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Discuss Newly qualified at 54! in the Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board area at PlumbersForums.net

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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.
 
Hello Sir and welcome .
A bit like me mate , spent years in the motor trade and then went back to school to learn a proper job lol lol
 
Hello and welcome
 
And a proper job it is too.

Both are very hard , big plus point with plumbing and heating is your overheads are very low , garage premises etc wow , fortune , I worked 3/4 days a week to pay traders policy , rent , rates , utilities etc etc etc .
 
That sounds about right with the insurance, big workshops to heat and staff who often f*%k up customers cars.
Mind you, after 18 years teaching i reckon I've gone a bit soft.
 
Well done on qualification. As you say it's all about enjoying the challenges. When it's a bit tricky but you get it to go right - no better feeling!!
 
Im 32 and just finishing my level 2 in plumbing and heating.
Just waiting to get a start date for level 3 gas safe course but Id like to go the other.
I mean once Im 50+ Id like to go into teaching.

All our tutors at college were previously plumbers. Injuries/health related problems found them re training as teachers.
 
It is harder than you may think not only do you need to know your stuff cos if you don't the little buggers will find you out but then you have to do your A1 (assessors) followed by the equivalent of a PGC degree in teaching or what ever they are calling it now.
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 ??:eek:
 
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 ??:eek:

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?
 
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
 
Hello Sir and welcome .
A bit like me mate , spent years in the motor trade and then went back to school to learn a proper job lol lol

If you can competently fault find on modern vehicles electrical systems you should be able to repair domestic heating appliances standing on your head. IMHO they're decades ahead in terms of technology/development/complexity.
 
If you can competently fault find on modern vehicles electrical systems you should be able to repair domestic heating appliances standing on your head. IMHO they're decades ahead in terms of technology/development/complexity.
Where about are you in the world matey?
 
If you can competently fault find on modern vehicles electrical systems you should be able to repair domestic heating appliances standing on your head. IMHO they're decades ahead in terms of technology/development/complexity.

I must admit cars and the tech behind them is unbelievable. I ended up moving more to body work / paint . My grandad was a old school mechanic, blimey he would have a shock if he was around now . His last car was a minter Humber Hawk
 
Hello and welcome along. Congrats first of all. I’m pretty sure you find a lot of help here on this forum.
 

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