What I'd do if I was leaving school now

You’ve described me. Im a gas engineer in my 30’s, I have no staff, work 9-1, 4 days a week, the money I’ve made I’ve invested and could now retire off of my investments. All from an initial outlay of £12k for a plumbing, gas and electrical course.

And you’ve got a family too! So you get afternoons to spend how you like. Paul, you’re rich, in all senses of the word. Time, money and family. Well done you. 👏🏻

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£400+ per day £2k per week. 6 weeks holiday per year £92k per year Without weekend or out of hours call outs. Thats the going weekly rate in midlands newbuilds construction for plumbers. More work in summer than winter…

This is absolutely spot on. I chose engi apprenticeship over uni in 2011. I was 21 being paid to learn. At 25 I was earning £50k. 34 now. 2024/25 YTD earnings £120k. Get a skill. Don’t do the uni route if you don’t know what you want to do.

The risk here is getting sick or injured and being unable to work. Once earnings are good it is worth paying for good insurance. I know someone who did exactly this (retrained as gas engineer) and had his life turned upside down by a bad hand injury and complications.

This needs to be explained in schools, trade skills always in demand and if set up right, sme’s can excel quickly.

I'd be a Gigolo!

agree - I work in automotive apprenticeships and it's the best course for young ppl

Welcome to the party. I've been banging this drum for years

Yes, I enjoy it for the glamour mostly.