NVQ Course or Private Training

[Rover]

Hi all,

Quickie please as I am sure you've read this a few times - can't seem to find anything that fits my cir's though..

I am 32 and have been in my current job for 2 years, I have a degree in Business and wish I would have spend that time learning a trade instead - How many times must you have heard this!!!!!!

Anyways, looking at becoming either a central heating engineer or similar - my question is though; I read that there is a skills shortage for central heating engineers but loads on this forum say that this is not the case as allsorts have 'jumped on the bandwagon'. Is a jurney down this career path a worthwhile one?

I need to keep some ££'s rolling in as I have 2 kids and the rent to pay but I am flexible in my approach to learning the trade be it a NVQ 2 course leading to NVQ 3; or going with a private training co.

I know I am not too old for this and have spoken to a few gas central heating engineers that seem to be doing alright and have come away from an office environment into the trade via a fast track course but words are cheap and I'd like the reality before I commit my families future security into something that could f**k things up if it went pear shaped.

With the NVQ courses taking as long as they do but seeming to provide better training from scratch in contrast to the fast track courses claiming to sort out training, practical work and assessments but costing substantially more I am really confused.

My train of thought is that if I go with a reputable training co and look to complete a course inside 6 months I can earn the money back that I invested in the training through getting work. I have already diagnosed and changed a faulty CH pump after isolating and draining a CH system and have isolated and changed RADS but I would look at initially doing gas safety tests and minor jobs for the first few months while I tag along with someone more knowledgeable than myself to learn from,


Can you share your thoughts and experiences with me please?

Apologies for the long read:smoking:

 

[leaky]

dont want to put you off mate but have a look in your local free paper and see how many plumbers are looking for work.no disrespect but six months training will not be a lot of use it takes years befour you get any good at it and even after that you come un stuck now and then.the only people who say you can make good money and thier is loads of demand is the training providers.i know a few highly experienced lads looking for work at the moment.

 

[SimonG]

Become a vet!

 

[Rover]

LOL was just reading a post about a Rabbit - was that yours?

 

[Keefy]

I read that there is a skills shortage for central heating engineers

The reason I'm sticking to 'wet' plumbing is because there are too many.

 

[SimonG]

No, but I just read the same post

 

[Rover]

Apologies if this sounds condescending to anyone but I thought that the shortage would have been in Gas as there are qualifications to be had to be able to work safely and with competence and not kill anyone.

Am I wrong to assume that 'Wet' plumbing would have more competition for work due to a less specialised skill set?

 

[tamz]

Just jump in. What have you got to loose except your house, your wife, your family etc.
There is loads of work for you in gas. Don't listen to the naysayers. Get in here and have a life of eternal bliss and happiness. A minimum of 60 grand a year for a 2 day week. Its easy money.
There is a bit less in wet plumbing. Maybe 50 - 55 grand for a 3 day week but it beats the hell out of working in an office getting a steady guaranteed wage.
Just pick the shortest fast track course. There is nothing much to learn except a lesson in life!

 

[kay-jay]

Its not impossible to make a career in plumbing work for you however it is not as simple as running a small add in the local paper and picking up your share of random jobs. People tend to choose from ads they have regularly seen in the paper for months as they feel this gives them a bit of security.

Realistically it will be year 3 or 4 before you can achieve earnings of 21k