job offer

[irn-brue]

hi i am currently working as a qualified electrician in scotland been out my time about two years. my question is an opportunity has arisen in my company as a traniee plumber they said i could do it they would pay me labourers rates at about 7 pound an hour quite a big pay cut.My question is, has anybody else on here got a dual trade and do you think it would be worth doing.

 

[stuartcourt]

I feel to master one trade is a life times work, but in this climate maybe time to re think and if you specialise in say under floor heating then why not

 

[irn-brue]

yes that is a fair point i am only 2 years out my time aswell is it not possible to master more than one trade not trying to sound arrogant. just thought it could make me a usefull assest for a company as could do either or. just wondered has any body else done this. no I dont specialise in under floorheating but think if has both electrical and plumbing could become a specialist heating engineer. maybe ive just got my head in the clouds and not a good idea just thought i would ask some older sparks their opinion as been offered job.

 

[stuartcourt]

my brother in law both and is pretty good at both and it does work for him and just because I dont feel I could master 2 does not mean you cant, I would go for it as if they need someone to sort a heating system etc you could do both (I meant go for it and then specialize in underfloor heat etc) you will probably never get another chance to do this so make the right choice and good luck. (I did say he is pretty good not ****ing amazing like me :17: )

 

[irn-brue]

thanks for advice yeah i think i might but a lot off people have told me the old saying "jack of all trades master of none" not sure if should wait to get more experience doing electrical but as you say may not get chance again. could end up regreting it later on if i dont go for it. but dont want to end up just ok at both trades and not an expert in one unless i concentrate more and one and just be ok at other if im capeable off doing the two together. decisions decsions got to decide on monday or they will take some one else on . older sparks at work saying electrical hard enough to master without throwing in another trade although some plumbers ive worked with aint the sharpests tools in the box no offence to any pumbers may yet be one!

 

[stuartcourt]

depends what you want to do I do heating systems and love it but some hate it good luck in which ever

 

[Silly Sausage]

I feel to master one trade is a life times work, but in this climate maybe time to re think and if you specialise in say under floor heating then why not

The electrical trade covers a vast spectrum, you can only become a master in a few select areas.
So, irn-brue, if that's all on offer for you at the moment, go for it.
It increases your skill set in my eyes.

 

[Sharpend]

I had the opportunity to do the same many years ago but didn't, whilst I wouldn't say that I regret not doing it, it would have come in very handy in the recent economic climate, however I'm just about keeping head above water.

 

[stuartcourt]

The electrical trade covers a vast spectrum, you can only become a master in a few select areas.
So, irn-brue, if that's all on offer for you at the moment, go for it.
It increases your skill set in my eyes.

This is not all what is on offer, he has a choice leave his electrical job after not long qualifying to start another or sticking to one trade and mastering a selected area

 

[irn-brue]

as i have mainly been doing domestic electrics and some commercial work i feel i am competent enough with domestic electrics still alot to learn always learning as a spark. i was thinking about trying to get into the industrial sector when i qualified but found it difficult to get a job and domestic electrics and industrial are like two different trades aswell. So think shall go for this as will increase my skill set. thanks for all your advice.

 

[guest119]

What are you going to put on your cv later in life?
If you are applying for an electrical job for instance what are you going to show for the time you worked on plumbing?
A 30 year old spark would be assumed to have 10 years experience on the tools, a 40yr old, 20 yrs etc etc.

Boydy

 

[irn-brue]

this is true could limit my chances later on because wouldnt have the expierence if i wanted to go for electrical job and dont know if i fancy a whole career change and be a plumber. it seems it could actual limit my choices unless i got a job as specialist heating engineer with both plumbing and electrical but most would look for either plumber or electrician. unless could apply for companies as multi trade plumber and spark so could do both jobs. but you do have point their im only really thinking of here and now but could affect future career so its an important descion. dont know if it is viable to do both.

 

[irn-brue]

sorry if rambling and being self indulgent is my own descion at the end of day thanks for replies just trying to get pros and cons from older guys cause im just starting out and dont want to make any rash descions that may affect my future. any way got plenty of advice now to help me make a logical choice. hope didnt bore you to much ha much appreciated.

 

[telectrix]

i'd be more inclined to get some training on the electrical side of heating systems and leave the house flooding to the wet pants brigade.

 

[Guest55]

i dont understand the direction or thinking of your employer to be honest.
only just starting on the path to becoming time served spark , with lots of time money and effort by both company and employee invested in that goal , but now an "opportunity" to ditch that to try something completely different , on reduced pay.
if your company actually needs a combined spark / plumber then i'd still expect electricans pay while undertaking any other training , anything less is short changing your accomplishments to date.

sounds all muddled up to me.
you need to think about where you'd like your career to be heading in 5 years time before taking up another trade.

at best you'll be competent at both but not brilliant at either.