Looking for an apprentice vacancy in NW

[Nick5050]

Hi,

I'm a 25 year old male looking to start an apprenticeship asap in the North West area, preferably Manchester. A little about myself, I have worked all manner of jobs since around the age of fourteen and I am by no means work shy. I was pushed into university studying electrical engineering by my tutors and parents at the age of nineteen but did not finish due to financial commitments. After another dissatisfying job in retail I decided it was time for change and for the last four months have been trying to find work as a plumbers mate or apprentice to no avail.

Plumbing is something I should have done upon leaving secondary school but I believe it is never too late to change your future. Most replies I have from businesses state the fact that government funding for someone over 25 is not available or there is just not enough work. This is understandable in the current economic climate but I am willing to pay my college and tuition costs from my wages in order to lift the burden of this from any potential employer.

I'm currently an approved candidate with JTL and CITB and will be studying in the Manchester area, I am also coming to the end of my driving lessons and hope to be passed by the end of September.

If your looking for a hard working, punctual, dedicated and passionate new employee to add to your team then please don't hesitate to get in touch. I hold three A levels in maths, physics and electronics and an AS level in business studies. In my previous employment I was part of a team of four who turned around an electrical retail store and increased turnover by over 1000% within the first year through the transformation of marketing, branding and the previous business model. I know this isn't completely relevant but any help I can give on the business side of things might be helpful to some of you.

Any constructive advice is appreciated as is any work experience that you can offer.

Thanks,
Nick[/b]

 

[David937]

Look for vacancies on the Apprenticeships.org website.

https://apprenticeshipvacancymatchi...vms/forms/candidate/PreRegisterCandidate.aspx

Good luck

 

[Nick5050]

Hi David,

Thanks for your reply, I have been checking this on a daily basis and unfortunately all the plumbing and heating vacancies seem to be around the Greater London area. If I had the money to up sticks I certainly would but at the moment I'm tied to Manchester I'm afraid.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[David937]

Ah I see, I guess you'll just have to keep checking, something will come up. NG Bailey have finished recruiting this year but you can always check again in January; a lot of their vacancies are up North. It's not easy getting an apprenticeship unfortunately and many engineers on here can probably tell you why.

 

[Nick5050]

Thats completely understandable and I can guess the reasons why. Im trying not to let it dishearten me too much but I picked a bad time to have a career change I guess, little annoyed I never followed it up after secondary school but hey ho.

 

[Boilerman2]

Is it me? or are apprentices getting older!!
it used to be 16 yr old school leavers that were looking for an apprenticship,
now you have to go to 6th form, take a Gap Year waste three years at University before even considering getting a Job!!

The problem is thre is no funding available to Post 19 year ols I'm afraid

 

[Nick5050]

Hi Boilerman2

I was aware of the lack of government funding and have been saying to possible employers that I will cover the cost of my tuition from my own pocket. I am also willing to settle for an apprenticeships wage and I'm by no means expecting special treatment due to my age.

Maybe your point about people going to 6th form and having gap years is valid but I would say the blame lies with "new labour" rather than an individual. In my case I come from a very poor background and should never have entered the university system. I believe this problem comes from telling people that the only way they will succeed in life is by going to university and ending up in the exchequers pocket for thirty plus years, coupled with the pressures from tutors at the time who are in a position of trust and you believe that they know best.

You live and learn I suppose, but I believe it's what you do after your mistakes that define you and not the mistakes themself.

 

[Boilerman2]

Your comments are very valid it is our society that is letting people down, previous (& probably the current Government) see futher/higher Education as a way of keeping young people off of the unemployment figures, sadly at the moment the Government is pushing apprentiships for 16-17yr olds and funding is available, which makes lfe difficult for people in your position, you cannot legally work for less than minimum wage although even 16 yr olds are on quite a good rate for their age /experience!

I am always wary of a a mature applicant at interview, as my main concern is simply "is this person ever going to settle in to a career and can I risk a lot of investment in a person that is going to get bored and movce on in a couple of years".

However I do sympathise with your current situation
Please Contact BEST (Building Engineering Services Training Ltd) as they may be able to help you in finding a position locally

I wish you the very best in your search for a position.

 

[David937]

Good advice on BEST, I have an interview tomorrow which they found for me!

 

[boilerdoktor]

where in manchester do you live and what are you studying at college pal....i have no vacancies but i can ask around.

Have you tried offering your labour for free? (initially, for experience/poss foot in the door?)

 

[Nick5050]

Thanks David I'll check that out, not seen that one before.

I have asked for work experience without pay as an alternative, like you say to get my foot in the door but still no luck.

I'm currently in the Walkden/Worsley area but don't mind travelling as far as Wigan/Preston/Stockport/Bury etc. The nearer the better.

I will be studying the City and Guilds 6189 Plumbing and Heating Level 2 at first but will carry on to the Level 3 also.

 

[ljrgas]

David i wish you the very best.
if i had enough work i work take on a apprentice straight away.
however i remember a topic coming up where a lot of people wouldnt take a pprentice due to them taking there work (RUBBISH)
to many 6 week plumbers ut there good luck looking
all the best Lee

 

[Agile]

You will not like this!

Firstly you have an excellent brain for theoretical and study related matters.

You should have completed your degree! The universities are falling over themselves to give places to those from poorer backgrounds.

I have a lodger who is taking an MSc in Town planning. He has a work placement at about £17k and has been offered a job from next march at £28k. He is a success story! Pity he does not keep his room tidier!

You have not told us what is the key to your failures and dissatisfaction in everything that you seem to start. As BM2 indicated, you seem to be a walking disaster!

When an experienced Polish plumber is available with 5+ years of experience, why should anyone take you on as an apprentice when your track record is so poor. In the current climate anyone taken on has to be expected to stay on board for at least three years.

You say you are tied to Manch! Why? Have you got married/shacked up with someone and have to support kids?

Anyone until they are qualified/established in a career, needs to stay clear of kids and women. Then they are free to travel to wherever their career/employment is enhanced.

By the time I was 28, I had worked in five UK locations and in Libya and Qatar!

Tony

 

[45yearsagasman]

Very sympathetic post and miles off the mark. Everyone deserves a start. You even got one!!

 

[Murf520970]

tony your are over opinionated sometimes. He will / would make an excellent addition to any company , rather him than some moody hung over teenager turning up for work glued to his phone all day. I asked the same question with my first post and no one gave me the time of day but even though ive struggled on my own at 42 im still here trying to do what i always wanted to do but never got the breaks