mattbus

hi all.
i am currently half way through C+G 2330 and looking for some experience within the industry, i'm 36 and have worked as an electrical fitter for the past 6 years but took this course with the intention of moving into the sparky trade.
Does anyone know of anywhere that's recruiting round the somerset area at the moment, as could really do with some hands on stuff, willing to do weekends, eves, etc
cheers

Bane

Hi matt,

how did you get on? Did you manage to get any work? Has your situation improved since your last post?

mattbus

hi Bane.
getting along really well and have arranged to have the practical,3 phase, unit 3 and unit 4 exams brought forward to march so i can get the course finished,get out in the real world again and learn the trade, as we all know, you'll learn more in a week on the job than a month at college.
still looking for work though
think my age is against me really, probably start up on my own and pick and choose jobs untill my confidence/experience grows

Bane

"Think my age is against me"

I'd have to disagree with you there Matt. Ok, I'm not as old as you (29) but I feel that employers will give you more of a chance (more mature/interested in the job) and once employed I feel they are more inclined to give you responsibility (if you have the aptitude) and leave you to it. I know cirrus had some kind of similiar experience where he was given responsibility rather quick. Isn't that right cirrus?

Well Matt, good to hear your getting along alright. For employment have you tried visiting contractors in person? Explaining the situation your in, possibly even taking a pay cut? (last resort of course).

Personally I went on Yell.com and e-mailed all the companies in my area and attached a CV. The ones that had no website, I phoned. Asked friends to ask their friends too. (This is how I got my chance).

PERSERVERANCE MATT!!!

Cirrus

Age is not against you. I was 33 when I got into it and have never looked back after nearly 4 years. Good luck!

mattbus

cheers guys, yeah i've contacted a few contractors, catch 22 here for now, only got a few around here, so i'd have to travel quite far, but economics won't allow for that at the moment, hence one of the reasons for getting the course done quickly.
Once finished i'm available 7 days a week and could afford to travel, but don't worry, i'm not about to give up, i've put alot of work and suffered financially to get this far, i want to see the rewards at the end.

Bane

Good. Keep it at it mate. Something will turn up in the end. I guarantee.

As for travelling for work, it has to be done I'm afraid. We've got a guy with us who travels about 3.5hrs to get to work. Fair enough he stays for the week and the boss pays his digs...

Cirrus

Yeah, travelling is part of the job. Whwen I was an apprentice I used to have to drive 110 miles a day to site in my Mitsubishi FTO which only did 20 miles to the gallon! Expensive for a while but once I got experience I got a van and a fuel card and it's all become worthwhile. Remember - if you won't travel, there are hundreds who will!

mattbus

i don't mind travelling and fully expect to, just not financially viable for 2.5 days a week, like i said, once the course is done next month, i am available 24/7 so should have more luck then

Bane

Keep us upto date on your progress