Hi, I am looking at becoming a self employed plumber, I have fitted over 10 bathrooms for friends and familly and a few kitchens. I really enjoy the work and have been told by many that I should do it for a living, I have been offerd payment for my work but untill now have never concidered it. I work in London monday to friday and travel home for the weekend and this has now become to much for wife and kids. So thought of training to be a plumber. The business side of things doesnt phase me as I have been in business development for 14 years and have started my own company before.
The thing that gets me is that I want to train and start working for myself at the same time, all the so called fast track cources dont lead you to the SQV you need to be certified, (although they offer some good basic training.
I like studying and would happily spend a day a week and weekends studying for all the certificates for boilers, heating, electrics. I just need to work at the same time.
To get the SVQ I cant be self employed and I cant survive on Sub Ā£20K trainee money. Is there no way my self employed work can be assessed and taken into account? Even though I could probably make a living not doing the courses Id rather do things properly.
The demand seems to be there, I was away and had a water leak and it was two weeks before a plumber could get to me! There are two local plumbers.