Hi all, my first post and looking for a little advice.
Basically I would love to re-train and become a qualified joiner but I am now aged 31. I was a dairy farmer up until a few years ago and got out as the industry was going downhill. Over the last 4 or 5 years I have bought a few small houses and renovated them and then generally leased to tenants. I have found that I have thoroughly enjoyed the joinery side of things although my knowledge is somewhat limited although I am proficient with tools and come from a hands on background.
Can anybody advice me to the possibilities?
I know that I would be looking at a 3 year NVQ qualification in joinery but it seems they all require work placements, which I would love to have. Would joiners/carpenters in the trade be likely to look at a keen 31 year old?
If it makes any difference I live in the North West/Lancashire area.
Thanks.

Thanks for the reply Big Al.
I guess I am up against it but I will try writing a letter to some local firms and test the water. Obviously I would be paying my own course fees and so on, I could just do with someone to give me a chance.
Could you answer a couple of questions please:

1.Am I correct in thinking that the basic qualifications a trained joiner needs is a level 3 NVQ in Carpentry/Joinery or are there other qualifications needed?

2.Also it appears the NVQ's are only available (in Lancashire anyway) to people in current joinery employment, do you know of any other way to gain these qualifications if employment initially proves impossible?

Thanks again.

Big Al's right, the first year NVQ1 is basics, the second year NVQ2 is more advanced....and if you're any good and get your head down, you can complete 1 & 2 in one year. NVQ3 is more about taking a supervisory role which if you're gonna go out on your own is fairly pointless. Skills wise, you won't really learn much more in year 3. Some firms will take on 30 year olds if you're keen enough. There always a pain in the arse 19 year old who's more interested in souping up his Nissan Micra for firm's to get rid of if you're keen enough.

If you're paying your own way & not working for a firm, you'll be awarded an ICA (Intermediate Construction Award) and an ACA (Advanced.....) if you do year 3. You can convert these to the full NVQ at a later stage if you find employment.....but presumably it's the skills you want rather than a piece of paper ?

At the end of the day, regardless of whether you have NVQ level 1, 2, 3 or a degree in timber science.......any employer will put you on a trial period. If you're good, quick and don't f@*k up then you'll get the job rgardless of your qualifications.

If you're not in joinery employment, it'll be tough to convert the college based ICA/ACA to the full NVQ. Yes, you can take pictures of all your restoration & joinery work, but unfortunately you have to be in the piccies yourself !!! It's also difficult to get old work you've done assessed by a qualified person that way.

I do know of some people (present company excluded of course!), that get a job with their mate's firm just for a couple of weeks or long enough to have the assessor down to watch him making radiator covers or whatever, just to turn the ICA/ACA into the full NVQ....then carry on working themselves as a sole trader.

Don't worry about the age thing. I'm 74 and my missus is 23.....!  

hi tomba26,

I am currently at college doing my NVQ level 2 in Wood Occupations and managed to find employment at the age of 30 and go to college one day a week. The job I have now was advertised as general building assistant but when I spoke to the employer and told him about wanting to do joinery he was great, ok I have to do other jobs aswell as it is a small company but I do a lot of joinery and definatly a lot more that a lot of the youngsters on the course. So my advise would be to apply for any jobs that include the works 'to assist trades' then wait for your chance and show them what you can do!

Hope this helps, Good Luck

Ali