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A profession that requires no formal education?

48 replies

Hyggemama · 19/03/2022 18:28

My partner is at a loss at to what to do work wise. He has run his own business but wants to pack it in because of the stress and he doesn’t like working by himself. The problem is, he didn’t do very well at school. He has 1 GCSE and isn’t very computer literate. He is very physically capable and really cares about other people. So far, we have discussed the fire service and the post office. Also, we are rural so options a little limited. We are just keeping an eye out for roles nearby. Can anyone recommend (or advise against) some sort of profession we may have forgotten about that might be suitable? I know there are probably 1000+ different jobs but if there are any that people particularly love or hate would be good to know. He wants something with decent progression and that he can be in for life.

OP posts:
Abcdefu · 20/03/2022 02:11

A barber?

Porter/cleaner?

Carer?

sashh · 20/03/2022 02:42

Check your local college for courses, he should be able to get GCSE of FS maths and English without paying.

He might consider some other form of education, either at the local college or OU - they have some free courses, I'm suggesting them because it might be easier to do a course with no set hours.

Has he considered caring? He would have to undertake some training but that can be done while working. Most carers are female and that means if someone wants a male carer it carer.

We have an aging population so it's not going to go away and can lead to other things eg nursing if he can cope with the studying but then there are care home jobs, PAs (this is usually, but not always, when someone employs their own 'personal assistant' and can include things like going to social events, helping with dressing and cooking)

Actually can he cook? Lots of cooking jobs from 'dinner lady' to chef and all points in between.

If he doesn't like paperwork then the post office is not going to be the best choice.

Rummikub · 20/03/2022 03:04

As pp said could he get someone to do the paperwork if he enjoys the business itself?

I think doing some sums makes sense. Unless maintaining the income level isn’t essential.

MamaTutu2 · 20/03/2022 03:46

Get a pts card and do railway work? A really easy first step onto the railway and it can be good money

PissedOffNeighbour22 · 20/03/2022 05:59

Wouldn't advise fire service as for any sort of progression he'd need a good working knowledge of chemistry. I've helped my DP with his revision for his promotions and it gets pretty in depth. He'd also have to use a computer more than expected plus lots of the training is computerised. He would also need to complete a written portfolio to pass his trainee period (which is a couple of years long if I remember correctly). The trainee wage isn't great and people fail the course regularly (although they seem to give people way too many chances to pass).

Also don't recommend lying about qualifications to get into the civil service as advised several times on here. I had to provide all my evidence when I started. Also any decently paid civil service role would expect a min 2:2 degree these days.

I work with someone that used to be a postman and he loved it. Not sure of the qualifications needed though.

Whatwouldnanado · 20/03/2022 06:04

Does he like animals? I know someone who did a two week dog grooming course and now has a thriving business.

TeaAddict235 · 20/03/2022 06:19

@Im2022

Lab technician in universities pay really well, as do medical lab assistant jobs/surgical instrument cleaning in hospitals, and they don’t require any formal education. I would go on the nhs jobs site and find all band 2 jobs and apply for them. He’s runs business for years so should be capable.
No but they do expect some level of chemistry/ biology e.g. O levels, GCSE, A levels etc. Being literate is essential at lab safety and cleanliness. It is the basis of good research and results. From my professional experience as a chemical engineer and academic. As for the medical field, i wouldn't dare touch that with someone the OP is suggesting. Could you imagine the risks or potential mix up in sampling due to poor lab hygiene/ practices on account of not understanding the microbial interactions?

Poor advice given here on all accounts

Billandben444 · 20/03/2022 06:38

My cousin and her husband have both been posties for years but are taking early retirement as the job has changed so much - lots of pressure now. Is he happy driving? My partner has a similar school record but has never had a problem getting a driving job, mainly small vans up to transits. He wishes he'd got his HGV licence years ago but is 65 and easing off a bit now. If you live in a rural location, he may have to travel to a nearby town to find different work, would there be driving jobs there?

GreyerbytheDay · 20/03/2022 07:00

If he’s handy and hard working, what about school caretaker? Practical skills more important than paper qualifications. They don’t often live in now and the pension is good.

Sittinginthesand · 20/03/2022 07:10

No, there are no professions that don’t require training. There are loads of jobs though, and many of them are in much higher demand than some professions. People have mentioned lots of them - it’s going to be something practical/ manual though, and quite likely self employed. What is his current business?

Tabasco007 · 20/03/2022 07:23

Estate agent.

FuckingShitLife · 20/03/2022 08:31

@TeaAddict235
I’m assuming you’re a lab person so you must already know that microbiology labs aren’t the only labs in the world. Firstly, you must be aware of specimen receptions, where there is very little science and common sense lab protocols in place. Medical lab assistants in place here would only work to sort samples and then do minimal prep to put on analysers. Everything else would be done by qualified biomedical scientists.

Secondly, you must be aware how lab analysers work for blood samples for example. Samples are literally thrown into the analysers. There is no scientific technique needed unless you’re dealing with baby samples, and you’re trained to complete these and signed off by your supervisor and only do these once you’re confident. Overall, there is minimum room for error.

Thirdly, GLP and following GCLP can be taught to individuals without qualifications. I’ve never worked in a lab where there hasnt been at least one or two techs without any GCSE’s or A-levels. Lab techs in private and university labs only need to sort materials, order in goods and wash glassware. For something simple like loading a dishwasher, it’s fantastic pay and there so many opportunities to further yourself.

The surgical instruments cleaning jobs are even easier than lab tech work.

But assuming you know everything about labs, you already know this? Have known dyspraxic, dyslexic, those with other mild learning difficulties, and also those battling depression working in labs. It’s not beyond any one’s capabilities so stop shutting down a suggestion because you think a stranger on the internet doesn’t sound like he should be near a lab.

Workchatter · 20/03/2022 08:46

@Rummikub thanks - due to yours and Frogsbreaths posts I have managed to find some free local courses.
Until then the first results all seemed to cost money but by adding a phrase like 'free adult education' it then brought the same courses up for free. Simple but effective Grin

OldWivesTale · 20/03/2022 08:49

Police force?

Skyeheather · 20/03/2022 08:50

@Ilikewinter

Ive just joined the civil service and they haven't even checked my references let alone asked for proof of my GCSE qualifications ......in fact no former employer has ever asked for proof- guess it will be different if your going into a profession ie if you claim to be an electrician then youd have to prove it, but as far as GCSE go im going out on a limb and say exaggerate the truth!
My last job was an office role at the local council and I had to give them my original GCSE certificates. I'm 46 and it took me days to find them. Just realised they are somewhere in the mountain of junk we have in the garage if I needed them again ahh!
spotcheck · 20/03/2022 10:28

What are his core abilities? Is he creative? Mechanical?
People are so much more than their qualifications.
What was his business? What elements of it DID he like? What, consistently, does he enjoy doing with his time?

Does he WANT to gain qualifications?

leotardrock · 20/03/2022 10:49

@Ilikewinter

Ive just joined the civil service and they haven't even checked my references let alone asked for proof of my GCSE qualifications ......in fact no former employer has ever asked for proof- guess it will be different if your going into a profession ie if you claim to be an electrician then youd have to prove it, but as far as GCSE go im going out on a limb and say exaggerate the truth!
Bloody hell, have you read the Civil Service Code?
gingerhills · 20/03/2022 10:59

Hospital porter is a good idea. You are in a structred environment, which it sounds like he'd like after working for himself for so long. You are doing a valuable job and mixing with other people all day long.

Same with bus driver, if he has a saintly patience.

Ouchiehelpneeded · 20/03/2022 11:09

Is his ADHD treated? I've found admin/paperwork massively more manageable now I'm medicated!

It might also help his confidence to learn more about ADHD and its affects on learning and self esteem.

A combo of medication and improved self esteem would probably open up more avenues, since he's clearly much more capable than his (lack of) qualifications suggest.

Ouchiehelpneeded · 20/03/2022 11:10

Also there are virtual assistant services that will do paperwork for small businesses, if any of the self employment options appeal.

Rummikub · 20/03/2022 11:42

[quote Workchatter]@Rummikub thanks - due to yours and Frogsbreaths posts I have managed to find some free local courses.
Until then the first results all seemed to cost money but by adding a phrase like 'free adult education' it then brought the same courses up for free. Simple but effective Grin[/quote]
Ah brilliant!
@Workchatter
They’ll assess first then start on an appropriate level. So it’s not too easy or challenging. They’ll do a step up approach.

It’s worth getting g the bbc bitesize app too and going through the key stage 3 English and maths. It’s a really nice app.

I always remember a salesman coming to the house and trying to get my ex to sign up to IT courses. I went downstairs and asked a few pertinent questions and his attitude changed from smiley to rather cross as he realised he couldn’t trick me.

spotcheck · 20/03/2022 23:25

There's a skills section on the National Careers Service site with links to free courses.

Colleges offer free GCSE English and math- often in the evening

Ellmau · 27/03/2022 15:48

School caretaker? - www.skillsforschools.org.uk/roles-in-schools/caretaker-site-manager-janitor/#:~:text=The%20brief%20of%20site%20manager%20or%20a%20caretaker,and%20supervising%20external%20contractors%207%20Managing%20site%20staff

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