Advice on re training to become a Joiner / Carpenter

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by Scottydogg, Oct 9, 2015.

  1. Scottydogg

    Scottydogg New Member

    Hello there , I'm looking for some advice and hoping this forum can give me a few pointers .
    I'm looking at career change , I've worked in offices now for just over 10 years and I want out , although the money has been decent and its relatively stress free I do feel like im wasting my life sat at a computer in the same room every day .
    I want to retrain to eventually get a recognised qualification in Joinery / Carpentery . Ive always liked the idea of emigrating to Canada in the future and to get into the country you need a trade .
    I'm trying to plot a way into the new career so I would like some pointers , joinery and carpentery is something I have always enjoyed and its something I SHOULD have trained in when I left school . I'm now 34 which a mortgage so going back to college for a year is not really an option .
    I might be getting made redundant in the near future and will probably be paid a few grand redundancy money , I've been looking at these intensive 5 day / 10 day courses , can anyone recommend these and will doing one of these courses look good when I try and get a job as an apprentice / joiners mate ?
    I also want to get a small van and get some good tools together , hoping that too will help .

    Has anyone else re trained like I plan too , and how did you do it ?
    Any advice is really appreciated
     
  2. Ryluer

    Ryluer Well-Known Member

    Looking at a computer screen is never what its cracked up to be. Over on the FOG half the members are IT guys with sheds full of festools they hardly ever use. Has to be something missing in their lives.
     
  3. goldenboy

    goldenboy Super Member

    Do not bother with the short courses.

    My advice would be get along to a college and sign up for an proper NVQ. I did my wood machining years after I did my C&J. I think it was 2 days a week and then maybe 4 full weeks a year.

    As a mature student the tutors will be really flexible towards you as they quite enjoy having people who actually want to be there.

    I went back and though I felt like a granddad the first week I got used to it. Plus it was subsidised breakfast!

    Tutors let me do my own jobs in the workshop as projects which was great as it mean I was earning as well as learning.

    Then just grab any carpentry related work and I mean any, get your name about a bit and pick up what you can . 10 years down the line you wont regret having driven 100 miles to hang a couple of doors for your aunties hairdresser.
     
    CGN likes this.
  4. goldenboy

    goldenboy Super Member

    It is hard for sure doing college and working but it is do-able.

    My mate has just done it to retrain as a plumber.
     
  5. chippie244

    chippie244 Super Member

    I did it 25 years ago but it was probably more a case of specialising rather than totally retraining.
    You are probably never going to earn as much as a tradesman than a businessman but I couldn't work any other way
     
  6. vivaro man

    vivaro man Active Member

    Scotty,
    From what you say getting into Canada is a real end goal and the only way there is with a trade qualification. The central problem you have is not being able to service a mortgage whilst retraining. How about selling up and going back to live at home or looking for a cheap flat? Imperative you reduce outgoings.

    The redundancy could then be used to help get yourself through the first year of an NVQ or whatever they're called this month. In your case a paper trail is doubly important because you won't get into Canada without.

    Alternatively you could look around for a small Carpentry/Joinery company and approach them about labouring work. If you show that you are keen as mustard to learn and wasted on sweeping up and passing 5m lengths of wood up scaffolding they might help you.

    You could also go to get help from the Employment Office. Apparently they have advisers for this type of thing. As someone has already alluded to a 34yr old will be way more welcome than a snotty 17yr old who can't be bothered because he's playing with his 'phone.

    I think you will find a route but you may have to accept that have to compromise a little. Canada is a wonderful country, I wish you well.
     
    FatHands likes this.
  7. Ryluer

    Ryluer Well-Known Member

  8. Ryluer

    Ryluer Well-Known Member

    Snooze you lose. Its sold.
     
  9. mark cobell

    mark cobell New Member

    hi scottydog
    would like to warn you about retaining as a carpenter the polish have taken over the carpentry side of building along with brickwork ,plastering and painting .you need to think more in terms of electrical or plumbing .canada is the same as well . hope this helps
     
  10. Deacs10

    Deacs10 Member

    I was in the same position. I worked in an office for 5 years and hated it. I found a local carpenter after sending out a load of emails to compaines I found on the Internet. I was keen to get into the industry so got my own tools and transport and told him I was willing to work all hours.
    I have been doing a level 3 nvq site carpentry. 2 years and I don't have to go to college, I get assessed on the job. That would get you your Canadian visa, it does for oz anyway. You may need to exaggerate your skills a little bit. I had been labouring before and my dad was a cabinet maker so always knew a bit.
    I started off on £60 a day for the first year, £75 for the 2nd year and now I will get £100. I have learnt loads in the last two years still a bit to learn so will stay with the same guy for another year or two. Best to find a smaller company as you will learn more. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck
     
    FatHands likes this.
  11. Deacs10

    Deacs10 Member

    And if you have a mortgage to pay and £60 is not enough you can always practice your carpentry skills and make furniture in your spare time to sell.
     
  12. Oliver Wild

    Oliver Wild New Member

    How did it go?
     

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