To ask how your DC got a trade - plumbing, joinery, that sort of thing

[TawnyPipit]

DSS finished his A levels last summer and I'm starting to worry about him as he seems directionless and unhappy.

He's interested in the building trade but when I talk to him about going to uni or applying to college he shuts down.

He lives several hundreds of miles away with his mum, so I'm planning on visiting soon and seeing if we can come up with a plan.

I'd be grateful for any info if your DC works in the construction trade.

What was his original plan? What was he working towards?

I don't know that he had one really, just a vague interest in making money through construction work.

During college and since leaving he worked as a casual labourer for his girlfriend's father's building company. When they split, her dad laid him off - despite telling him what a hard worker he was.

He's now got two part time pub/restaurant jobs. And is drifting.

My DNiece did a BTec in construction studies at her local FE college. She came within a whisker of getting a job as a trainee surveyor (2nd out of 40 applicants).

As a stopgap, she took a job in a chain of builders merchants, but I can see her staying there as she's absolutely loving it and they're paying her £25k! And they're going to train her to use CAD and do kitchen planning.

She has a couple of friends who are doing apprenticeships in carpentry/joinery and plumbing. That's the more usual route, I think.

Nice to hear your niece has found something she enjoys and pays well, LakieLady Good luck to her

Does anyone know if it's true that construction related apprenticeships are "like gold dust" like DSS claims?

Evening bump

My brother learned his plumbing in the army as well as engineering (he also did an open uni course while there too). He spent his time building bridges and plumbing houses abroad. They don’t give you actual certificates while you’re in the army but they paid for them once he actually left.

Yes the apprenticeships are like gold dust. Even more so at the moment.
My DH is in the trade. Do you mind saying where in the country your DSS is?
His best bet is to go to college and do the course he is interested in.
Bricklaying and plumbing can earn the most money (but only if you’re fast and neat as a bricky)
Plasterers earn the least.
Companies usually contact the colleges for 2nd years showing promise to take on as an apprentice. He will have to prove himself on his course to stand out amongst peers to be chosen.

Apprenticeship.
Advertised on face book.
Applied and got taken on.
Decent pay, great hours, 3 months of college to give the theoretical background the rest of the year in the workplace learning the skills.

Thank for replies.

So he could do a NVQ(?) at college and possibly get an apprenticeship from that?

I know he should be doing the research but the break up with his girlfriend, losing job, not seeing his mates much etc has really affected him. His mum says he's drinking quite a bit - the pub where he works had lock ins after his shift finishes

I work at British Gas but in the office, not the field. However, I know there are lots of apprenticeships being advertised at the moment, mainly in Central Heating (which is plumbing & gas boilers), and Smart Metering/electrical. The apprentice scheme is meant to be really good, and might be worth a look.

Did he do any work experience to see what type of construction job he might be interested in? Does he know what area of construction is of interest? Its SO vast. Any family friends who are builders or in a trade who could talk to him?

What about uni for something g like quantity surveyor?

Depends what he’s in it for. A lot more money in certain trades.

I think he wants a trade where he can earn good money eventually.

Will get him to look into British Gas - thanks.