After a sat down office job for the last 15 years I am going out of my mind and need a fresh challenge - Im approaching 35.

I am looking for a career which will hold steady, is manual and pay must be above £7 hr. Dont mind part time college courses to learn.

Now what I would like to know after reading a few threads has the gas fitter / electricians market now been over saturated?? I keep reading posts about after qualifying jobs are scarce??

Interested in welding as seen a few opportunities for vehicle fitters etc. any ideas anyone??? Many thanks

I don’t want to put you off but who is going to take on a 35yr old apprentice when they could get a kid who is happy to work for minimum wage.

Now what I would like to know after reading a few threads has the gas fitter / electricians market now been over saturated?? I keep reading posts about after qualifying jobs are scarce??

I would say yes in the plumbing and gas fitting trades. The market has become very saturated especially in Sheffield. For example, MET-UK who provide training in Sheffield are now 'recruiting' in London, Manchester, Belfast, and Newcastle. Too many from South Yorkshire have passed through their doors.

Electrical training seems to me to be the 'band-waggon' to jump on. There is little that a DIY'er is now allowed to do with the introduction of Part P. Still a difficult trade to get into and of course you would need to get yourself a placement with an electrician. The phrase hens teeth springs to mind but good luck. Tenacity and comittment can often pay dividends.

Thank you for your comments on thris thread. It is a bit of a mine field. I have to hold down my current job whilst I do a course at night and hopefully pick up a day at the weekend with a tradesman. I just wanted to get a feel of the market out there to see whats in demand at the moment as this is the only chance I will get to break free of the office job :hihi: