Re: Trades.
Hi redbhoy,
In order to do an apprenticeship you have to serve your time with a suitably qualifies tradesman in a working environment. You also have to do stints in a technical college. These are referred to as “block releases”. There will be a number of these over the 4 years that it takes to become qualifies. There will also be exams at regular intervals that must be passed in order to gain certification as a tradesman.
There is also a system of continuous assessment by your employer and/or the tradesman that you are working for. This must also be completed in order to qualify.
Within the above constrains I don’t see why you couldn’t do other work if you can find a firm or tradesman who is willing to employ you in the evenings or on shift work. You will however have to spend 39 hours plus every week working at your trade as in essence it is a work-based qualification. Shortcutting this will giver you problems in the future.
You should also note that it takes another 5 or 6 years in most trades to become completely proficient.
What trade are you thinking about as there is a world of a difference between a tiler or painter decorator and a cabinet maker or tool and die maker.