retraining for a trade

[gucciman]

ive just been made redundant and am interested in re-training to be a plumber of heating engineer. in reality though, what is the prospects of being taken on by a firm after going to college to re-train? most firms only take on experienced people dont they? (im 36)

[stanleyman]

There is a shortage of plumbers and heating engineers so you should not have too much trouble getting a job. However, many in this trade are self employed and while this does require other business skills to get work and make enough liveable profit to stay in business you don't need to find an employer to earn a living. Although it might be advisable for a while to gain experience. Your inexperience will no doubt be reflected in your initial earnings.

[xrayspecs]

Judging by the number of cowboys in the plumbing trade, you can make a lot of money even if you don't have much experience or talent for the job. These two facts alone make good plumbers like gold dust. I've known and used my plumber for over 10 years because once you get a good tradesperson you hang on to them. GO FOR IT!

[GBPEVA1]

My husband works for a building company and they are desperate for tradesmen - there is a real shortage of good candidates.

Also, a colleague recently got made redundant, luckily had retrained as a plumber as he was planning to leave and set up on his own anyway. He's doing really well.

Good luck whatever you choose to do.