermarkets where i live have free ads that you can pop up a small card, its usually on the way out so most people stop and look.

There's lots you can do so spam as much advertisements and contact as many plumber's as possible, ask friends and family if they know any plumbers, your bound to find one that will take you on eventually.
And get a car, you'll need it at some point.

Good luck

Osmosis

Thanks for the advice, I can tell your a cool guy

Mushybees

Hi, I'm in the middle of an apprenticeship.

Finding an apprenticeship isn't as hard as some people like to make out. Years finding an apprenticeship? I can only imagine that there's some vibe you'd have to give off to put off so many plumbers.
If you are punctual, polite and well turned out there's no reason someone won't give you a start. Being meticulous is a good attribute as is a sense of humour.
Know when to shut it as well No-one like a cocky teenager.


Also consider why you want an apprenticeship and be a plumber.
Saying you want to learn from first hand experience instead of paying to take a fast track college course is a good start.
So is because you want to earn an honest living by doing something practical but also technical.
Being able to stand back and derive satisfaction from a job well done is a good reason.

My employer has shown me a couple of letters he's received and they're cringe worthy. One guy couldn't spell apprentice (apurentise) and the other guy was gushy about how he'd like to start his own firm as soon as he's qualified.

If you speak to a plumber and he turns you down on the basis that he's already training someone there's no harm in asking when his existing apprentice's training will be complete and whether he'd consider taking you on afterwards.
I know there are few people looking to expand at this time but you never know.

Offer to forward your details for consideration when times are looking up. Chances are it'll go in the bin because he doesn't have time but you never know. The more you send, the more chance that someone will hold onto it.

Above all don't ever send a text message asking for a job and always ask on the phone if now is a good time to call. Answering a phone whilst on a ladder is no fun

Best of luck!

razal

Excellent advice Mushy'.

All valid points, the sort needed to sustain a well trained, experienced plumbing force for the future....somehow I know you will do well.