Reality of getting into a trade after the teens?

[R2D2]

Thanks for all of the advice and stories, people! Went and spoke to someone about doing a year long pre apprenticeship today but was only really light vehicle focussed. A little bit of searching google and I can't find any diesel pre trade courses apart from one in invercargill though, so maybe this one is as good as I'll get. Not 100% on whether or not that will turn into a diesel or heavy auto apprenticeship by the end of it though.

Quick probably stupid question... Do companys only take in apprentices in January, or can they start new apprentices at any point in the year?

[Motu]

They used to take on apprentices at the beginning of the year because kids left school at the end of the year, and were looking for jobs soon as the workforce was back at the grind. That meant they could enrol in Tech and start night school class in the first term. No more night school or end of year exams, it's just tick the book now, so you can start anytime.

[Scouse]

Anyone here have any experience trying to break into a trade a little later on than the typical straight out of school teen?
Been applying for apprenticeships in Heavy Automotive for two years now, pretty seriously just this year applying all over aus, even moved back here from Aus' in the hope that it'd be better for opportunities (might sound funny but the place is fucked job wise at the moment) but am getting nothing back but the old "as all applications were of high quality; we regret to tell you..." emails.

Was considering the option of a pre apprenticeship course until I realised that they are full time one year courses, which wouldn't be a problem, if I was still a stay at home kid with no need for money who could survive on a student wage, or at best one or two days work a week.

Rant over. But seriously... Anyone ever gone through the same thing and have ideas as to how to get a foot in the door? Surely a forum full of bikers will contain a few mechanics, maybe even ones who didn't get into it through a family friend's engineering co by the time they were 16? Any advice no matter how sarcastic will be appreciated

Have you thought about prostitution

[wynw]

Havn't read the entire thread but have you considered army or airforce? could be an option if nothing else arises

[scissorhands]

....And yep I'm a downy.....

'anything that shows non-conformity ruffles people's feathers and makes them feel on edge. some folk cannot handle even the mere thought that there might be somebody who is different from themselves. it is an atavistic fear rooted in early humanity when such things [conformity] related to survival of the group.'

one way to get into diesel mechanix is start at a transport firm being a yard boy, checking tyres, refuelling, cleaning up the place, etc, and/or become a driver, get your license, spend some time driving trucks

+1 on the doorknocking, show up with work clothes and boots on and toolbag in hand, just to show how keen you are

[diesel work takes some strength so size is often important]

[Geeen]

Thanks for all of the advice and stories, people! Went and spoke to someone about doing a year long pre apprenticeship today but was only really light vehicle focussed. A little bit of searching google and I can't find any diesel pre trade courses apart from one in invercargill though, so maybe this one is as good as I'll get. Not 100% on whether or not that will turn into a diesel or heavy auto apprenticeship by the end of it though.

Quick probably stupid question... Do companys only take in apprentices in January, or can they start new apprentices at any point in the year?

Did you see this one at Wintec, has heavy Diesel as part of the course

http://www.wintec.ac.nz/courses/nati...-industry.aspx

[R2D2]

They used to take on apprentices at the beginning of the year because kids left school at the end of the year, and were looking for jobs soon as the workforce was back at the grind. That meant they could enrol in Tech and start night school class in the first term. No more night school or end of year exams, it's just tick the book now, so you can start anytime.

Thanks!

Have you thought about prostitution

Not the kind of breaker bar I want to be swinging off

Havn't read the entire thread but have you considered army or airforce? could be an option if nothing else arises

My knee doesn't like running, so military is out for me unfortunately

'anything that shows non-conformity ruffles people's feathers and makes them feel on edge. some folk cannot handle even the mere thought that there might be somebody who is different from themselves. it is an atavistic fear rooted in early humanity when such things [conformity] related to survival of the group.'

one way to get into diesel mechanix is start at a transport firm being a yard boy, checking tyres, refuelling, cleaning up the place, etc, and/or become a driver, get your license, spend some time driving trucks

+1 on the doorknocking, show up with work clothes and boots on and toolbag in hand, just to show how keen you are

[diesel work takes some strength so size is often important]

The driving is something I plan on doing as soon as I can

Did you see this one at Wintec, has heavy Diesel as part of the course

http://www.wintec.ac.nz/courses/nati...-industry.aspx

Did actually see it, brushed over it and completely missed that part Looks like it might be the go. [edit] its the same National Cert as the place I visited today offers but the course is free down in palmy

[NinjaNanna]

any truck repair/diesel repair place worth a damn is going to offer some form detailing service for the 1/4 million dollar rigs that roll through the door, go and offer your services as "the detailer" to save their mechnics doing it. I'd bet inside of 6 months you'll be swingaing a wrench

[unstuck]

Theres an agricultural/trucking company down here at the moment looking for a diesel mechanic or someone with mechanical ability who is prepared to get their hands dirty. But you would have to like drinking to work with those guys, and ride a harley, cos they burn jappas at their work dos.

[R2D2]

Theres an agricultural/trucking company down here at the moment looking for a diesel mechanic or someone with mechanical ability who is prepared to get their hands dirty. But you would have to like drinking to work with those guys, and ride a harley, cos they burn jappas at their work dos.

Hahah thats how it goes down south does it

[unstuck]

Hahah thats how it goes down south does it

Only if you have six fingers and play the banjo.