Apprenticeship, but nearly 37yrs

R

Rome

Guest
Hello everyone,

Can somebody please give me some advise, I'm 36 yrs old, married with 1 child, no mortage and have been out of work out of work for 9 mths in 2009 and out again since feb 2010 so not far of a yr & 1/2.

I'm considering do an apprenticeship in Air Conditioning as I have 10 years previous experience as general operative in manufacturing with a H.V.A.C. company, plus I think there is enough unemployed plumbers & electricians.

What do employers pay 1st yrs, I have never been employed working in the outdoors. But I'm very handy when it comes to DIY, plumbing, electrics, etc, etc.

The way I'm thinking is I might aswell try to learn a trade, rather than be on the dole for another yr.

I will take all comments on board, my recked umemployed head.

PS: I have read all old post relating to this type of question.

Thanks
 
Hi Rome,

I know very little about apprenticeships and even less about air conditioning, but here is my 2 pence worth.

Contact FAS today, I know they dont have a great rep but they are all we have. If you dont get someone helpful today call again tomorrow and everyday after that until you get someone useful, there are useful people in every organisation, they just need to be rooted out of some.

Never,never let your age stand in your way, you are 36 not 96 for gods sake. If you were over 70 I might go a bit easier on you depending on your health but 36, pleeeaaase, give me a break:) Go for it!!

You do sound like your head is wrecked since becoming unemployed. What age is your child, are you responsible for it care during the day or can someone else do that?

While Fas get it together, and you may be lucky it might happen quickly, why not log on to volunteer.ie and sign up for something to do that you enjoy, you wont get paid but you will get job satisfaction and worth while experience.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on. LS.
 
Age really isn't an issue.

I think (could be wrong) to do an apprenticeship you need to be taken on by an employer?
 
AlbacoreA said:
I think (could be wrong) to do an apprenticeship you need to be taken on by an employer?
Click to expand...

Yes, you do.

While the wage levels will be low (minimum wage) your employer will, or at least should, be spending considerable time training you. First and second year apprentices are a net cost to most businesses, despite the low wage, if the business in question is actually training them rather than just using them for cheap labour.
 
Go for it. Dont let age stand in your way. Id say more mature apprentices are more likely to pick things up quicker and get more work done.
You have a great opportunity to do something you love and will enjoy doing so make sure its the right choice for you. Do what you feel.
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life- Anon"
 
Thanks for all comments.

I have spoken to FAS already, the lady I did speak with was very helpful. I'm now on split minds between Air Condition & Electrician, because looking on FAS A/C salary after time is 23K and Elec. is 39K - 52K. I know these are only a guide (unless somebody out there knows any difference).

Little one is 4yrs soon, mammy and granny while I was working. So I love have having time with her now. I will have a look at volunteer.ie

Thanks for your 2 pence worth.
 
Hi Rome

My friend was in his electrician apprenticeship, only 1 year left when the recession hit, his employer made redundant all his apprentices (6 in total) without redundancy pay and also without signing off on the phase they were in at the time (they were let go when there was only a couple of weeks left on the phase). All of those apprentices are still out of work and even after taking a case against the employer received no redundancy pay. You would find that particularly difficult with a family to support.

My friend started out on €200e odd per week. He was often not paid on time and sometimes not paid for weeks on end while the employer waited on payment for jobs, the apprentices were always the ones to suffer waiting periods like that.

These 6 apprentices I know have still not managed to finish out their apprenticeships so may as well have not spent those years studying.

You may also find it hard to report to someone younger than you but that depends on your personality. In the company my friend worked for two of the "senior" people on site were only 2 years older than him and used to really throw their weight around. Also on a lot of sites the apprentices are expected to go out and get lunch for all those on site, this is something to consider also. You may find that people who work in trades would be more inclined and find it easier to get jobs for mates and family members and this may effect your working environment. I am only speaking for someone who was in that situation, you may get lucky but these are also things to consider.
 
Pixie,

Your comments are defiantly worth considering. I wouldn't imagine it been to easy. Do you know if it was a big or small firm (sounds light a small enough firm, but it's still no excuse for the companies behaviour) Do you know how tough the exams where.

My thinking at the minute is €210 on the dole, I'd rather try get a trade if I still going to be unemployed in a years time. Things aren't looking good at the minute.

Rgds
 
Hiya rome, the company had about 40 employees, so not exactly tiny. Just wanted to give you something to think about, if that stuff weighs less than not being on the dole then go for it.

The exams are fairly easy going, once you're doing the work on site and your boss can see this you'll find it easy enough, plus when you're in fas doing the practical side you have a lot of time to study. Bear in mind travel costs etc as well, my friend lives in ballyfermot and had to travel out to finglas for fas for a few months (think 6 months) this meant very early starts, 2 different buses and a lot of bus fare, they gave travel allowance in fas but it made little difference.
 
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