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No, sorry. I don't have a job for you.
I would however love some advice on getting qualified and finding a job. Getting qualified as a sparky is something I've wanted to do for years but I couldn't find a way in when I lived up north. Now I'm settled in Sheff and thinking about retraining. My current job is tolerable but the wages are rock bottom and I can't face another 30 years of it.
I had a brief conversation with an electrician the other day who started off where I am (bike mechanic) and funded his own training which led to self employed domestic installation. I don't know him and didn't have time to really quiz him but he got me thinking.
He recommended Sheffield College and Arena Training. I'd already heard about AMRC so sent them an application pack ages ago hoping I could find an apprenticeship but had no reply yet.
If I funded the courses myself what's my chances of finding a job with a fresh qualification and no work experience? Would it be easier to find a work placement or apprenticeship and study part time? I don't know anyone in the trade that owes me any favours.
These are the courses I'm looking at...
[url= http://www.sheffcol.ac.uk/courses/page/96E8440B-D42D-4E29-A835-2453087DA712 ]Sheffcoll[/url]
[url= http://www.arenatraining.co.uk/courses-for-beginners/ ]Arena Training[/url]
I'm already going to the college open day on the 12th and I've had the sales pitch from Arena. I'd much prefer the opinions of real people with industry experience. At 35 am I over the hill?
Can't offer any useful advice other than a friend of mine did an apprenticeship at 22 or so, then got a job with Sheffield Council (what was Kier) and is now working on the traffic light systems for Amey and has to turn extra shifts away. So for him the apprenticeship route worked, however he's not a 'house basher' any more.
Have you considered looking at the distribution network operator? They take on apprentices every year and pay more than bike shop money while you train.
Emails sent to Northern Powergrid and Amey so thanks for the suggestions.
We take in appreciate craftsmen (generally linesmen, fitters and jointers not electricians as such) and trainee engineers in one or maybe two intakes a year. September 18 is likely to be the next wave you could apply for. Training is Castleford and Durham centred - but other places will be required too.
This will give some indication of what’s available.
http://www.northernpowergrid.com/careers
And there’s a decent amount of riding too. We sponsor the TdY and send a few folk round the sportive each year, there’s a Tuesday night ride for the unfit out of the Castleford depot (I believe a few other depots too) and last weekend a gang from work went to the Manchester velodrome.
No ride to work scheme though.
Well that all sounds great! Can you give me a job??
Also, bump for anyone that's been grafting today. Anyone need a hard working newbie who is absolutely chomping at the bit for a career change?
Just got a letter today saying my rent is going up. Wages are staying rock bottom.