Newly qualified at 54!

[Last Plumber]

Everyone to their own.

I had to edit that after re-reading it. Sorry HF, it sounded like an advert for PPE.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I had to edit that after re-reading it. Sorry HF, it sounded like an advert for PPE.

 

[townfanjon]

Welcome along but at 54 give your head a wobble. I'm 51 and looking at coming off of the tools in the next few years. Bad knees and thumbs.

Nob-ert a lad

 

[Chuck]

Bad knees and thumbs.

Just your back, hips and eyes to go then...

 

[Last Plumber]

Nob-ert a lad

Ecky thump!

 

[Stigster]

Still the pay is great!!! Once fully qualified with a degree in teaching, A Level 3 in Plumbing / Heating & gas + good electrical knowledge, plus your A1 award you will be able to commended the princely sum of around £34K a year.
Oh & don't tell me the holidays are good cos you will either be sick, doing prep, or sorting out the workshop ready for the next lot & if you do manage to slip away for a couple of weeks you will be paying top dollar as the schools are out to.
Still want to do it ??

Blimey! That's a £50,000+ per annum job here in Guernsey. Even the workshop technician (me) is paid more than a UK lecturer in plumbing. Keep an eye out, we've got one of our two lecturers retiring soon, he's already gone part time and will give that up in the near future I think.

They even allow you to start teaching as long as you have a full plumbing qualification and you can do your Cert. Ed. on the job.

Out of interest anybody know the going rate in the UK for a training workshop technician?

 

[Rob Foster]

Hi Guys, just thought I'd introduce myself.
At the grand age of 54, I have just qualified as a wet plumber.
Previously, I was a teacher of engineering at an FE college for 18 years and before that run my own motor vehicle repair business.
Needless to say, friends and family think I'm mad but I'm really enjoying the challenges that each day brings.
I guess I will be looking for advice as time moves forward and from what i have seen so far, you guys do not hold back in your support for those of us new to the trade.

Well Done, ask away there are no silly questions from friends
Age is no barrier, and can often be a plus as customers can distrust young wipper snappers
and DONT tell your customers you are newly qualified...you are their expert thats why they called you. There is usually some one on here at all times
I start about 4am but am snoring in the chair by 21.00
regards centralheatking

 

[Welder]

I start about 4am but am snoring in the chair by 21.00
regards centralheatking

Rob, you forgot the words 'and dribbling' after snoring...

No, don't thank me. Really

 

[Rob Mitchell]

Fantastic! Look after the knees and you’ll be still playing the game in 40 years.

 

[PDS]

Thanks for all your good luck messages guys.