Anybody willing to take me on

[Antz2015]

Hi all

I am wondering is anybody willing to take me on in the following trades plumbing, painting or decorating or carpentry? I am 28 years old I ain't looking to do any work if you dont want me to but I am asking if it would be possible for somebody to take me on to shadow them and watch what they do. Hopefully one day take me on fully whereby I can gain the skills to help bring in more work for your company as well as help take of the work load as i would have the experience to work along side you. I am willing to make sacrifices if need be.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

You need to tell people where abouts you are based, what you did since you left school/college and if you have any other skills including driving licence, etc etc, a little more brief would help others to take you on.

 

[seasickstevie]

I ain't looking to do any work if you dont want me to ...

A slightly unconventional start to a job application.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

which really means he will be happy to come along and watch you what you do and help you with carrying things, whilst you get on the job, that way he will be picking up your skills, ask you questions and so on, and in between any minor tasks he could be trusted with, gradually he gains confidence, being with you, gets to acquire knowledge and your skills, and finally when you are both confident that he has acquired basic skills and knowledge, and all those necessary rules and regs, you could induct him on a wage, as his skills progress more and your business takes off as you now become a two man band, this way you both benefit, he doesn't need a wage whilst he is shadowing I guess, but you could always give him a little drink for helping, doesn't sound too bad, there are always people willing to learn and help themselves and others instead of just being spoon fed.

In schools and colleges, they don't teach you real life experiences, they don't teach you how you go about getting jobs, price work, travel to and forth, navigating roads, dealing with traffic, dealing with difficult customers, purchasing and ordering materials, and other ins and outs of all businesses, including basic book keeping, becoming self employed and dealing with tax issues, special skills which you may have acquired through your life long experiences is not taught in colleges. Colleges are only good for giving you basic background to theory and little if any in practical experience and approach.

 

[HERTS P&D]

he doesn't need a wage whilst he is shadowing I guess, but you could always give him a little drink for helping,

Everybody needs a wage, how will he live, claiming benefits?

Andy

 

[Mikefromlondon]

My guess would be yes, whilst he may be on jobseekers allowance, he may be struggling to find a job as he probably lacks skills, so why not? he is trying to help himself when he hasn't probably been helped by the Job center.

Obviously our Ministers are talking of making it compulsory for many big Firms to take on apprentices, but when will that come about, and potential employers will also get help towards this for a limited period.

 

[AlanE]

whilst you get on the job, that way he will be picking up your skills, ask you questions and so on, and in between any minor tasks he could be trusted with, gradually he gains confidence, being with you, gets to acquire knowledge and your skills, and finally when you are both confident that he has acquired basic skills and knowledge

No he then leaves to start up his Handyman business!!

 

[Antz2015]

I don't want to start up my own business, I would happily work for somebody else as long as I am doing what I am passionate about I don't mind. What I want is to learn something that gives me great self-worth job satisfaction. I currently work full time in mental health but willing to find a part time job to support myself financially or work weekends whilst gaining on the job experience and hopefully transition to become part of a business. I am 28 and from South East London, I have had experience doing painting and decorating for family members on numerous occasions, I am able to paint walls, ceilings, skirting boards as well as preparing surfaces for painting. I am also knowledge able with odd plumbing jobs such as plumbing in a washing machine, unblocking sinks or bathrooms, how to tighten a tap or toilet handle. I know what siphon is and the basics on how a toilet works in terms of water flow etc.

Other things include flat pack furniture, hanging shelves, taking doors off hinges and putting back on again all these experiences came from watching and doing myself but I want to become more advanced in both these areas (Painting and decorating and plumbing), I also have experience doing brick laying because I studied it at college.


I don’t have a driving licence but I hope to by the end of the month. I have applied at a college awaiting to hear from them for a course in multi- trade which incorporates plumbing and painting.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

Oh great so you are from South East, just the man I was looking for! and one in particular who is involved in Mental health team, because right now I need your help! to sort out a few mental people who are making me go mental! hey PM me your mobile.

 

[John506]

Plumbing, painting and decorating or carpentry?

I would say dedicate yourself to one trade, get that under your belt and then veer off into other trades.

Write a propper CV type layout message packed full of info about yourself and your future aims etc and post that on forums, send it to companies in your area or afar if you are willing to travel.

Keep on it day in day out and I'm sure you will get the break you want.

Tough getting started, been there, done that, took me 4 years to find a position, all the work was worth it now though.

Good luck.

 

[chirpychippy]

Bingo bango, well done Antz2015, I was 28 and also working in mental health when I decided to go to college and learn carpentry and joinery, the course was 2 nights a week over 2 years and cost me £3k, it got me as foot in the door with a local builder working as a labourer, I then paid for on site assessment and got my NVQ2 in C&J laterr followed by NVQ3. 15 years later I'm SE relatively successful and loving life. I think you've got the right mindset and will succeed. Good Luck.

 

[gregers]

i too was fairly late into carpentry,i was involved within the building industry and went to college in the evenings,
2 years c&g and 1 year advanced craft.iirc i was about 22/24? summit like that lol.
a m8 was working for a carpentry contracting firm and i gave them a ring and explained that even though i had my qualifications
would they consider taking me on as an improver this they done,i was self employed earning about 20 quid a day less then the other guys.
worked for them on n off for a number of years,chased the money with other firms,went on site house bashing etc,got into shop fitting.
and picked up a number of other skills along the way.
as others have said gain what you need in 1 trade,get experience in that field learn others if you can.
good luck,yes its hard to gain a foot hold but dont be put off making a few phone calls to local firms etc and test the water,be polite and truthful
speed comes with experience,ive worked with and seen some right LEMONS on various sites and it makes you wonder HOW/WHY they can make a living.concentrate on doing an excellent job that way you will get a reputation for being a proper tradesman rather then a cowboy.

 

[Antz2015]

chirpychippy what college did you go 2? I am looking at colleges right now?