Any artisans in the forum? Woodwork, Metal work etc etc

[MojoGuzzi]

Been thinking about changing careers again...To give you some background, Age 18 to 27 -I worked in Hotels, Age 27 to 43 - I've been working in the IT industry. And now, I feel It's time for a change. I'm really keen to learn a trade, where you make something tangible, like a woodworker, making furniture as an example. Are there any such gifted people on the forum? that I can get in touch with? I'm pondering the possibility of an Apprenticeship, where I help out in exchange for experience.

Just a thought (thumbs)

[threepot]

Learning a trade is always a good thing. They do forecast a shortage of skilled labour in this country soon,due to the lack of apprenticeships over the last 25-30 yrs. I did an apprenticeship as toolmaker 35 yrs ago,and it helped me get jobs. ID speak to a careers advisor for some guidance,and whats available. Good luck.

[ratass]

Do a swap
Jon

[KEITH640]

I do this when I get spare time
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... p-art.html

[MojoGuzzi]

I do this when I get spare time
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... p-art.html

Those pieces are truly beautiful. I could definitely earn a Welding badge from you. (thumbs)

[dom501]

I used to be a wedding photographer, but wasn't getting much work at all. Friends wanted me to do there weddings for free aswell.
So I thought a career change was in order and noticed there was a shortage of welders. I did a course at college and rang around every engineering firm that was local to me.
One guy told me to piss off coz I was too old ( I was only 34 - 36 now). But I eventually got an interview and a weld test.
I make cattle grids now and farm yard gates, I love my job because I hardly have to interact with anybody. Maybe wedding photography wasn't my calling after all.

[Brenhden]

I love woodwork, its a great hobby for me.

Good luck if you go for it

[Daz Brecon]

Hi, I am a gas engineer and plumber, always loads of work plumbing even if you didn't go for the gas, the gas trade is very good as we are closely regulated, for me it was either gas or electrician both require a big learning curve and commitment to get started but you really will have a job for life, good luck

[special one]

I'm a chippie by trade but a self employed general builder, I'm 45 this year and my joints are fucked, I can't remember the last time something wasn't aching.
I'd keep it to a hobby if I was you if you want to be fairly fit in your retirement, I need to change careers ASAP that's for sure.

[rwa.martin]

I quit the IT profession (Java Programmer) in 2004, aged 42, when we moved from London to West Wales. I'd already started to do my Driving Instructor qualifications as a backup in case I was made redundant at any time. Around 2009 I decided to get qualified as an electrician which I did and have run a successful electrical business up until recently. I'm now specialising in Inspection and Test work. I'm now 53.

Happy to talk to you offline about becoming an electrician if you're interested. However, SpecialOne makes a very good point: after 10 years of rebuilding my house, crawling about in lofts, breathing dust etc. the body is feeling the effects. Be careful you don't end up changing to something that will require another change before you get to retirement age because you physically can't hack it any more.

Rich.