Is too late to start .

[Thommo]

Hello everyone,
Just wondering your thoughts and welcome any advice.
Just been made redundant again from my original trade of printer which frankly is a dying trade. I did a 5 year apprenticeship in the early eighties which at the age of 55 now seems worthless.
In and out of the print trade over the years I regularly worked on site ceiling fixing for my uncles firm.
I worked a lot of nights on London Underground steel fixing and installing ceilings and panels over track and escalators etc.Running compartment trunking along platforms, using chem fix on threaded rod and many other things.Therefore I do have plenty of experience using tools etc and have gained certification necessary for that work on lul.
All have now expired except CSCS card.Have enquired about this kind of work, but jobs are scarce and based on who you know.
I have been offered a start as a sparks mate and doing a months trial. Obviously I am not a kid who will be on his phone all day, I have a mentality of a good days wedge for a good days graft. I would want to learn as much as possible because I wouldn’t be content just labouring.More of an elderly improver, So I will give it a go, do any of you think I am too late . Old dog new tricks and all that.

 

[telectrix]

go for it mate. @ 55 yous still got 15 + years to go. even if you stay as a sparks' mate, wages are decent.

 

[Thommo]

go for it mate. @ 55 yous still got 15 + years to go. even if you stay as a sparks' mate, wages are decent.

Thanks for the encouragement mate,
Obviously a bit apprehensive, not the first time been laid off but don’t get any easier.

 

[Dan]

Go for it. I hope I have a fallback when I'm 55. I don't know what I'd do when we're all virtual reality simulations of ourselves in some avatar-based world and we don't need forums anymore.

Keep your contacts, and collect some more while you're being a sparks mate. It's a handy trade to be part of by the looks of it.

(I'm not a sparky by any means!)

 

[Dustydazzler]

If you you are physically able go for it

 

[Thommo]

If you you are physically able go for it

Willing and able mate

 

[telectrix]

i'm still at it at 72. knees and back permitting.
phwe good job i proof read that. originally said i'm still a ---.

 

[Dan]

Awww as if we've got you proof reading posts now!

Both my back and my knees have gone, totally not related to anything work wise (cartilage gone in knees and had them out, and back fractured a couple of years ago) so I'm knackard if I tried to start wall and floor tiling again. There's bob hope I could do that now. I'm 38. So I'm hoping forums are still a thing when I'm 65 lol



You've got a nice chance really to get into it again there. I'd go for it. Sod printing. Don't know why libraries are still going. Their computer-end is archaic in my local libraries. And their books untouched. Paper has had it's day I think.

Mind you, a lot of printers I know have gone into van sign-writing, and as a result kinda vehicle wrapping and then a bit of detailing too. And that's a growing trade.

So you shape your business to fit what's going or just give it up and change yourself. There's no one sudden day anything happens with a business. Usually.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Old dog new tricks

ask Tele & Pete they could show the pups a thing or three ,even in their bath chairs ,lol..
go for it .
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down the home pub ,lol.

 

[Megawatt]

Hello everyone,
Just wondering your thoughts and welcome any advice.
Just been made redundant again from my original trade of printer which frankly is a dying trade. I did a 5 year apprenticeship in the early eighties which at the age of 55 now seems worthless.
In and out of the print trade over the years I regularly worked on site ceiling fixing for my uncles firm.
I worked a lot of nights on London Underground steel fixing and installing ceilings and panels over track and escalators etc.Running compartment trunking along platforms, using chem fix on threaded rod and many other things.Therefore I do have plenty of experience using tools etc and have gained certification necessary for that work on lul.
All have now expired except CSCS card.Have enquired about this kind of work, but jobs are scarce and based on who you know.
I have been offered a start as a sparks mate and doing a months trial. Obviously I am not a kid who will be on his phone all day, I have a mentality of a good days wedge for a good days graft. I would want to learn as much as possible because I wouldn’t be content just labouring.More of an elderly improver, So I will give it a go, do any of you think I am too late . Old dog new tricks and all that.

I’m 61 and still wanting to learn electrical is awesome

 

[buzzlightyear]

we are all on learning curve but I now need now get off ,lol.

 

[Thommo]

Awww as if we've got you proof reading posts now!

Both my back and my knees have gone, totally not related to anything work wise (cartilage gone in knees and had them out, and back fractured a couple of years ago) so I'm knackard if I tried to start wall and floor tiling again. There's bob hope I could do that now. I'm 38. So I'm hoping forums are still a thing when I'm 65 lol



You've got a nice chance really to get into it again there. I'd go for it. Sod printing. Don't know why libraries are still going. Their computer-end is archaic in my local libraries. And their books untouched. Paper has had it's day I think.

Mind you, a lot of printers I know have gone into van sign-writing, and as a result kinda vehicle wrapping and then a bit of detailing too. And that's a growing trade.

So you shape your business to fit what's going or just give it up and change yourself. There's no one sudden day anything happens with a business. Usually.

Sound advice me thinks I am done with print.
I will certainly give it my best shot.Looking forward to the challenge.

 

[ipf]

Sound advice me thinks I am done with print.
I will certainly give it my best shot.Looking forward to the challenge.

Good luck, mate. Sounds like you've got a decent opportunity.
Common sense, fitness and an ability to learn are all at a premium in the trade, these days. If you've got the lot, onwards and upwards, regardless of age.

 

[BruceBanner]

If your able & have an opportunity go for it.
Every day a school day. Don't matter who you are.
Good luck.

 

[Thommo]

Hello all,
Have not been on here since starting out in October.Did not have much to contribute. Read and digested a lot of your encouraging advice and decided to go for it.
Just thought I would log in for a nose , now I’ve been working in the trade since September and started a full on course today and suddenly it’s all looking very daunting.
How did any of you feel when you set eyes on all those bloody books ?

 

[pc1966]

Everything looks daunting when you get a whole pile of stuff dumped on you!

Its a bit like salami, you (probably!) would not try and force a whole one in your mouth in one go, but slice it and make east bite manageable. Just like the real world, academic exercises come down to the same aspects of taking manageable steps, applying previous knowledge, experience, and a logical process to getting towards the right answer.

Or acceptably good. In many cases good engineering is the art of compromise: it has to meet the minimum standards of safety and functionality, but beyond that you often will have more than one possible solution and then it comes down to other aspects of judgment and budget (and also a degree the ability to explain the options to the client so they can understand the pros and cons in order to make an informed judgment).

 

[ipf]

Hello all,
Have not been on here since starting out in October.Did not have much to contribute. Read and digested a lot of your encouraging advice and decided to go for it.
Just thought I would log in for a nose , now I’ve been working in the trade since September and started a full on course today and suddenly it’s all looking very daunting.
How did any of you feel when you set eyes on all those bloody books ?

I can't remember much....probably had my mind on the second floor more when I started at Tech....all the f***y in the hairdressing department.
Seriously, it'll get easier as you go along. As I mentioned, common sense and a will to learn goes a long way. There's always a way to figure things out. Make sure you understand things as you're going along...if not, ask.
Good luck....and if you get a bit stuck...always here to come

 

[pc1966]

Just as ipf said - ask if in doubt. Folk here won't do your exercises for you but some are very willing to help anyone understand any aspects they struggle with.

 

[cloverman]

Good to hear that you went for it Thommo and all is going well.
I wouldn't worry too much about all the books, You come across to me like a bloke who has their head screwed on the right way if you know what I mean !
Work your way into it gently and the more experienced and knowledgeable guys on here are great for helping out or giving hints on what direction to take when pondering over an issue

 

[Thommo]

I can't remember much....probably had my mind on the second floor more when I started at Tech....all the f***y in the hairdressing department.
Seriously, it'll get easier as you go along. As I mentioned, common sense and a will to learn goes a long way. There's always a way to figure things out. Make sure you understand things as you're going along...if not, ask.
Good luck....and if you get a bit stuck...always here to come

Good to hear that you went for it Thommo and all is going well.
I wouldn't worry too much about all the books, You come across to me like a bloke who has their head screwed on the right way if you know what I mean !
Work your way into it gently and the more experienced and knowledgeable guys on here are great for helping out or giving hints on what direction to take when pondering over an issue

Thanks cloverman
I found today that I was doubting myself quite a bit.
Having done H&S courses for Cscs Lucas and ECS over the years I realised I knew most of the answers, but the c&g worksheets I was given seemed to be worded in a way that made me a bit apprehensive.
I struggled to find the words for the written answer.
I understand that the first exam in a couple of days is multiple choice, which should be more up my street . Just struggled with confidence today.
Thanks for your input much appreciated

 

[Taylortwocities]

Thanks cloverman
I found today that I was doubting myself quite a bit.
Having done H&S courses for Cscs Lucas and ECS over the years I realised I knew most of the answers, but the c&g worksheets I was given seemed to be worded in a way that made me a bit apprehensive.
I struggled to find the words for the written answer.
I understand that the first exam in a couple of days is multiple choice, which should be more up my street . Just struggled with confidence today.
Thanks for your input much appreciated

C&G seem to delight in wording questions in the strangest way. You'll get the hang of what they are looking for, after a bit of practise.

 

[pc1966]

As with most exams, once you learn to "think like the examiner" you will find the questions easier. I don't know the C&G details but I expect you will have worked example answers to questions for guidance, but always try to answer it first before you looks - it always looks easy when you see the answer!

If you have access to (or can afford to buy) the IET Guidance Notes those books also help explain the intentions of the regulations is a far more readable manner than BS7671 itself.

 

[SJD]

With any C&G exams, read some chief examiners reports from past papers. The reports list key / common things that candidates get wrong, and it is the same things that crop up from one exam to the next.

Here is a link to a random example from a 2395 paper, to show you what I mean:

https://www.cityandguilds.com/-/media/productdocuments/building_services_industry/electrical_installation/2395/additional_documents/2395-302_chief_examiners_report_october_2016-pdf.ashx

 

[Vortigern]

What course are you doing? What will it lead to domestic and or commercial?

 

[Thommo]

What course are you doing? What will it lead to domestic and or commercial?

Just on my break, it’s with able skills. Gold card approved level 2&3, 18th edition, test and inspection.
Moving on the c&g diploma and am2.
[automerge]1591089742[/automerge]

With any C&G exams, read some chief examiners reports from past papers. The reports list key / common things that candidates get wrong, and it is the same things that crop up from one exam to the next.

Here is a link to a random example from a 2395 paper, to show you what I mean:

https://www.cityandguilds.com/-/media/productdocuments/building_services_industry/electrical_installation/2395/additional_documents/2395-302_chief_examiners_report_october_2016-pdf.ashx

Interesting read mate, will look more at that.

 

[MDJ]

go for it mate. @ 55 yous still got 15 + years to go. even if you stay as a sparks' mate, wages are decent.

55 is the same as a teenager for you ?
[automerge]1591092652[/automerge]

i'm still at it at 72. knees and back permitting.
phwe good job i proof read that. originally said i'm still a ---.

72? No one believes that ?

 

[Edtwozeronine]

I'd like to learn more about electronics seeing as those that have cracked it seem to make a good living out of it, I follow YouTube channels like big Clive and eevblog but I feel I learn nothing from these as they're more for people who already have a clue, resistors are about the only thing I understand as they are just put in circuit to lower power; I assume to not cook another component in the circuit that only needs a specific amount of volts to work.

Is there a good website that teaches you very beginner's kind of stuff? Any kits like those build your own radio sorts of things worth bothering with?

 

[pc1966]

Is there a good website that teaches you very beginner's kind of stuff? Any kits like those build your own radio sorts of things worth bothering with?

Off hands I don't know, but a good starting place would be to look at stuff targeting secondary school for an introduction. The book "Make Electronics: Learning by Discovery" by Charles Platt gets some good reviews, maybe worth seeing if there is a 2nd hand copy cheap enough to buy as casual reading to start with.

Once you grasp the basics then the book "Art of Electronics" by Horowitz & Hill is an excellent guide to all sorts of stuff.

 

[telectrix]

55 is the same as a teenager for you ?
[automerge]1591092652[/automerge]

72? No one believes that ?

73 now... keep up at the back ! .
born in 1946. as the septics say, you do the math.

 

[Pete999]

73 now... keep up at the back ! .
born in 1946. as the septics say, you do the math.

Kids don't you just love Em?

 

[Thommo]

I Joined and started this thread 3 1/2 years ago and was very nervous and apprehensive about my future and ability to succeed in my goals.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and support over this time and for your words of encouragement.
Today I had my NVQ portfolio signed off and have been advised that I should take my AM2, which I have booked for early June.
Never thought I would get this far so thanks again.

 

[littlespark]

Thanks for the update.

Glad everything is going well

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Opened this thread and then realised it was from 2019 and though “who’s made the mistake of replying to such an old thread?”.

Nice to see it wasn’t a mistake and the original poster had come back to post again with an update and a good outcome!

Well done mate

 

[cloverman]

I Joined and started this thread 3 1/2 years ago and was very nervous and apprehensive about my future and ability to succeed in my goals.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and support over this time and for your words of encouragement.
Today I had my NVQ portfolio signed off and have been advised that I should take my AM2, which I have booked for early June.
Never thought I would get this far so thanks again.

Great news Thommo.
Really pleased that you went for it mate and thanks for updating on your journey

 

[Thommo]

Opened this thread and then realised it was from 2019 and though “who’s made the mistake of replying to such an old thread?”.

Nice to see it wasn’t a mistake and the original poster had come back to post again with an update and a good outcome!

Well done mate

Thanks mate
Appreciate the help and the encouragement I’ve had from this forum

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Thanks mate
Appreciate the help and the encouragement I’ve had from this forum

Time or almost time to change your profile so it doesn’t say “trainee” anymore!

 

[Thommo]

Time or almost time to change your profile so it doesn’t say “trainee” anymore!

Won’t be doing that just yet mate

 

[Thommo]

Hi all,
Thought I’d update you all again, the right thing to do considering all the help I’ve had on this forum.
Received my results of my AM2 today and passed, which I am naturally over the moon with.
A very stressful week all in all to be honest, going to give myself a break now then give I&T 2391/52 a go in a couple of months.
Every day’s definitely a school day and I am enjoying the days in my new trade more than I had hoped.
Well most em anyway
Thanks again for all your help and encouragement.

 

[rewireIT]

Hi all,
Thought I’d update you all again, the right thing to do considering all the help I’ve had on this forum.
Received my results of my AM2 today and passed, which I am naturally over the moon with.
A very stressful week all in all to be honest, going to give myself a break now then give I&T 2391/52 a go in a couple of months.
Every day’s definitely a school day and I am enjoying the days in my new trade more than I had hoped.
Well most em anyway
Thanks again for all your help and encouragement.

Hi mate which NVQ did you do??

 

[littlespark]

Great news @Thommo , now the real learning begins.

Defo time to lose the trainee badge.

 

[Thommo]

Hi mate which NVQ did you do??

Done through the training centre City and guilds approved

 

[rewireIT]

Done through the training centre City and guilds approved

Did you have to do the level 2 and 3 first??

 

[nicebutdim]

Did you have to do the level 2 and 3 first??

See post #25

Post in thread 'Is too late to start .' Is too late to start . - https://www.electriciansforums.net/threads/is-too-late-to-start.178018/post-1632787

 

[Thommo]

Did you have to do the level 2 and 3 first??

Yes Mate and 18th

 

[rewireIT]

Yes Mate and 18th

Ahh ok. Been thinking about doing that myself but think i'm gonna go down the experienced worker route instead since i have over 5 years experience.

Also, get in mate, you're an inspiration.

 

[rewireIT]

I must also caveat the above with the fact that those being paid lolwages as apprentices will be dismissive of what i have to say. They will believe the only way is to do an apprenticeship (because they have a sunk-cost associated with their own decision so must defend it at all costs) without taking into account that mates actually can get much more experience in a shorter amount of time (not having to go to college) and therefore the training is better.

They may show their disapproval with passive aggressiveness, but it doesn't change the salient points - working as a mate on site and studying in your spare time is superior to the modern apprenticeship because of the aforementioned experience and the fact that you don't have to be on 16 year old wages to do it.

I remember when i was at college with the spotty teens and we had to endure a whole 8 hours on the chapter containing what a hammer looks like and what you use it for.

 

[nicebutdim]

I must also caveat the above with the fact that those being paid lolwages as apprentices will be dismissive of what i have to say. They will believe the only way is to do an apprenticeship (because they have a sunk-cost associated with their own decision so much defend it at all costs) without taking into account that mates actually can get much more experience in a shorter amount of time (not having to go to college) and therefore the training is better.

They may show their disapproval with passive aggressiveness, but it doesn't change the salient points - working as a mate on site and studying in your spare time is superior to the modern apprenticeship because of the aforementioned experience and the fact that you don't have to be on 16 year old wages to do it.

I remember when i was at college with the spotty teens and we had to endure a whole 8 hours on the chapter containing what a hammer looks like and what you use it for.

We don't need another slanging match on your latest account, so I'll make this one post and leave it at that - hopefully moderators will allow this to stand, not only as a response to a personal attack, but for its content.

An apprenticeship as an adult is very different to that experienced by younger learners - this is due to a combination of acquired knowledge, ability, prior experience and a more mature approach to learning. I can attest to this fact as it's the route I chose in 2021, shortly before you did the same (note that 2021 was 2 years ago and not 5, hence my use of the 'optimistic' emoticon).

I attend college when required, which is much less frequently than others in the class and spend the rest of my time working in much the same capacity as a mate or often running smaller jobs on my own. Some learners might need several weeks to complete a project that can be completed in one or two afternoons, so there's little point in being there with nothing to do. Classroom learning is another matter, but one which can often be caught up on. I guess if a tutor needs to take 8 hours to help someone understand what a hammer is, then they'll take 8 hours to do so - what they won't expect is that everyone else needs to learn at that same pace.

For adults, first year apprenticeship wages could be very low, with each subsequent year requiring at least the living wage, but that's not to say they will be very low. I set out with the expectation that I'd earn the bare minimum and was pleasantly surprised to start at roughly twice that, with wages since progressing well beyond my expectations. The only cost associated with my apprenticeship has been, understandably, time spent learning. Course and exam fees are fully funded and I'm earning as much as an average time served electrician in these parts. Six months earning slightly above the national living wage was no great hardship.

The real point here is not what you think an adult apprenticeship entails, nor my thoughts on having to wait 5 years to begin the process of obtaining qualifications through a route intended for people who have experience and would like to gain qualifications accordingly, but that people have a number of options. Some options will hold greater appeal than others for each individual considering retraining, but there is no option that fits everyone. I don't have an issue with the personal choices that anyone has made, or may make in the future, but I do have an issue with the constant denigration of a universally accepted route into the industry, which presents not a single barrier to future employment. You don't like apprenticeships, despite having only experienced one for roughly two weeks and that's fine, but please afford a modicum of respect to the significant number of people who have trodden that well established route and for others who may have good reason to consider doing so in the future.