A
Adamcasper
I was wondering if anyone could help me with some advice. Over a year ago I quit my job of 10 years as an engineer to do a plumbing course which I completed last June and gained a level 2 city and guilds. To gain the NVQ level 2 and 3, I need an apprenticeship which is easier said than done due to being 31 years old. I have being calling as many gas safe registered plumbers/gas fitters as I can and will continue to do so but I am worried it will come to nothing. I am actually working with a self employed gas engineer but only for free and I don't think he'll ever be in a situation to take on an employee, also I can only learn so much from watching which I have to do because he can't really slow his work progress down for and any mistake I make reflects back on him. I've also got in contact with a private training company, I know they are usually not very well thought of especially as I was thinking of giving one a try a few years ago, had an interview with a recruiter from train for trade skills who seemed more obsessed with my bank details then he did my education, even after I explained I needed time to think about it he tried convincing me to give my details. That experience put me off the private training companies but I thought I'd give it one more go. This training company were quite different; the man they sent round seemed more interested in what I was aiming to do, pointed out that doing the theory/modules at home was no different than the classroom and the practical is done in eight block weeks and not only did he not ask for bank details, he actually told me he would have to contact me a few days later after his company have decided if I'm right or not for the course. On the negative side though, when I applied online for an interview with this company there was no confirmation email, the day before the interview was set up I was called from a mobile phone and the interviewer himself didn't leave a business card or any form of paperwork. My dilemma is do I just carry on looking for apprenticeships even though it's unlikely anyone would be willing to pay a larger wage to an older apprentice without government help/backing or do I go with the course? If I do the course, I will be working a part time job as well as working experience with the self employed plumber and hopefully over time would be allowed to do more hands on work which would hopefully look good on my CV. The course also includes the gas safe registration. If anyone could give advice or an opinion it would be greatly appreciated.