Michael
Being made redundant for the third time in twelve years and losing his pension due to the company having a shortfall of £3 million in the fund, was the catalyst to Michael’s decision to retrain.
“Redundancy at the age of 50 and the loss of my pension was a real worry, and though I’d worked in printing for over 30 years, I now needed a trade that would provide a good standard of living for my wife and myself beyond the age of 65,” said Michael.
Plumbing appeared to be a realistic option since it fitted in well with a number of the skills Michael already had, plus the fact that there was a shortage of good plumbers in his own area.
Having read about New Career Skills in a newspaper advertisement, Michael applied and was quickly on his way to retraining.
“The course was first class, as long as you worked with the tutors, and we had a great bunch of people of all ages and from all backgrounds,” he said.
“At times it was hard being away from home but I particularly enjoyed seeing a finished article. That felt very rewarding, a job well done.”
Though currently working part-time, Michael’s plan is to eventually concentrate on plumbing full-time.
“I would recommend the course to anyone,” he says, adding that older applicants should never to worry about their age or background.
“You can’t buy life experience and plumbing is a skill that can benefit hugely from having lived a little!”
Previously a mechanical engineer, Mick is now running his own plumbing business.
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