Hi my name is Richard and im 20 years of age, I have been a forklift truck driver for the past 2 years and I am wanting to do some kind of apprenticeship in plumbing/construction/electrical. I have a full UK driving license so I am able to travel to different destinations, I am flexible with hours and hardworking. If anyone has got any information on how I could become an apprentice or anyone who is needing a apprentice. Pm or reply here.

Thanks

if you dont have any qualifications AND experience then its hard going im afraid.. you'll prob get stuck doing labouring until you realise they arent gonna train you to do owt else.

You can do a course at college but will take you 1-2 years in your chosen trade, but even then its really hard to get taken on unless you are 18 or under.

good luck

Richard,

Join the frustration club im afraid. Ive been trying to get my 17 year old son into an apprenticeship for ages now and let me say that we have had no help, conflicting answers and have visited the connexions offices and job centres. He is currently in college and was accepted to start advanced science in september. He would rather apprentice. When he spoke to the last connexions worker and they couldnt find him an apprenticeship she kindly suggested that he attend college. I thought my son would fall off the chair! He asked her if she had been listening when he said he was already in college. Apprenticeships are a rare find it seems but there are a few web sites about them. (Dont expect a reply if you e-mail them though or a return letter after you apply) One web site is for JTL. (My son sent in an application to sit the tests but that was 4 months ago and they are back logged with applicants I guess) Next site is Connexions. Then there is the National Apprenticeship Scheme. They have a web site. Im sorry to say that it has been our experience that if they can not find you an apprenticeship, the standard reply is 'Go to College.' Very frustrating, especially if you want to apprentice and get a qualification through it or college at the same time and actually earn a living. Sorry to sound glum but he has not given up yet actually! Annoyed..yes but never giving up!!

Just to but things in perspective, my 16 year old son as just been accepted on a plastering apprenticeship .He was one of 2,000 who sat a screening test, then he had a aptitude test and finally a interview in front of a panel of 3.

Apprenticeships are available but they are like gold dust, just a word of warning beware those that promise “£1000” a week when trained, we have already been letdown by one.