too old for apprenticeship?

tastyt

Hi,

I'm currently in a well played job but I seriously hate it and it has me out with stress and depression. I need to get out of it. I have always wanted to be an electrician but ended up going to college after school and onto various jobs.

I'm 30 but have no kids or mortgage so could survive foe a year or two on small wages, my question is do you think employers would see me as too old for an apprenticeship or would being a bit more mature be seen as an advantage. Thanks in advance

meeeeh

tastyt wrote: »

Hi,

I'm currently in a well played job but I seriously hate it and it has me out with stress and depression. I need to get out of it. I have always wanted to be an electrician but ended up going to college after school and onto various jobs.

I'm 30 but have no kids or mortgage so could survive foe a year or two on small wages, my question is do you think employers would see me as too old for an apprenticeship or would being a bit more mature be seen as an advantage. Thanks in advance

We prefer kids out of school for apprentices. But we might be a minority.

You could respond to some ads. You have to find an employer first and then they register you with Solas. So there is nothing stopping you hunting for apprenticeship while you are still working in your current job.

Pawwed Rig

meeeeh wrote: »

We prefer kids out of school for apprentices. But we might be a minority.

It would actually be illegal to discriminate in this way.

OP I entered an entry level position training contract at the age of 32. Everyone around me were early 20's. It is not impossible. Ring around, respond to ads etc. You are hoping someone might be enlightened enough to give you a chance but as meeeeh says it is normally younger guys who are preferred

Aint Eazy Being Cheezy

I know most apprentices are younger, but that'd be because not many 30 year olds could afford to live on those wages I would have thought?

OP I'm an electrician, I've worked with plenty of apprentices who were around your own age, and they seemed to be more competent at carrying out the work. If you've worked on a site before it's a definite advantage.

taytobreath

yes i agree with the poster above me. We've had a few apprentices that were over 30. They tend to be a safer and more reliable bet than the 18 year olds. One disadvantage is we had the odd older apprentice that didnt take to well to going to the shop for the rest of the guys or been told what hour you have to work (no choice) and you also have to contend with a 19 year old maybe giving you orders such as go get me a length of tray or something.

you should post your question up on the electrical forum btw... here u go....http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1018

meeeeh

With under 25's the dole is lower. There are a few fairly valid reasons why we want people without any meaningful previous experience. Btw before anyone drags out a discrimination card, first time I ask people about their age is when we are filling in the new employee details.

Rubberchikken

while the vast majority of apprentices are probably youn, they're nothing stopping you from applying while you're still in employment.
if it's something you really want to do, and you're very unhappy in the position you're in at the moment, then it'll be worth it to give it the best shot you have.

you have the advantage of maturity, work/life experience. all positives.
good luck.