Simon Hance (42) - Now An Electrician
In tough times they say to survive in business sometimes you have to diversify - and that is exactly what Cumbrian man Simon Hance has done.
How One Ex-Army Man Diversified To Thrive With NCS
After ten years in the army with the Royal Signals, Simon and his wife Julie, who live in the remote village of Nenthead, Cumbria, set up their restaurant, Overwater Lodge, in 1998. But when recession appeared on the horizon a decade later he leapt into action to make sure he was ahead of the game.
Simon had some experience of electrics from his army days and decided to look for training courses in the trade. An internet search brought up New Career Skills, which retrains mature people for careers as electricians, plumbers and in renewables at its Doncaster and Southampton bases.
The restaurateur signed up with two aims - maintaining his own restaurant, as electricians are hard to come by in remote Cumbria, and developing a second income should the food and drink trade dry up during the recession.
He studied at New Career Skills’ Doncaster base and is now about to set up his electrician’s business.
Simon, 42, said: “I wanted to do it myself, but I also knew there was a recession looming and I needed to not put my eggs in one basket. I needed to supplement my income in case the restaurant collapsed.
“I found the New Career Skills course good, it was easy to understand. I’m also going to join a Government competency scheme in the near future.”
Steven Wines, Chief Executive at New Career Skills, added: “Simon’s tale is a perfect example of why people come to us. As well as retraining people for a new career, we are also able to give them the skills to diversify and make the best of tough times like those we have been experiencing.”
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"I'm a professional rugby player but sustained a career threatening injury. I realised that I needed a skill. The NCS course fitted perfectly around my life..."
"The NCS package out classed the competitors and enabled me to get out into the industry quickly. I now own a successful electrical business..."
"I had become completely office bound at the age of 49 and decided I wanted to run my own business. I now have my own successful plumbing..."
"At 44 I decided I wanted flexibility and a better work/life balance. Now I am running my own plumbing company and I have exactly that..."
"I wanted flexible hours and becoming an electrician could afford me that luxury. There is a crying need for more skilled women electricians..."
"I'm yet to finish the course, but I have still started up my own business importing, selling and installing solar systems. I think I will have a great future..."