Retraining as plumber at 35

[Pragmaticscoundrel]

Good afternoon all
John here from norfolk.
I'm looking to change career after 20 years in hospitality.
Stressful way to make a living & I've lost my passion for it.
Plumbing appeals hugely.im fairly mechanically minded & a quick learner.
The issue is-im 35 & cant pay the mortgage on an apprentice wage.
Is there a day release nvq course etc I can organize through a college or would I need to do full time?
I'd be hugely grateful for advice on this.

Many thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

What appeals to you in the plumbing game ?

 

[SJB060685]

When I did my apprenticeship the same college did a once or twice a week evening course to reach the same qualification, which allowed people to work during the days at whatever job they held.
Your age doesn't bother me. I'm 35 as well and although highly trained in my given field, there is still so much to learn. If you are passionate about giving it ago then by all means do so but you must be prepared for an awful lot of studying, a lot of effort and input and even when you qualify with an NVQ level 3 (is that still the qualification Shaun?) that only scratches the surface.

 

[Pragmaticscoundrel]

What appeals to you in the plumbing game ?

The catering sector has changed dramatically over the last 20 years.these days-you need to be an IT expert, cook, translater of many languages, HR specialist & able to deal with every bizarre allergen known to man!
The appeal with plumbing is predominantly solo working (no screamy kitchens or politics or egos!) & I guess problem solving & a task/effort/reward cycle that I find appealing in car mechanics already.
My brother works in construction/fitting & regularly looks for a reliable plumber he can sub jobs out to so seems logical.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yep nvq 3 tbh night course are ok but with anything nothing beats hands on so best to work for a company for a few years as an improver or they know your green the courses don’t teach you everything

 

[SJB060685]

I agree courses don't give you the hands on experience, which is vital but as he says an apprentices wage won't make ends meet. Tricky situation really.

 

[Pragmaticscoundrel]

I agree courses don't give you the hands on experience, which is vital but as he says an apprentices wage won't make ends meet. Tricky situation really.

Well yes that's the catch 22.common issue with older retraining I guess.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It’s one of them if he can’t take a pay cut and wants to go basically straight into work / employment I would try and look for something else as tbh your too green coming out of collage / short courses

 

[SimonG]

Chicken and the egg. Anybody can do anything at any age. But you will have to sacrifice something and the reward will be matched by the sacrifice.

Courses will give you the bits of paper and maybe get a start as a plumbers mate. But the key will be no experience.

Try the search function on the forum, many have been in exactly your situation and you may find something in there.

 

[Scott_D]

Do you work in a hotel or somewhere with a maintenance team?