Plumbing apprenticeships?

[jaymzw]

Hey KB,

Haven't been around here for yonks now! But often i find the diverse group of people on here to be a great way to find information or ask for help/advice. I am wanting to start a plumbing apprenticeship in 2012. Would any plumbers on KB let me know what they think of their trade? Anyone on here looking for an apprentice or know of someone who is looking?

James

[Padmei]

Hey James
I'm a sparky & work with a lot of plumbers. The only thing I'll recommend you do if you get an apprenticeship, is to carry on & get your craftmans ticket. Without that you will be eternally chained to paid employment rather than having the option of working for yourself.

It's a really good start that you're asking around. Employers like motivated workers. If I was in your situation I would offer my services for free to a few companies for work experience for a couple of weeks - it'll hurt not getting paid but competition is fierce & it's often an old boys network.

When approaching a potential company go & speak to the boss directly - let him know what you look like & why you're there. It may be hard to do but you won't be another anonomous CV that gets shelved - it'll have a face attached to it.

When you're there work like Fcuk, be there early, don't ask when it's smoko, try and anticipate what the tradesman may want you to do - often all you'll be doing is watching. Don't walk in with your hat sideways, trou down your arse & bits of fricking metal in your face - customers don't like that & they pay your wages. Dress like that nice cousin you have that never got in trouble in school for a few weeks - it won't kill your rep but may land you a good job.
I don't know you from a bar of soap & aren't at all infering that you have that appearance or attitude but merely pointing out from many years of working with apprentices what employers & customers expect.

Good luck with your job hunting & don't give up if you've been turned down a few times - often it is just a matter of being in the right place when that big contract comes in for them.

Cheers

[Edbear]

Wot padmei sed!

You could try my son-in-law Rudy, Europlumbing Ltd. He's landing back tomorrow morning from overseas, but if he's not available speak to Paul he's the co-owner and runs the day to day business. 09-550 6202 Can't promise as they haven't said they're looking for anyone, but worth a try.

They do all the aspects, from basic plumbing repairs and maintenance to design and build new, refurbishing/restorations and drainage as well as design and build solar installations for all types including pool heating. A mix of domestic/residential and major commercial jobs in multi-storey buildings.

You've got a good head and are asking the right questions, so all the best!

[SMOKEU]

A few years ago I wanted to be a plumber, and it's almost essential that you get a pre trade certificate in plumbing first. It's very, very difficult to get a plumbing apprenticeship without said certificate unless you're really lucky, or if you know the right people. I did a pre trade plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying course about 5 years ago.

You better be good at sheetmetal work as well, as a significant part of the block courses focus on sheetmetal work such as making spouting, downpipes etc. Being able to properly weld mild steel with oxy acetylene is also useful to know.

[JimO]

A few years ago I wanted to be a plumber, and it's almost essential that you get a pre trade certificate in plumbing first. It's very, very difficult to get a plumbing apprenticeship without said certificate unless you're really lucky, or if you know the right people. I did a pre trade plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying course about 5 years ago.

You better be good at sheetmetal work as well, as a significant part of the block courses focus on sheetmetal work such as making spouting, downpipes etc. Being able to properly weld mild steel with oxy acetylene is also useful to know.

nowdays all they need is a hacksaw and a pottle of glue and have to remember that water runs downhill

[Padmei]

You better be good at sheetmetal work as well, as a significant part of the block courses focus on sheetmetal work such as making spouting, downpipes etc. .

Some of the young fellas were laughing about that. It's a specialised job now done by others.
We had the same stupid thing with remembering 3 phase equations back in my day - now you just look it up on your phone

nowdays all they need is a hacksaw and a pottle of glue and have to remember that water runs downhill

Aha but water actaully runs uphill - just need to look at the leaky homes