arw_86 Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 hello all, especially those in a tradeI'm a newly qualified heating engineer, specialising in fires and fireplaces. I got into a trade just so i had a skill to use for the rest of my life, or for a skill to always have and earn money from. I've been doing it two years now and went through the private courses (expensive) route but earned money throughout rather than being in college one day a week. I enjoy it most the time as its different people, diff places, good exercise and i like the final product of my work when i finish. But also it can do my head in because its shit pay whilst training and very physical work, making me tired and the amount of dust thats got in my lungs and noise thats battered my ears cant be good. also working late some days....for the same pay gets on my tits a bit lol. But now i've got most my qualifications i'm going for it on my own, ill be subbing to my old boss and i have a shop who will give me work. I'm not expecting miracles and know it will be hard and a struggle to get work at 22, but ill give it a bash and see how it goes. just costs a bit to outlay for a van, registrations to gas safe and hetas, tools and insurances etc.....but i feel i need to try because i want responsibility, freedom, money (hopefully) and i couldnt hack it working for a big company and i need space from my boss lol.anyway enough of me, sorry to bore.just wanted to know if anyone else was into any trades and what they think of it etc....ill outlay a few questions to make it easier1) what is your trade?2) what situation are you in? (apprentice? working for a small company? big company? for yourself?)3) you like your trade?4) pros and cons of your job5) just anything else you want to say about your job/trade/other tradesid like to see this thread as a place where people can also get advice on anything trade related, from trades to choose, problems at work, courses, job problems, tips and advice etchopefully im not the only one out there.cheers to all the people that keep britain running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Wood Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 I'm a geotechnical engineer, working for a small company based in the South West (shameless plug) and have done for a month now. Its pretty much my ideal job. Can't thnk of any cons right now, anyone in work should be pretty thankful I reckon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike W Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Training to be a Mecanical fitter, wanting to go to uni after my apprenticeship.Atm i dont get payed as i dont have a sponsoring company so thats pretty shit, but hey still qualifications and skills i can use after Its not bad what weve done up to now, finding it allright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arw_86 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 (edited) I'm a geotechnical engineer, working for a small company based in the South West (shameless plug) and have done for a month now. Its pretty much my ideal job. Can't thnk of any cons right now, anyone in work should be pretty thankful I reckon!sounds rather specialist which can often mean more money! lol hope it keeps bein a sweet job for you mateTraining to be a Mecanical fitter, wanting to go to uni after my apprenticeship.Atm i dont get payed as i dont have a sponsoring company so thats pretty shit, but hey still qualifications and skills i can use after Its not bad what weve done up to now, finding it allright.yeah unfortunately pay is either shite or none existent whilst training....but least you understand your working your way to earning good money and a skill you will never lose! keep it up mate, you will get there one day. there will be crappy bits on they way but just focus on where you wanna be at the end Edited August 13, 2009 by arw_86 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamWood! Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 Just finished my first year at collage doing plumbing, fairly easy stuff hopefulyl will get harder in level 2 althought ive just sent off an application form for an apprentiship would be nice if that works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZHI-sam Posted August 15, 2009 Report Share Posted August 15, 2009 just finished my 1st year of college doing plastering, got my 2nd year soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavyn. Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 2nd year apprentice sparky.it's pretty good everythings been going well. I'm finishing my apprenticeship then finishing my degree in electrical engineering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Arnold Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 been working in my dads company for nearly two years now fixing up classic cars. pro's - fantastic experience, i enjoy working with these cars.con's - being the youngest employee has majour downsides, pay isn't great.future - look to set up my own small business soon, starting out servicing cars (possibly mobile servicing) to gain more experience, then start engine rebuilding and blue printing engines (the older the better!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bollo you ball-bag Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 just finished my first year of my apprenticeship, as an electrician Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si-man Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Did 2 years as an maintenance engineer fixing Injection moulding/ litho print machines. Trained for 5 years doing mechanical engineering, seems like 5 minutes lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross McArthur Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 (edited) I served my time as an Electrical Engineer/Fitter for 3 years with BAE Systems building Navy ships. Worked as a tradesman in the yard for a year then moved on after completing my HNC in Electrical and Electronic EngineeringI now work as a Combat Systems Engineer (have done for over a year) for the same company but we have recently changed names to BVT Surface Fleet.I hope to start a Uni course soon (can’t make my mind up what course). I want to be sponsored too so I can go day release. Fingers crossed. Edited August 18, 2009 by Ross McArthur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tylerlovesalex Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 Plastering on and off for years now.. good moneys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Been doing heating for 2 years, start my second college year in sept, apprenticeship, day release college. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Yoshi Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Starting an apprentice as a Plant Operater next month. Will be getting my tickets for 180 and 360 exavators, forward tipping dumpers and telescopic handlers.Been on these things since i was about 5 so should be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladd Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I've worked for my dad since i was 9 doing carpentry, window fitting, Upvc Facias and guttering, Roofing, Painting, decorating, plastering, kitchen fitting, artexing, dry-lining, tiling hes just a general builder, i work for him and i can do most of the trades to a very good standard. I'm startin a apprenticeship as a chippy next month just to get the qualifiation and then sub to my boss and have my own business doing building services. i am getting a transit connect when i can drive, i already have all my own Makita power tools and Stanley Fatmax handtools. Atm i get alot of my own private jobs doin building and carpentry:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Vandart Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I served my time as an Electrical Engineer/Fitter for 3 years with BAE Systems building Navy ships. Worked as a tradesman in the yard for a year then moved on after completing my HNC in Electrical and Electronic EngineeringI now work as a Combat Systems Engineer (have done for over a year) for the same company but we have recently changed names to BVT Surface Fleet.I hope to start a Uni course soon (can’t make my mind up what course). I want to be sponsored too so I can go day release. Fingers crossed.Ross, are you related to Tom Mcarthur an old guy that fixes turbines?Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robwalker Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Just started a apprenticeship with E.ON. Awesome company, im on 10k for my first year and it rises 2K every year. Free medical, very good pension scheme, lots of possibilities to move up in the company. Really happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_urban Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 1) what is your trade?2) what situation are you in? (apprentice? working for a small company? big company? for yourself?)3) you like your trade?4) pros and cons of your job5) just anything else you want to say about your job/trade/other tradesI would say 1) car mechanic 2)work in a bike shop3)i like cars and working on them but not all the time4)pros fixing things / cons working in the cold under cars all day every day 5)good trade to have and saves lots of money in car repairs but not nice on a day to day unless you work in a big dealer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Vandart Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 1) what is your trade? Originally mechanical fitter2) what situation are you in? (apprentice? working for a small company? big company? for yourself?) My own business .3) you like your trade? Absolutely not4) pros and cons of your job Cons: having to be away from home sometimes for weeks, in deserts, war zones, f**king kidknappers, f**king mosquitos trying to eat you alive, f**king clients pulling out on you at the last minute, sitting for hours bored as f**k just waiting, looking at the same patch of road/wall/hotel room day after day and thinking how the f**k did I end up like this? thinking of what you would prefer to be doing, getting back to reality, I once got back and sat down in my living room, looked around at my family and thought who the f**k are these people? and then my dog bit me on the ass when I got up, like "who the f**k are you?" blah,blah,blah blah.........Pros: it's a shit job but it pays the bills(loadsamoney)5) just anything else you want to say about your job/trade/other trades If you enjoy your job that is half the battle and worth loads of moneyMatt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTT - Echo Team Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Im a Sheetmetal Fabricator / Welder (in australia)3rd year apprenticewe produce alot of stainless steel products such as commericial/domestic benches, canopy's etc we also deal in mild steel, aliminium so theres a wide range of fabrication being done.i like the stainless steel work, its the cleanest and looks the best when done. i actually enjoy my job as i make things 5 days a week.my goal is while im still in my trade, is get all my welding tickets (MIG / TIG / STICK) and become a class 1 welder.ross. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave85 Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Just started a apprenticeship with E.ON. Awesome company, im on 10k for my first year and it rises 2K every year. Free medical, very good pension scheme, lots of possibilities to move up in the company. Really happy.Any idea who to talk to within your company about training and apprenticeships? I'm going to be out of a job shortly and I wouldn't mind being in the power industry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew_Gibson Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 1) what is your trade? Mechanic2) what situation are you in? (apprentice? working for a small company? big company? for yourself?) I work for a smallish Garage has the council taxi testing centre, a lot of MOTs, and general servicing, work 4 days in the garage, one day at college. (also work at halfords! STILL)3) you like your trade? Yeah its alright. I was thinking of moving onto heavy goods. but not many jobs round here. 4) pros and cons of your job. Pros: free labour on fixin my own car, cheaper parts. Cons: Boss can expect too much from me, i only been there a year, and expects me to know EVERYTHING Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladd Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 just finished my 1st year of college doing plastering, got my 2nd year soon im a beasty plasterer haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robwalker Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 Any idea who to talk to within your company about training and apprenticeships? I'm going to be out of a job shortly and I wouldn't mind being in the power industry.I got my apprenticeship through applying online, as far as i'm aware its the only place where they post all of the current vacancies that you can apply for, the majority of job vacancies are filled internally. http://www.eon-uk.com/careers/Its an excellent company to work for, alot of the plant managers started off as apprentices! All the best of luck mate, alot of the vacancies are around your part of the country so you should be successful. Let me know how it goes and if you need any pointers for the interview i'll be happy to help you out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.