Career change at 40 - realistic or not??

[Lyndon]

After 21 years with BT, nearly 40 years old, and the offer of a decent redundancy I'm seriously thinking about setting up as a spark (domestic).
I'm waiting for a reply from the local college but would be interested in the expert view of what qualifications I should go for and whether it's a realistic aim to be working for myself within two years - I really need to be clearing at least £25k by then?
How many 40 year old apprentices are out there?

Thanks

 

[tuckermot]

Hi lyndon go for it !!!!!

I started at college at 38 did 3years part time (saturdays) then trying to work with other sparks while holding down full time job !!!

I now have
2330 level 2
2330level 3
17th edition
2391
napit part p reg

scruffy escort van

i work part time only and love it good luck mate follow ya dream bud !!

 

[down2earth]

I'm in very similar situation, have applied for voluntary redundancy at work (find out on Tuesday) and have just completed VRQ domestic installers course, so new complete change of direction. I'm in a well paid job in Air
traffic Control but money isn't everything, lots of people at work have jobs that need doing which is a good way to get started.

Good luck

Down2earth

 

[NoSparks]

Well I changed at 61. 2381, 2391 and NIC registered. Making some money after 3 months but 25K is somehting I dream of!

 

[saveloy]

I don't wanna pee on anyone's dreams, but times are getting harder at the moment. There are a hell of a lot of people being laid off in the construction industry ATM. I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to leave an employed job at the moment to set up on their own. There are already a lot of experienced electricians looking for work as it is.

IMO it takes at least 2 years to get a new business off the ground and build up a reputation and client list.
By all means follow your dream and do the courses and try to get a bit of experience, but do it with the security of a job behind you.

 

[iceman]

hi started at 32 now 36
i got me
2330 electrical installation
2392 inspection and testing
2382 17th edition
2391 testing
ecs card
NICEIC registered
NO WORK!

 

[montybaber]

I'm in very similar situation, have applied for voluntary redundancy at work (find out on Tuesday) and have just completed VRQ domestic installers course, so new complete change of direction. I'm in a well paid job in Air
traffic Control but money isn't everything, lots of people at work have jobs that need doing which is a good way to get started.

Good luck

Down2earth

Funny I was contemplating a career change to air traffic controller, how do I go about the transition? is there any fast track courses?

 

[Lyndon]

VRQ domestic installers course - how does this compare with the three year day release my local college is offering? Does the intense course give you enough info to become a "competent person" and start trading?

 

[Mac]

VRQ domestic installers course - how does this compare with the three year day release my local college is offering? Does the intense course give you enough info to become a "competent person" and start trading?

It will make you a competent person as stated in their brochure.So you can register with a scheme provider and do domestic electrics.At the end of the day mate,experience is what you need.Someone else posted that someone was assessed and was a competent spark in 45 mins.

 

[Lyndon]

Thanks all - looks like that may be the way to go for now and day release for the rest. I guess the sensible way would be to go and work some someone for 6 months at very cheap rates to get the experience?
Honest appraisal time - is anyone likely to employ a 40 year old newby in this climate (with the amount of house extensions going on in my area I guess there must still be some work out there)?

Cheers