Apprenticeships - Page 2 - Plumbing Forum | Plumbers Forums

Osmosis · 07-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

Wow this is like the best advice i've heard on how to get an apprenticeship.

EXCELLENT!

Thanks!

Osmosis · 17-07-2008

Any others with helpful advice?

Osmosis · 05-08-2008

Arsenal are the best!!!

Mushybees · 06-08-2008

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

koceuk1 · 13-08-2008

im on my module 4 of my btsc college .
im looking for apprentice job in oxford.ive asked few companies but they said that because of recesion they are not taking any more of us..
anybody know for any good plumber companies in oxfordshire ..
many thanks for your help in advance

Osmosis · 15-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mushybees

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

I don't even know the basics. I think I'll be better off if I start college, then get to know the basics, then move on to bigger and better things. What do you think?

fuzzy · 15-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by koceuk1

im on my module 4 of my btsc college .
im looking for apprentice job in oxford.ive asked few companies but they said that because of recesion they are not taking any more of us..
anybody know for any good plumber companies in oxfordshire ..
many thanks for your help in advance

you and hundreds of others are looking for work.

the credit crunch does play a part but i think most firms are using this as an excuse not to take you with no experience or quals

Piper · 18-08-2008

EXCELLENT advice all through, Mushy, and good grief, he can use a spell checker!
Personal qualities are extremely important. Anyone who's scruffy, loud, impolite, disrespectful, moans if he has to work a bit late, always late arriving, smokes, has too many earrings, is on the phone too much, is inappropriately "matey" with the customer, and so on and on, is a liablility nobody wants.
Next thing - start plumbing! Use your friends, family and mates as victims for little money. Radiators, bathrooms and tap repairs aren't hard. Get what books you can - and there's plenty on the net. Learn how to wire a Y plan and an S plan and a C plan. Practice getting floorboards up without making a mess of them. Find out about fixing things on poor walls.
Get catalogues from fittings suppliers so you know about what you'll be handling.

An apprentice is a huge liability to start with. Learn enough so that you can hit the ground running and you'll find it much easier to get accepted.

paulbrogden2007 · 15-09-2008

hello guys i hope some one can give me real advise and not be nasty about it. as some plumbers refuse to help and in fact ive seen posts where some one has asked for advise but got nothing but abuse i supose some plumbers regard people getting into plumbing as competition.

any way here goes im looking for a career been working in call centers for the past 3 years previous to that i did college studing film and graphic design which went no where previous to that i was doing mig welding and fabrication and manufacturing. any way im looking to train up but looking at the nvq structure it could take 5 years if i did it part time. their is a course being run by dewsbury town hall paid by the job center im going for an interview on the 18th. but its only run for 37 weeks. running for just 2 days a week i need advise how can i get to be a plumber i have applied on some apretance courses with kirklees council and leeds homes but not hered any thing for months.

please could you advise me im 30 unemployed and wondering if the course is any good even if i get on it as i supose many people will be going their and i think their will be a test to do. im a little dyslexic so i hope the test is not too hard.

i would like to here from real plumbers in the trade and students. if you can post a reply i be very gradeful if you do can you state if your a student or a fully qualifyed plumber and thanks for your advise.

Osmosis · 22-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mushybees

How have you got on? Any replies from letters? Interesting leads from phone calls?
Put up any cards?

I sent out so much it's unbelievable! I've got nothing but "Thanks for taking interest in our vacancy, we will get back to you in due course." And they never do! It gets harder by the day.