Advice Please

[jimyh]

Hello everyone,

Im 34 years old and looking to change direction in life. Ive always been a hands on type of fella and this industry appeals to me.

However i do not want to complete one of these quick courses but rather i want to go to college, i can get some work experience so that part is not much of an issue, what i want to know is what do i need to study, i am going to be doing the 'Guild of gas fitters' certification, and want to basically be able to do mainly domestic gas work along with the normal side of plumbing, ie, bathrooms etc.

any help and advice on what exams i should take will be very much appreciated.

Thanks

James

 

[Keefy]

The hardest part is actually finding a tradesman willing to give you the hands-on work experience but you seem to have that part covered and you're right to avoid the fast track offers because they're a complete con. Enquire at your local colleges to see who's offering plumbing courses and pick yourself up a copy of 'Plumbing' by R.D. Treloar - it's an excellent piece of reference material for students and qualified alike. Try tackling a couple of minor plumbing jobs around the house whether they need doing or not, offer to fix your relative's dripping tap or fit their new washing machine - this will give you a huge boost of confidence and will most likely help you decide if this line of work is 100% what you want to do.

Personally never heard of the 'Guild of Gas Fitters' certification you mentioned though.

Also, which part of the country are you in?

 

[jimyh]

Thanks for your reply Keefy,

The certification i mentioned is on the list from Carshalton college, i was told to get that before any others, it, i believe is an introduction to safe working on gas, and would allow me to apply for my gas safe card and be registered. Im a little worried now, as you have not heard of it and im assuming your in the game already.

Yh, i have the work experience sorted, although i am doing it for free, but i want to learn so dont mind to much. As for D I Y, i do have a couple of radiators that need fitting, including the pipe work so will give that ago.

I live in Surrey, in particular, Leatherhead, Junction 9 off the M25.

 

[Simon F]

The certification i mentioned is on the list from Carshalton college, i was told to get that before any others, it, i believe is an introduction to safe working on gas, and would allow me to apply for my gas safe card and be registered. Im a little worried now, as you have not heard of it and im assuming your in the game already.

I have also never heard of this " guild of gas fitters" so did a quick search.
[DLMURL]http://www.powertrainingcentre.co.uk/courses/gas-courses/DE5166/[/DLMURL]

I think it will at best be as you say an introduction, you definitely would not be able to apply to be gas safe registered after doing this course. How much is the course?

best to start with the plumbing qualification, possibly then progress to gas