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Apprentice Plumber or Electrician

  • 24-08-2013 1:51pm
    #1
    Pat2705
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭


    Hi there,
    I'm 42 and considering doing an Apprenticshp as either a Plumber or an Electrician,
    I have a good knowledge of domestic plumbing and have plumbed two houses myself but have no qualifications,
    As for Electricial,I can wire a plug and a light,
    Which would be the better choice at the moment here in ireland???


Comments

  • #2
    Froststop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 445 ✭✭Froststop


    Pat2705 wrote: »
    Hi there,
    I'm 42 and considering doing an Apprenticshp as either a Plumber or an Electrician,
    I have a good knowledge of domestic plumbing and have plumbed two houses myself but have no qualifications,
    As for Electricial,I can wire a plug and a light,
    Which would be the better choice at the moment here in ireland???

    Hi Pat, hard question as there are plenty of both trades looking for work. You might hear people saying it's hard to get plumbers/electricians but the pricing game at present is hard. You will also have to work for 4 yrs for little wages and may be forced to work with a contractor who will take advantage. This is a problem if supporting a family. If you think you can do it then go for it!

    I don't know your personal situation so it's down to you to decide, don't take this as a recommendation not to go for it! It will be hard going at present.


  • #3
    Pat2705
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭Pat2705


    Froststop wrote: »
    Hi Pat, hard question as there are plenty of both trades looking for work. You might hear people saying it's hard to get plumbers/electricians but the pricing game at present is hard. You will also have to work for 4 yrs for little wages and may be forced to work with a contractor who will take advantage. This is a problem if supporting a family. If you think you can do it then go for it!

    I don't know your personal situation so it's down to you to decide, don't take this as a recommendation not to go for it! It will be hard going at present.

    Well I suspose I should have done that when I left school a long time ago but all I wanted was a job with money...
    The way I see it now is that anyone who hasn't some sort of qualification hasn't much of a future cause most employers will take advantage,
    I think I can manage on apprentice wages and hopefully there will be electrical jobs in green energy when I get qualified


  • #4
    Celly Smunt
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 9,464 ✭✭✭Celly Smunt


    Hi pat
    Im not too sure of your current employment/unemployment state at the moment.But have you put in any thought about going back to education?.There are plenty of courses in colleges offering sustainable energy programs and other engineering based courses.You'll have a much better chance in the jobs market with a degree or similar.

    If youre unemployed at the moment you might qualify for financial assistance through college.


  • #5
    Froststop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 445 ✭✭Froststop


    Pat2705 wrote: »
    Well I suspose I should have done that when I left school a long time ago but all I wanted was a job with money...
    The way I see it now is that anyone who hasn't some sort of qualification hasn't much of a future cause most employers will take advantage,
    I think I can manage on apprentice wages and hopefully there will be electrical jobs in green energy when I get qualified

    Hi Pat,
    Maybe you could do a night course without it affecting unemployment benefit if your out of work. I checked the FÁS rates and they are as follows:

    Year Gross Wage Norm
    Phase 2 €223.47
    Phase 4 €335.79
    Phase 6 €503.49
    4th Year €604.11

    If you get an apprenticeship there may be other options like what Celly Smunt has suggested which would help. You would need to enquire at you social welfare office and they would advise you. If you have the usual family expenses you may be able to work out if you can support them using the rates above + any grants etc which may be available.

    Hope this helps.


  • #6
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    The toughest part would be actually finding someone to take you on as an apprentice.

    In a lot of the bigger companies your first year as an apprentice is basically hauling equipment about and running back to the stores etc. 1st years and 2nd years are used for their cheap labour, in plumbing it can be tough work with plenty of heavy lifting and dragging. They usually try and get young guys for these positions.

    I enjoyed it but I was 20 when I started, my first years wages were coming out at about €188 when prsi,pension,tools were deducted.


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