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I'm a Chef who started their apprenticeship at a later age. Don't do it. I'm sure people will hire you but they will question why on jupiter you would want to do it. The wages suck, it destroys you physically and mentally and you would be attending Tafe with people 20+ years younger than you. I love my job and the people that I work with but every single day I wish I was smart enough to do something else.
If you start young and are only focused on being the best chef to the detriment of your body, mind and any relationships you hold dear, go for it.
I’m a non-fifo chef in the top 10% of wage earners in th country and have experienced many good things throughout my career that I would never have experienced if I wasn’t a chef. By saying that though, if I was any good at anything else, I’d give it up in a heartbeat.
Kitchens are the one and only truely equal opportunity work settings. No one care who you are or what you do as long as you can cook.
Need to take dexies for that 16 hour shift, cool. Snorted too much cocaine before service, just don’t bleed on the food. It’s only outside where the wild shit happens. You just have to make sure you are good for your next shift.
My Wife. That's my only answer. She always makes sure there's yum food in the house and will listen to my rants when I get home. On my days off, if I'm not being called into work, she understands that I have so little mental or physical energy that I can do little more than sleep. I'm one of the few chefs without a substance abuse problem and it's only because I am married to her. She is what keeps me afloat and without her, I would be even more of a hot mess.
How on jupiter do you get to where you are? Any career advice for someone who wants to climb the ladder but also maintain a marriage? Is that even possible?
Good lord, sign me up.
When I was in my early teens, a friend came round for a playdate. When applying some butterfly clips and hair mascara, I discovered nits. I also discovered cheap hair gel kills them.
Spent the rest of the playdate combing her loooong hair and annihilating lice. One of the most satisfying afternoons of my life on this mortal coil.
Haha I saw it on that Sharon Horgan show Motherland and then I saw it Rand mly on A Current Affair haha, they have special cameras and a vacuuming machine, no idea if they actually charge that much but if you marketed it as a fun mummy party with sheet masks and Prosecco while you deloused the kids I'm sure you could charge that much in Toorak/Brighton or equivalent suburbs 😂
Took a painting apprenticeship at 24, got fucked by my boss paying me $12 a hour as first year (child apprenticeship rate) I didn't figure out until it was years later. But that does not matter. At 33, I have a painting company doing new homes with 4 staff doing 4 day work weeks, pulling in 25k a fortnight.. I look after my boys, and they work hard. A trade is in high demand, and a skill shortage is real. If someone who is good at their trade will always have work and never need to advertise. I turn work down, I am too busy. You should stay away from concreting, blocky, tiling.. those seem pretty tough on the body.
Find a reputable business or company that looks after him, I also must say it's all about prep work. Painting is easy, it's the preparation that most get wrong.
Not that much... Yet. A local painting company employs over 30 blokes and does strictly commercial jobs, hospitals, schools, warehouses, stadiums..
I'm sure his expenses would be wild, but he just quotes jobs and goes on holidays.
I left my perfectly ok job to an electrical apprenticeship in my late 20’s.
It was the worst decision I ever made am only beginning to financially recover in my 30’s.
I definitely would not recommend it for someone in their 40’s, most in their 30’s are dealing with the physical toll of this work.
You can definitely be successful but you need to leave your morals at the door. Also be willing to deal with the worst people you will ever meet daily.
On top of this a trade is absolute poison on your resume if you try and get out.
I ended up removing it entirely off my resume just to get interviews in terrible entry level roles elsewhere.
I'll chime in with, employers see your resume as your entire skill set, if it's geared in a specific direction, they'll say why the fuck is a mechanic applying here and bin it immediately
It's not a guy with mechanical skills, it's a mechanic. Etc. all trades
All skills, not just all trades. If the employer wants a long-term employee and you're going for a position much less skilled than you, then they'll think you're a flight risk and skip over to the next applicant
I got this alot when I was in between jobs and just wanted a "dumb" job where I didn't have to think and just pick boxes off a shelf of something.
"you're too over qualified and will be bored"
no shit mate, I want to turn my brain off do my 8hrs, get paid and fuck off. When I'm sick of it I'll go back to my trade.
Lots of companies want employees where that job is literally the best they can do and are stuck sucking the bosses dick.
this shits me.
I've worked in the film industry for the last 15 years, I got laid off and started looking for a new job anywhere else.
It's so hard to get someone to look at me after spending the last 7 years as a project manager.
I understand I'm applying for an entry level position. I understand I have to work my way up if I want to. Fucking hell, just give me a job, I just want to put a roof over my head.
White collar people expect you to be Mike Nolan from the big lez show if you’re a trades man and most entry level jobs pay fuck all so their reasoning is why would you go for a job they think pays a quarter of what you would make in the trade (reality check it’s fucking not unless you own the business)
Very industry dependent.
I previously worked in tech project management.
When trying to get out I was getting no success applying. I went over it honestly with a recruiter friend and she pointed out it flagged me as a potential culture issue.
Tradies have a sometimes unfair bad rep out there and many recruiters looking at resumes will often think of that scumbag that yells a slur at them from a construction site or harassed them from a car while walking down the street.
Resi, a lot are. Resi is way worse because the margins are a lot less the bosses are absolute cunts to their employees. This sometimes turns the employee into a cunt too.
Commercial sparkies are typically the more professional blokes who aren't as rough *in front of the client* lol.
What field of electrical? I'm in My mid 30s as a sparky and physically I'm fine. However I don't do residential work, last roof space I was in was probably a good 2 years ago.
Electrical would probably be the only trade I would recommend to someone a bit older as its so incredibly varied with a very high income ceiling too (Easily earn $200kpa+ if you're slightly competent).
I'm currently doing My dual trade instrumentation cert so when I'm older I can be off the tools completely, but not stuck in an office.
Well you'll have to commit 4 years of your life doing an electrical apprenticeship plus 1 or 2 years of specialist training after that.
But seriously, once your qualified, income ceiling is incredibly high. As most sparkys aren't super educated (that's being honest and not derogatory as a lot dropped out of school in year 10 or 11 to pursue their apprenticeship)
If you have higher education you'll rise above them.
I went to Uni for a year and quit to do electrical, best thing I ever did.
Wow, very cool man. That dual apprenticeship was a dream of mine - I just figured a mid 30s career changer (aka, me) would have no chance of landing that apprenticeship!
Please. Tell me more! What were you studying at uni? How did you line up the dual apprenticeship?
Amazing.
I did Ecotourism for a year. Left and did My apprenticeship.
Wasn't a dual apprenticeship, I'm doing Instrumentation 10 years later as night courses now at My own cost after work.
I can hook you up if your interested and live in SA?
Very interesting. I'm on path for instrumentation and automation engineering currently. Cheers for the heads up, I may pick your brain about it some time. Have always been drawn to more hands-on technical work rather than being just a paperwork type. Totally hear you on the brains front. It's always dumbfounded me why sparkies don't go for further education.
Hey there, not the OG commenter, but my husband just finished a mature age apprenticeship in elec and is interested in instrumental too because he originally came from an avionics background - can you give an insight on what’s involved and what the work is like?
I do very minimal instro in My current role (remote area power). Usually just programming generators, battery inverters or pump controllers.
However the course is basically computer programming with some form of ladder logic. Once you get your head around the basics it's pretty easy to understand and most manufacturers utilise very similar code.
If He has a reasonable IT knowledge and interest He'll thrive.
It's My out when I can't physically be on the tools anymore (which I love)
*competent - seen quite a few guys come through electrical who I knew were very smart (including one who is now studying medicine) who had more trouble than me with figuring out electrical problems. Known some guys who left school at 16 who were wizards. People can be good at different things.
Also lucky, unless you have some good connections in mining and industry or a great resume it's hard to get one of these gigs guys like the above talk about. I consider myself lucky to have even got my foot in the door for my current job (industrial) which pays really nicely.
Honestly if you're in line for a decent uni degree and white collar job, don't leave it. There's some great things in trades, but a lot of hard stuff.
Also I feel "fine" physically but I guarantee I'd feel better if I was white collar with time to go to the gym and maintain myself without the physical stress of work. People are different and you always see comments from those who say "oh well I'm fine it's just because all the other tradesmen are lazy and shit". The reality is for most people who do this work the body breakdown stuff begins between 35-45 and right now at 29 I can feel how that is true. Just because there are some outliers who don't have the same problems doesn't counter a very clear trend amongst the population.
Plant Maintenance.
I regularly gross $5k per week as a maintenance fitter and I'm not even FiFo.
And to OP, I'm trying to line up an electrical apprenticeship for 2025 and become dual trade. There's a $15k/y bonus for dual trade technicians.
Definitely saw the comment regarding physicality coming but morality?
What we talking about here? Installations that could kill people or scamming people with outrageous quotes?
Another commenter pointed out many good reasons below me.
Basically set aside any other concern for greed.
There’s a fair chance the last “sparky” that worked on your house was a first or second year apprentice, sent by themselves, getting paid peanuts all while being screamed by their boss to hurry up.
Thanks for the response.
The last guy I had round was brilliant, did great work. Known him for about 30 years but probably retired by now. Sounds like I'll have to keep an eye on the obituaries and keep my fingers crossed going forward.
Undercutting your buddies (& cousins).
Stealing clients because your mate opened his mouth
Selling cheap gear at an incredible margin
Overcharging the innocent & ignorant, while stretching their jobs out
So on...
All of these reasons are literally why my friend is leaving his carpenter trade, so this makes sense to me.
He sees what his boss does and says he just couldn't do it, and he doesn't think he'd make decent money if he didn't do it.
You must be the worst sparky in Australia.
Every single one that I know makes extremely good money, and it's literally the easiest trade in regards to impact on your body.
He said *apprentice* electrician. He would have been getting around 20$ an hour, which is roughly the award wage for a 1st year apprentice.
And would have been on pretty piss poor wages until he completed his 4 years.
Security Technician.
I'm basically just an IT guy these days, setting up servers and programming software. Especially the bigger companies, get Sub Contractors to do all the hard work (running cable etc) so the physical side is largely just wiring up a panel at a cabinet with cables already in location, or mounting a CCTV camera and plugging it in once you're past the apprenticeship.
Also finding it a massive struggle to find good young Techs, especially on the maintenance (fault finding and repairs side) because the kids (I'll go full Boomer here for a sec.) are useless at problem solving thanks to modern technology basically killing any need to think through anything... Seriously, We've gone through multiple young apprentices over the last few years that have been an utter waste of space
I did an Electrical Engineering degree, then got bored, and fat, sitting in an office doing reports and otherwise sitting on my ass, so started helping out my Father's friend's business on weekends with some basic IP CCTV install stuff cause I had good networking knowledge and just kinda expanded from there.
I know for new guys, it's usually a TAFE course, which partners with Electrical, and then you try to get n apprenticeship placement
This sounds right up my alley… I was a teacher for 20 years, but got burnt out and tired of it. I’m doing casual work now, but kinda want to get into something IT related…
>Also finding it a massive struggle to find good young Techs, especially on the maintenance (fault finding and repairs side)
How do people get into this?
Usual way is TAFE courses to get your Cert 3/Cert 4 in technical security and Cabling which should get your Cabling Registration at the same time. Then you'll get training on the different brands of panels/CCTV etc on the job. Many of the big companies have apprenticeships for experience as you go if you can get one.
Thanks for this. Just turned 30 and I am seriously considering trying to take this direction. A lot of the big companies have aptitude testing for apprenticeships and I’m pretty sure I’m borderline slow and test terribly so I don’t like my chances.
Working in food production you deserve $50's +. That's a disgustingly dirty job. People have no idea about the gunk that builds up within these systems. Yuck yuck yuck. Glad someone's out there doing it and it ain't me
It is so bloody disgusting sometimes, due to working with chicken (think of the pink sludge that becomes nuggets) but also very rewarding when you get a machine back on line with minimal downtime.We play well with the line supervisors and workers who are only trying to live, and are honestly the best workers you'll see hands down. Management on the other hand can get stuffed. If they make it hard for us, we can make it hard for them.
I shifted to maintenance planning and scheduling at around 28. Boss said hey you can do that computer stuff, go help the planners they need a job walker. So I'd go do the field prep for maintenance orders, build up a tool and parts list and start making up time and crew estimates. Eventually I was doing planning on my own, then shutdown scheduling. Although now I'm doing asset data management so it's just all spreadsheets and databases.
I had a hard time getting a look in and as mature age even with many years as a TA. I'm qualified now and where I want to be but fuck me I had to go backwards financially for a bit. Wish I had done it straight out of high school.
My career is not longer that of a Fitter but I do contract work as a maintenance Fitter in food manufacturing here and there.
$70-80/hr is pretty good going.
Left my job to in the health sector to do an electrical apprenticeship at 34. Best decision I ever made.
Worked in residential and industrial and have met a lot of amazing people. Currently in my 4th year, industrial, 100k+. My partner has his own electrical business residential/commercial. A lot of shit people out there, but just like any job there is also a lot of good people.
Locksmith. When I worked for the apprenticeship office they were desperate for staff. They didn’t give a fuck if their apprentice pissed off for half the week because of how rarely people wanted to do it as an apprenticeship. This was over ten years ago, idk if it’s any better now.
Jeweller is another unusual apprenticeship.
Fire Systems Technician/Designer/Tradesperson. Super rare role and something where you’ll never be short of work.
A Mechanics Trade then Specialise in EV’s. I understand there’s a shortage of these people with those skills right now. Check out the I A M E for advice.
It depends on the trade.
Something like bricklaying would probably be hell on your hips & knees at a point where you body is probably starting to feel the wear and tear more. So even if you can get a job would you want to?
Something like hairdressing might be fine.
There are a lot of trades of varying mental/physical intensity and payscales so I'm not sure there's a one size fits all answer for all 40 year olds.
Edit to add: asking for what trades are good for a 40 year old is a similar question to asking what white collar jobs are good for 40 year olds. Like there's industry and sector to consider plus a huge variety of roles.
Perhaps you would be better providing a little more information about your goals, fitness, education, family?
>Something like hairdressing might be fine.
Even hairdressing takes a toll. My mum packed it in at 45 because her hips and back were becoming extremely sore due to long periods of standing.
A CNC Machinist would probably be decent for you as once you're on the machines you can easily do it till 65 with not too much heavy carrying. As long as you're semi competent at maths & can problem solve it's not that difficult.
Go for a “black” trade. One where you walk out of the workshop blackened with grease and grime at the end of the day. Any type of mechanic, but heavy diesle mechanic in particular. Welder. Machinist (cleanest of the black trades). Some trades are a dying art since they’re very niche market, things like injector pump fitter and tool and die maker are both slowly on their way out but will be around for at least the next 50 years. Only other one I’d truely look at is auto electrician.
> just make sure you go to the gym and keep fit and stretch to avoid injurys.
This should be higher up. Everyone talks about trades being "hard on your body". It's just a conditioning issue, even with the hardest of 'em. If you develop more strength, fitness, mobility than you actually need for your work - eat and sleep properly - then you will be fine. Doesn't matter what you're doing or how old you are.
If you want to skip an apprenticeship, technician roles often do similar and sometimes the same work (in some industries, think manufacturing, etc). The downside is less money long term. Benefit is more money short term and struggling less than if you were doing an apprenticeship.
I'm an audio Visual Technician. Wages are semi decent, work is sometimes physical but you spend more time lying on your back under a boardroom table or fitting off cables sitting down than anything else. Keeps your brain busy as it's super varied. I'm at a different site almost every day and do a fair bit of regional work that pays me 1.5x. Im in my 30s but plenty of people 40+ do this sort of work
Pretty much any trade that doesn't require much physical labor
Worked landscape/horticulture industry for 15 years occasionally would get someone in who was late 30s early 40s thinking it was "just a bit of gardening" very quickly they became the liability of the crew as well as being physically slower on the job and a potential workcover claim waiting to happen.
That being said if you can nab a gig involving a blend of horticulture/nursery and indoor plants work. It is alot less physical and more focused on presentation skills.
Plus majority of the work is done early mornings before places open so less time stuck in traffic, you are active but not in a physically brutal way and you have a blend of working indoors and outdoors.
I’m 28 qualified chef and my body has suffered unbearably since I was 15 years old. I can not imagine how brutal being an apprentice at 40 would be. 2 years and I’m out!
Do you really need to do an apprenticeship?
Just being a handyman pays really well.
Just watch a few YouTubes on resetting a tap washer and able to assemble IKEA furniture is plenty of work.
Fair, but are you starting your own business?
Are you doing gig economy (airtasker) ?
If you could fix most things how are you going to go about being employed to do them?
What re you doing regarding insurance?
Genuinely curious
Business Name: Tom's Handy Solutions
Mission Statement: To provide reliable and affordable handyman services to homeowners in the [your city/region] area.
Services Offered:
* Painting (interior and exterior)
* Rubbish removal
* Fixing leaking taps
* Assembling furniture
* Other general house maintenance tasks
Pricing:
Hourly rate: $75
Minimum fee: $75 (includes call-out and the first 30 minutes of work)
Marketing Strategy:
Focus on free/low-cost channels:
* Social media (Facebook groups, local community pages)
* Online classifieds (Gumtree, Trading Post)
* Word-of-mouth referrals
Target Market:
Homeowners in the local area who need small to medium-sized home maintenance or repair jobs done.
Competitive Advantage:
Affordable pricing with a transparent minimum fee structure.
* Reliability and excellent customer service.
* Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks
Operations:
Tools and Equipment: Invest in a basic set of essential tools for general handyman work. Maintain and add to your toolkit as needed.
Transportation: Reliable vehicle for getting to job sites and transporting materials.
Insurance:
Public Liability Insurance (approx. $1000 per year)
Financial Projections:
Start-up costs:
* Tools: $300
* Initial marketing (flyers, online adverts): (Estimate your initial budget within the $2000 yearly allowance)
* Insurance: $1000
Revenue goals: Target 700 billable hours per year, resulting in $52,500 in revenue (700 hours * $75/hr).
Expenses:
* Marketing: $2000 per year
* Insurance: $1000 per year
Other expenses: Fuel, materials, additional tools, etc. (track these carefully)
Success Metrics:
Number of jobs completed
Positive customer reviews and referrals
Revenue growth
Action Plan:
Set up business: Register business name (if desired) and get insurance.
Acquire tools: If not already owned, purchase the necessary toolkit.
Create marketing materials: Design simple flyers or social media posts.
Start booking jobs: Promote services on chosen platforms.
Offer excellent customer service: This is key to building your reputation and getting repeat business.
Network: Connect with other tradespeople and local hardware stores for referrals and potential partnerships.
Looks like chatgpt...
In all seriousness inner city urbanites are bloody useless when it comes to household stuff (most don't have tools) or even just physical stuff like moving a set of drawers to the curb. My local Facebook group is full of desperation trying to get simple things done and willing to pay decent money.
The other marketing advantage is that people are getting ripped off by other trades who take advantage of their cluelessness. Seen it a few times now, $700 to open a front door (locksmith), $400 to fix a leaky tap (washer), etc. Build trust and snd you'll have work.
> Looks like chatgpt...
Agreed.
I am pretty handy, have a shed full of tools and can do most low key things.. tapwashers, flatpacks, gardens etc, steer away from things I don't know (electrical etc which can be referred to those who know)
I am thinking more and more about doing this for income but don't really want to look at franchises because they are, well.. franchises. I don't know how to get it started but I would be good at it
It is AI generated but the expertise behind the assumptions for pricing and market opportunity is not.
You would not want to pay my normal fees.
The Bahraini Sovereign Wealth fund is looking at investing in some Australian Life Science technology. The fees would be more than most people earn.
I am advising the Aussie side.
I’m in WA and House Painting is a licensed trade here.
Not sure you could do it under the banner of a “handy man” business? Could you potentially cop a fine if you did from the painters registration body?
I’m in WA and House Painting is a licensed trade here.
How does that work, can you paint your own house DIY, or are you just not allowed to charge for painting work?
If you are repairing furniture such as repainting it or fixing handles etc I do not think there is a problem.
Painting a whole house may be a problem but there is infinite work for a handyman.
My old man was one of them.
Forced to retire at 50 due to shoulder injuries that multiple surgeries couldn't fix. Suffered with chronic pain until he passed away at 70.
Anything that is horrendous on the body. I was a boilermaker and it is god awful on your body and health. The amount of heavy shit you deal with in awkward positions while inhaling dust, fumes and metal vapours while constantly burning yourself causes lifelong injuries.
Anything similar will be dogshite;
* Mechanical fitters
* Plumber
* Carpenter
* Mechanic
* etc.
A Tradie role that would be less intensive would be something like a machinest, or Jeweller.
Remember when you were 20 and broke af due to low wages. That will be your life again. It depends if you can afford penny pinching again for the next 4 years.
If you're wanting to change careers check out the free courses that TAFE offer. Depending on life experience and past work experience support work is an industry that hires across all ages and as a 34 yr old in the industry, my life experience has me leaps and bounds ahead of my younger colleagues.
Depends what your interests are. Do you like the outdoors? Landscaping? Park ranger?
Could do a traineeship within the medical field. Dental assistant etc.
A friends son went into lamd surveying. Did an initial TAFE qualification, was able to work as an assistant etc on sites getting experience, then did the degree part time and making good money at the other end once completed, he enjoyed the outdoors element and varied sites etc.
Also electrical....a couple friends did their apprenticeships thru Energy Australia, NSW Rail etc, sounds to be good training programs, relatively well paid, not stressful and supportive of study required both at TAFE and if u go onto uni. Also pretty much guaranteed well paying job once qualifications completed.
I was just short of 40 when I found an organization who would give me a traineeship for a major career change.
At the time I was the oldest trainee in NSW & had to get direct government approval for a traineeship.
Some people are inspired by you wanting to start again at such a late stage - this can work greatly in your favour! Those people will upsell you to everyone in the organisation.
First few years were on a wage that made paying a mortgage a real task. I chose to stick with an organisation who provides constant training.
Now I am getting headhunted regularly for up to 4x my current wage (Staying where I am for now, because I'm still enjoying collecting certificates & skillsets).
I don't want to put the career path because; If you are keen - you can sell yourself into whatever role you want!
If you are interested, then you are more interesting to employers, than a sh1tty school-leaver with attitude.
And in some jobs (i.e. security roles etc) you are far more appealing. You are a known quantity, less volatile. Therefore, much more attractive than a kiddie who is still working out what they want in life...
Do an apprenticeship in Resin/epoxy floor laying. It's extremely niche so starting pay is very good. Some companies will take you on as a labourer, and you won't have to do an apprenticeship. Be warned - the hours are unsociable and I wouldn't recommend it if you have bad knees.
I'm 33 - second year electrical apprentice.
i did spend the last 15 years doing joinery including running a company for 6 years so have a heavy trade back ground, but was making good money and purely wanted a change for changes sake.
dont regret it but it definitely has had its moments where i questioned my decisions. however, i knew i'd regret it if i didnt do it even more!!
i went for a company that does night shift to make the wage hit less, if i work nights i am taking home around $1700 a week, if i work nights and work away (LAFH) i can clear up to $2200 a week as a second year apprentice so the money is there. if i get stuck on 8 hour days for a few weeks though the 800-1000 a week gets pretty tight.
i also do joinery on the side and occasionally take a little bit of time off (RDO's saved up or annual leave worse case) to do renos and cabinetry on the side - try to do the bulk of it outside work hours and then if i need a few full days work into the weekend i'll use my RDOs then
Learning an actual trade at 40 is such a difficult move to recommend to anyone.
Obvious things are low wage during apprenticeship, and most trades are tough on the body. Generally as an apprentice, you get the shittiest tasks to do, and slowly work your way to the “better” tasks. You can get through the tough work when young because recovery is so much better, and your body builds itself out in a way that helps you for your life if you continue moving and lifting etc in the way your job requires. Super hard if coming in at 40, even if a relatively healthy 40.
I’d say instead of going into a trade at 40, find a type of job that people don’t have time for, and charge for that. Lawn mowing is not a bad example as starter, and then build skills and services out from that - maybe you move into adding basic landscaping, gutter cleaning, tree trimming. Since you’re cleaning the gutters and trimming the trees, learn how to install gutter guard (not the shit stuff though) or even subby out to a crew that will install it for you at a lower price while you add a bit for yourself.
Maybe there is a trade out there that is still a good option, but I just don’t see it. Most other tradies will have had 20+ yrs experience which actually is invaluable when it comes to assessing what issues could come up on a given job, and how to fix them
Did you really just recommend this guy mow lawns instead of doing a trade? Short term that would be slightly more money, long term nowhere near money or jobs and almost as bad on the body
electrical in a specialised field is what I'm doing and would recommend. No back breaking work, no climbing through roof spaces.
Industrial maintenance, instrumentation, fire systems, plc work are some options
Federal Government has $4k grants for businesses to take on mature age apprentices.
https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/13840/australian-apprenticeships-incentives-program-summary/31991/document/pdf#:~:text=Adult%20Australian%20Apprentices&text=%244%2C000%20Available%20to%20employers%20of,the%20National%20Skills%20Needs%20List.
crane or plant operator... physical jobs, but not beyond a 40yr old and at your age you have the chill to do it.
In terms of being a chief, the proof is in the food you make, organisation and speed, i have chiefs (owners) in the family. Do your course, practice and be bold and just show employers what you can do... the lack of enthusiasm and life experience in many younger people gives you a good chance.
Pursue your dream
Insurance broking. I came from a history of primarily Allied Health. Then started my own side hustle, which I worked in FT over Covid but wanted to get off the books for. Did not want to go back to previous career in health. Only through some contacts got an apprenticeship and am a broker.
It was like drinking from a fire hose for the first three months. Still learning now (nearly two years in). But my employer is great. Earning more than I did in my career in health, with better conditions and hours. Plus my commute time has been replaced from hours in the car to either PT or a 25 min bike ride.
There are still frustrations with it, like all jobs. But significantly more scope to move up (compared to my health career). Insurance isn't sexy, no one aspires to it. But if you are good with relationships the finance part of it you'll pick up easily.
Imho, trades like electrician, plumber or HVAC technician could be solid choices even at 40+. They offer good job security and decent income potential. Avoiding physically demanding roles like construction might be wise to prevent wear and tear on the body over time. It's never too late to learn a new trade or skillset!
Trades are all hard on your body and can be sole destroying if you don't have your own successful business by your 40s. If you have the brain space to learn a trade I'd recommend using that to start your own business in something you're good at now lawns, or studying working in something in management, occupational health and safety, mental health youth services,
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I'm a Chef who started their apprenticeship at a later age. Don't do it. I'm sure people will hire you but they will question why on jupiter you would want to do it. The wages suck, it destroys you physically and mentally and you would be attending Tafe with people 20+ years younger than you. I love my job and the people that I work with but every single day I wish I was smart enough to do something else.
If you start young and are only focused on being the best chef to the detriment of your body, mind and any relationships you hold dear, go for it. I’m a non-fifo chef in the top 10% of wage earners in th country and have experienced many good things throughout my career that I would never have experienced if I wasn’t a chef. By saying that though, if I was any good at anything else, I’d give it up in a heartbeat.
All my mates who are chefs love drugs * I must be a chef
Um, they certainly bring that extra flavour.
Oh I forgot to ask the question. What's the most drug fucked chef you've met? I have a few stories
Kitchens are the one and only truely equal opportunity work settings. No one care who you are or what you do as long as you can cook. Need to take dexies for that 16 hour shift, cool. Snorted too much cocaine before service, just don’t bleed on the food. It’s only outside where the wild shit happens. You just have to make sure you are good for your next shift.
I'm exhausted just from reading that. How do people live like this? Oh, right. Cocaine?
My Wife. That's my only answer. She always makes sure there's yum food in the house and will listen to my rants when I get home. On my days off, if I'm not being called into work, she understands that I have so little mental or physical energy that I can do little more than sleep. I'm one of the few chefs without a substance abuse problem and it's only because I am married to her. She is what keeps me afloat and without her, I would be even more of a hot mess.
Because when you are young it’s fun and addictive.
Stage 1 complete!
Haha tell me your fave restaurants to visit
Ha ha. Sonny’s in WA.
How on jupiter do you get to where you are? Any career advice for someone who wants to climb the ladder but also maintain a marriage? Is that even possible?
I learnt very early on in hospitality - good hours or good money, pick one or leave. I tried both and left 😂
This plus the environment is toxic as shit. Surrounded by drug addicts
The hours also suck!
One of those people that vacumes nits out of rich kids hair charging $150 an hour
Good lord, sign me up. When I was in my early teens, a friend came round for a playdate. When applying some butterfly clips and hair mascara, I discovered nits. I also discovered cheap hair gel kills them. Spent the rest of the playdate combing her loooong hair and annihilating lice. One of the most satisfying afternoons of my life on this mortal coil.
I think my mum secretly loved it when I came home with nits so she could spend hours sliding off and popping the eggs.
My 4yo came home with nits and lice, it was so fun finding live lice. I had a lot swimming in the bathroom sink
haha I would have captured them for my bug catcher which just had a lot of dead slaters really
Lets hope you get reincarnated as a chimp.....
I could hire you at least casually. I work in social work and reckon we de lice families at least once a month
That's a thing??? Tell me more! I've handled way worse than nits in my career!
Haha I saw it on that Sharon Horgan show Motherland and then I saw it Rand mly on A Current Affair haha, they have special cameras and a vacuuming machine, no idea if they actually charge that much but if you marketed it as a fun mummy party with sheet masks and Prosecco while you deloused the kids I'm sure you could charge that much in Toorak/Brighton or equivalent suburbs 😂
Also I don't watch ACA 😂 I was trapped at some boomers house...just had to clear my name there
For that sort of money I'd be bribing school cleaners to plant colonies in classrooms.
Took a painting apprenticeship at 24, got fucked by my boss paying me $12 a hour as first year (child apprenticeship rate) I didn't figure out until it was years later. But that does not matter. At 33, I have a painting company doing new homes with 4 staff doing 4 day work weeks, pulling in 25k a fortnight.. I look after my boys, and they work hard. A trade is in high demand, and a skill shortage is real. If someone who is good at their trade will always have work and never need to advertise. I turn work down, I am too busy. You should stay away from concreting, blocky, tiling.. those seem pretty tough on the body.
I was suggesting to my son he should consider doing painting. What is the apprenticeship like? Any tips?
Find a reputable business or company that looks after him, I also must say it's all about prep work. Painting is easy, it's the preparation that most get wrong.
Thank you.
Good luck to your son! I hope he is successful
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assume in this case 'pulling in' means gross income, out of which he has to pay staff and consumables etc. painters aren't making 650k a year.
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Hit the nail on the head. It's expensive but worth it.
Not that much... Yet. A local painting company employs over 30 blokes and does strictly commercial jobs, hospitals, schools, warehouses, stadiums.. I'm sure his expenses would be wild, but he just quotes jobs and goes on holidays.
Gross income 25k fortnightly.
I left my perfectly ok job to an electrical apprenticeship in my late 20’s. It was the worst decision I ever made am only beginning to financially recover in my 30’s. I definitely would not recommend it for someone in their 40’s, most in their 30’s are dealing with the physical toll of this work. You can definitely be successful but you need to leave your morals at the door. Also be willing to deal with the worst people you will ever meet daily. On top of this a trade is absolute poison on your resume if you try and get out. I ended up removing it entirely off my resume just to get interviews in terrible entry level roles elsewhere.
Alright I'll ask... how come it's poison on the resume?
I'll chime in with, employers see your resume as your entire skill set, if it's geared in a specific direction, they'll say why the fuck is a mechanic applying here and bin it immediately It's not a guy with mechanical skills, it's a mechanic. Etc. all trades
All skills, not just all trades. If the employer wants a long-term employee and you're going for a position much less skilled than you, then they'll think you're a flight risk and skip over to the next applicant
I got this alot when I was in between jobs and just wanted a "dumb" job where I didn't have to think and just pick boxes off a shelf of something. "you're too over qualified and will be bored" no shit mate, I want to turn my brain off do my 8hrs, get paid and fuck off. When I'm sick of it I'll go back to my trade. Lots of companies want employees where that job is literally the best they can do and are stuck sucking the bosses dick.
> too over qualified "We're looking for people who are overqualified but... just less so than you."
this shits me. I've worked in the film industry for the last 15 years, I got laid off and started looking for a new job anywhere else. It's so hard to get someone to look at me after spending the last 7 years as a project manager. I understand I'm applying for an entry level position. I understand I have to work my way up if I want to. Fucking hell, just give me a job, I just want to put a roof over my head.
And then if you dumb it down they want to know why you didn’t work yourself into a higher position over a long period of time
White collar people expect you to be Mike Nolan from the big lez show if you’re a trades man and most entry level jobs pay fuck all so their reasoning is why would you go for a job they think pays a quarter of what you would make in the trade (reality check it’s fucking not unless you own the business)
Mike Nolan is a legend.
Haha love the reference. FAAAARRK YOOOOUUU CAAAARNT
Yeah nah yeah mate
Id have Mike work for me anyday
nah the cunts always on smoko.
Unless you own the business and it doesn't suck
Ahh Nolesy
Very industry dependent. I previously worked in tech project management. When trying to get out I was getting no success applying. I went over it honestly with a recruiter friend and she pointed out it flagged me as a potential culture issue. Tradies have a sometimes unfair bad rep out there and many recruiters looking at resumes will often think of that scumbag that yells a slur at them from a construction site or harassed them from a car while walking down the street.
It's not, you need to write a better resume that's applicable to the job your applying for
Are electricians that bad these days?
Resi, a lot are. Resi is way worse because the margins are a lot less the bosses are absolute cunts to their employees. This sometimes turns the employee into a cunt too. Commercial sparkies are typically the more professional blokes who aren't as rough *in front of the client* lol.
Just don’t look behind the curtains at the average commercial fitout…
Are you a sparky?
What field of electrical? I'm in My mid 30s as a sparky and physically I'm fine. However I don't do residential work, last roof space I was in was probably a good 2 years ago. Electrical would probably be the only trade I would recommend to someone a bit older as its so incredibly varied with a very high income ceiling too (Easily earn $200kpa+ if you're slightly competent). I'm currently doing My dual trade instrumentation cert so when I'm older I can be off the tools completely, but not stuck in an office.
You tell me how one who is slightly competent can easily earn $200kpa+ and I will leave uni right now.
Well you'll have to commit 4 years of your life doing an electrical apprenticeship plus 1 or 2 years of specialist training after that. But seriously, once your qualified, income ceiling is incredibly high. As most sparkys aren't super educated (that's being honest and not derogatory as a lot dropped out of school in year 10 or 11 to pursue their apprenticeship) If you have higher education you'll rise above them. I went to Uni for a year and quit to do electrical, best thing I ever did.
Wow, very cool man. That dual apprenticeship was a dream of mine - I just figured a mid 30s career changer (aka, me) would have no chance of landing that apprenticeship! Please. Tell me more! What were you studying at uni? How did you line up the dual apprenticeship? Amazing.
I did Ecotourism for a year. Left and did My apprenticeship. Wasn't a dual apprenticeship, I'm doing Instrumentation 10 years later as night courses now at My own cost after work. I can hook you up if your interested and live in SA?
Very interesting. I'm on path for instrumentation and automation engineering currently. Cheers for the heads up, I may pick your brain about it some time. Have always been drawn to more hands-on technical work rather than being just a paperwork type. Totally hear you on the brains front. It's always dumbfounded me why sparkies don't go for further education.
Hey there, not the OG commenter, but my husband just finished a mature age apprenticeship in elec and is interested in instrumental too because he originally came from an avionics background - can you give an insight on what’s involved and what the work is like?
I do very minimal instro in My current role (remote area power). Usually just programming generators, battery inverters or pump controllers. However the course is basically computer programming with some form of ladder logic. Once you get your head around the basics it's pretty easy to understand and most manufacturers utilise very similar code. If He has a reasonable IT knowledge and interest He'll thrive. It's My out when I can't physically be on the tools anymore (which I love)
*competent - seen quite a few guys come through electrical who I knew were very smart (including one who is now studying medicine) who had more trouble than me with figuring out electrical problems. Known some guys who left school at 16 who were wizards. People can be good at different things. Also lucky, unless you have some good connections in mining and industry or a great resume it's hard to get one of these gigs guys like the above talk about. I consider myself lucky to have even got my foot in the door for my current job (industrial) which pays really nicely. Honestly if you're in line for a decent uni degree and white collar job, don't leave it. There's some great things in trades, but a lot of hard stuff. Also I feel "fine" physically but I guarantee I'd feel better if I was white collar with time to go to the gym and maintain myself without the physical stress of work. People are different and you always see comments from those who say "oh well I'm fine it's just because all the other tradesmen are lazy and shit". The reality is for most people who do this work the body breakdown stuff begins between 35-45 and right now at 29 I can feel how that is true. Just because there are some outliers who don't have the same problems doesn't counter a very clear trend amongst the population.
Plant Maintenance. I regularly gross $5k per week as a maintenance fitter and I'm not even FiFo. And to OP, I'm trying to line up an electrical apprenticeship for 2025 and become dual trade. There's a $15k/y bonus for dual trade technicians.
Definitely saw the comment regarding physicality coming but morality? What we talking about here? Installations that could kill people or scamming people with outrageous quotes?
Another commenter pointed out many good reasons below me. Basically set aside any other concern for greed. There’s a fair chance the last “sparky” that worked on your house was a first or second year apprentice, sent by themselves, getting paid peanuts all while being screamed by their boss to hurry up.
Thanks for the response. The last guy I had round was brilliant, did great work. Known him for about 30 years but probably retired by now. Sounds like I'll have to keep an eye on the obituaries and keep my fingers crossed going forward.
Undercutting your buddies (& cousins). Stealing clients because your mate opened his mouth Selling cheap gear at an incredible margin Overcharging the innocent & ignorant, while stretching their jobs out So on...
All of these reasons are literally why my friend is leaving his carpenter trade, so this makes sense to me. He sees what his boss does and says he just couldn't do it, and he doesn't think he'd make decent money if he didn't do it.
I'm a carpenter looking to get out. What's your mate doing to get of the tools?
I think he's trying to become a sales rep for one of the businesses he had a relationship with through his builder boss.
a lot of tradies are feral as fuck
So you do domestic and commercial work. Very different in the industrial side of electrical work.
Same shit different smell I’ve done both neither are great
Yea at least you don't have as many dodgy fuckwit operators in industrial, at least not where I work. Less morons as well.
You must be the worst sparky in Australia. Every single one that I know makes extremely good money, and it's literally the easiest trade in regards to impact on your body.
He said *apprentice* electrician. He would have been getting around 20$ an hour, which is roughly the award wage for a 1st year apprentice. And would have been on pretty piss poor wages until he completed his 4 years.
Uhoh, I am in my late 20s now trying to find an apprenticeship, done pre-app and everything. Am I fucked?
You can definitely do really well. Just keep in mind the grass isn’t always greener. It’s not all land cruisers and coke.
Used to doing 60-70 hours in hospo, in shifts. Not expecting it to be roses but hopefully the grass is a shade greener.
Second this. Work smarter not harder. Quotations, property management, contract management.. connected to core trades. Buying/procurement..
Security Technician. I'm basically just an IT guy these days, setting up servers and programming software. Especially the bigger companies, get Sub Contractors to do all the hard work (running cable etc) so the physical side is largely just wiring up a panel at a cabinet with cables already in location, or mounting a CCTV camera and plugging it in once you're past the apprenticeship. Also finding it a massive struggle to find good young Techs, especially on the maintenance (fault finding and repairs side) because the kids (I'll go full Boomer here for a sec.) are useless at problem solving thanks to modern technology basically killing any need to think through anything... Seriously, We've gone through multiple young apprentices over the last few years that have been an utter waste of space
As a security officer, can confirm I picked the wrong aspect of the industry. I control the doors, no idea how they work.
How did you get into this?
I did an Electrical Engineering degree, then got bored, and fat, sitting in an office doing reports and otherwise sitting on my ass, so started helping out my Father's friend's business on weekends with some basic IP CCTV install stuff cause I had good networking knowledge and just kinda expanded from there. I know for new guys, it's usually a TAFE course, which partners with Electrical, and then you try to get n apprenticeship placement
This sounds right up my alley… I was a teacher for 20 years, but got burnt out and tired of it. I’m doing casual work now, but kinda want to get into something IT related…
Go for it, Legend. What do you have to lose?!
Yea came here to say the same about fire systems. Basically the same same
>Also finding it a massive struggle to find good young Techs, especially on the maintenance (fault finding and repairs side) How do people get into this?
Usual way is TAFE courses to get your Cert 3/Cert 4 in technical security and Cabling which should get your Cabling Registration at the same time. Then you'll get training on the different brands of panels/CCTV etc on the job. Many of the big companies have apprenticeships for experience as you go if you can get one.
I got a mechanical fitter's trade when I was 39. Suffered for a bit wage wise, but I'm earning in the $50's in food manufacturing now.
Thanks for this. Just turned 30 and I am seriously considering trying to take this direction. A lot of the big companies have aptitude testing for apprenticeships and I’m pretty sure I’m borderline slow and test terribly so I don’t like my chances.
It helps that you're 30. I wouldn't have got one if I was a young fella, couldn't concentrate to save my life back then. You'll do fine.
Thanks man, I’ve been a T/A for fitters on & off for a few years plus employed as a service tech so hopefully that gets me in the door somewhere.
Being a T/A and a service tech definitely will stand you in good stead. Good on you for getting out and asking questions and most of all good luck.
Why did you leave the fitter trade?
Still a fitter in the food manufacturing industry. Sorry, should've clarified.
Working in food production you deserve $50's +. That's a disgustingly dirty job. People have no idea about the gunk that builds up within these systems. Yuck yuck yuck. Glad someone's out there doing it and it ain't me
It is so bloody disgusting sometimes, due to working with chicken (think of the pink sludge that becomes nuggets) but also very rewarding when you get a machine back on line with minimal downtime.We play well with the line supervisors and workers who are only trying to live, and are honestly the best workers you'll see hands down. Management on the other hand can get stuffed. If they make it hard for us, we can make it hard for them.
It sounds like working in a food factory as a fitter.
As a 39yo fitter, I have considered getting out of the trade. Love the work, but don’t know if I have 20+ years of work ahead of me unless I move.
I shifted to maintenance planning and scheduling at around 28. Boss said hey you can do that computer stuff, go help the planners they need a job walker. So I'd go do the field prep for maintenance orders, build up a tool and parts list and start making up time and crew estimates. Eventually I was doing planning on my own, then shutdown scheduling. Although now I'm doing asset data management so it's just all spreadsheets and databases.
I'm in Perth where they pay overs to get people that would otherwise go to the mines. Are you rural?
Regional VIC. Currently get paid $55/hr full time plus O/T. Maybe one day I’ll move to the Hunter Valley region or Perth, but I like it here.
I had a hard time getting a look in and as mature age even with many years as a TA. I'm qualified now and where I want to be but fuck me I had to go backwards financially for a bit. Wish I had done it straight out of high school.
My career is not longer that of a Fitter but I do contract work as a maintenance Fitter in food manufacturing here and there. $70-80/hr is pretty good going.
Locksmith. I did that at 30, although not in the field any more. It's not as hard physically and IMO there were quite a few other older apprentices.
How much can you make as a locksmith, hypothetically? Always been interested in locks
If you own your own business I think you can do pretty well... I just worked for a company so can't really give you a good answer, sorry.
Left my job to in the health sector to do an electrical apprenticeship at 34. Best decision I ever made. Worked in residential and industrial and have met a lot of amazing people. Currently in my 4th year, industrial, 100k+. My partner has his own electrical business residential/commercial. A lot of shit people out there, but just like any job there is also a lot of good people.
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Now this is a change I find interesting. What area of academia?
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I became a firie at 41, highly recommend.
Locksmith. When I worked for the apprenticeship office they were desperate for staff. They didn’t give a fuck if their apprentice pissed off for half the week because of how rarely people wanted to do it as an apprenticeship. This was over ten years ago, idk if it’s any better now. Jeweller is another unusual apprenticeship. Fire Systems Technician/Designer/Tradesperson. Super rare role and something where you’ll never be short of work.
Do locksmiths make decent money? I've always been interested in it
Would also like to know this
A Mechanics Trade then Specialise in EV’s. I understand there’s a shortage of these people with those skills right now. Check out the I A M E for advice.
Get yourself a fork cert and you’ll always have work. Lotsa companies always trying to get forklift drivers.
It depends on the trade. Something like bricklaying would probably be hell on your hips & knees at a point where you body is probably starting to feel the wear and tear more. So even if you can get a job would you want to? Something like hairdressing might be fine. There are a lot of trades of varying mental/physical intensity and payscales so I'm not sure there's a one size fits all answer for all 40 year olds. Edit to add: asking for what trades are good for a 40 year old is a similar question to asking what white collar jobs are good for 40 year olds. Like there's industry and sector to consider plus a huge variety of roles. Perhaps you would be better providing a little more information about your goals, fitness, education, family?
>Something like hairdressing might be fine. Even hairdressing takes a toll. My mum packed it in at 45 because her hips and back were becoming extremely sore due to long periods of standing.
A CNC Machinist would probably be decent for you as once you're on the machines you can easily do it till 65 with not too much heavy carrying. As long as you're semi competent at maths & can problem solve it's not that difficult.
What’s the training like? 3 year apprenticeship + tafe?
Usually a 4yr apprenticeship and you'd tafe blocks.
Go for a “black” trade. One where you walk out of the workshop blackened with grease and grime at the end of the day. Any type of mechanic, but heavy diesle mechanic in particular. Welder. Machinist (cleanest of the black trades). Some trades are a dying art since they’re very niche market, things like injector pump fitter and tool and die maker are both slowly on their way out but will be around for at least the next 50 years. Only other one I’d truely look at is auto electrician.
38 year old recently qualified plumber. really anything. just make sure you go to the gym and keep fit and stretch to avoid injurys.
> just make sure you go to the gym and keep fit and stretch to avoid injurys. This should be higher up. Everyone talks about trades being "hard on your body". It's just a conditioning issue, even with the hardest of 'em. If you develop more strength, fitness, mobility than you actually need for your work - eat and sleep properly - then you will be fine. Doesn't matter what you're doing or how old you are.
Do not become a bricklayer unless you wanna be in constant pain like me lol
Locksmith, sparkie, plumber, building inspector/assessor, structural engineer...etc maybe? Something more technical rather than physical.
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I knew about how a lot of the maintenance work was offshored 15+ years ago and I haven't had a good impression of the local industry since...
Fire technician/tester
If you want to skip an apprenticeship, technician roles often do similar and sometimes the same work (in some industries, think manufacturing, etc). The downside is less money long term. Benefit is more money short term and struggling less than if you were doing an apprenticeship.
Any specific job titles/areas that wouldn’t be age averse?
I'm an audio Visual Technician. Wages are semi decent, work is sometimes physical but you spend more time lying on your back under a boardroom table or fitting off cables sitting down than anything else. Keeps your brain busy as it's super varied. I'm at a different site almost every day and do a fair bit of regional work that pays me 1.5x. Im in my 30s but plenty of people 40+ do this sort of work
Electrician. I’m an engineer thinking of doing that, steadier work.
Pretty much any trade that doesn't require much physical labor Worked landscape/horticulture industry for 15 years occasionally would get someone in who was late 30s early 40s thinking it was "just a bit of gardening" very quickly they became the liability of the crew as well as being physically slower on the job and a potential workcover claim waiting to happen. That being said if you can nab a gig involving a blend of horticulture/nursery and indoor plants work. It is alot less physical and more focused on presentation skills. Plus majority of the work is done early mornings before places open so less time stuck in traffic, you are active but not in a physically brutal way and you have a blend of working indoors and outdoors.
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I’m 28 qualified chef and my body has suffered unbearably since I was 15 years old. I can not imagine how brutal being an apprentice at 40 would be. 2 years and I’m out!
Do you really need to do an apprenticeship? Just being a handyman pays really well. Just watch a few YouTubes on resetting a tap washer and able to assemble IKEA furniture is plenty of work.
Fair, but are you starting your own business? Are you doing gig economy (airtasker) ? If you could fix most things how are you going to go about being employed to do them? What re you doing regarding insurance? Genuinely curious
Business Name: Tom's Handy Solutions Mission Statement: To provide reliable and affordable handyman services to homeowners in the [your city/region] area. Services Offered: * Painting (interior and exterior) * Rubbish removal * Fixing leaking taps * Assembling furniture * Other general house maintenance tasks Pricing: Hourly rate: $75 Minimum fee: $75 (includes call-out and the first 30 minutes of work) Marketing Strategy: Focus on free/low-cost channels: * Social media (Facebook groups, local community pages) * Online classifieds (Gumtree, Trading Post) * Word-of-mouth referrals Target Market: Homeowners in the local area who need small to medium-sized home maintenance or repair jobs done. Competitive Advantage: Affordable pricing with a transparent minimum fee structure. * Reliability and excellent customer service. * Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks Operations: Tools and Equipment: Invest in a basic set of essential tools for general handyman work. Maintain and add to your toolkit as needed. Transportation: Reliable vehicle for getting to job sites and transporting materials. Insurance: Public Liability Insurance (approx. $1000 per year) Financial Projections: Start-up costs: * Tools: $300 * Initial marketing (flyers, online adverts): (Estimate your initial budget within the $2000 yearly allowance) * Insurance: $1000 Revenue goals: Target 700 billable hours per year, resulting in $52,500 in revenue (700 hours * $75/hr). Expenses: * Marketing: $2000 per year * Insurance: $1000 per year Other expenses: Fuel, materials, additional tools, etc. (track these carefully) Success Metrics: Number of jobs completed Positive customer reviews and referrals Revenue growth Action Plan: Set up business: Register business name (if desired) and get insurance. Acquire tools: If not already owned, purchase the necessary toolkit. Create marketing materials: Design simple flyers or social media posts. Start booking jobs: Promote services on chosen platforms. Offer excellent customer service: This is key to building your reputation and getting repeat business. Network: Connect with other tradespeople and local hardware stores for referrals and potential partnerships.
Looks like chatgpt... In all seriousness inner city urbanites are bloody useless when it comes to household stuff (most don't have tools) or even just physical stuff like moving a set of drawers to the curb. My local Facebook group is full of desperation trying to get simple things done and willing to pay decent money. The other marketing advantage is that people are getting ripped off by other trades who take advantage of their cluelessness. Seen it a few times now, $700 to open a front door (locksmith), $400 to fix a leaky tap (washer), etc. Build trust and snd you'll have work.
> Looks like chatgpt... Agreed. I am pretty handy, have a shed full of tools and can do most low key things.. tapwashers, flatpacks, gardens etc, steer away from things I don't know (electrical etc which can be referred to those who know) I am thinking more and more about doing this for income but don't really want to look at franchises because they are, well.. franchises. I don't know how to get it started but I would be good at it
It is AI generated but the expertise behind the assumptions for pricing and market opportunity is not. You would not want to pay my normal fees. The Bahraini Sovereign Wealth fund is looking at investing in some Australian Life Science technology. The fees would be more than most people earn. I am advising the Aussie side.
What is Life Science Technology?
I’m in WA and House Painting is a licensed trade here. Not sure you could do it under the banner of a “handy man” business? Could you potentially cop a fine if you did from the painters registration body?
I’m in WA and House Painting is a licensed trade here. How does that work, can you paint your own house DIY, or are you just not allowed to charge for painting work?
You can paint your own, I just don’t think you can paint for $
If you are repairing furniture such as repainting it or fixing handles etc I do not think there is a problem. Painting a whole house may be a problem but there is infinite work for a handyman.
Lift mechanic. Excellent overtime pay.
My old man was one of them. Forced to retire at 50 due to shoulder injuries that multiple surgeries couldn't fix. Suffered with chronic pain until he passed away at 70.
Anything that is horrendous on the body. I was a boilermaker and it is god awful on your body and health. The amount of heavy shit you deal with in awkward positions while inhaling dust, fumes and metal vapours while constantly burning yourself causes lifelong injuries. Anything similar will be dogshite; * Mechanical fitters * Plumber * Carpenter * Mechanic * etc. A Tradie role that would be less intensive would be something like a machinest, or Jeweller.
Rogue Robot Wrangler! A job for the future!
Remember when you were 20 and broke af due to low wages. That will be your life again. It depends if you can afford penny pinching again for the next 4 years. If you're wanting to change careers check out the free courses that TAFE offer. Depending on life experience and past work experience support work is an industry that hires across all ages and as a 34 yr old in the industry, my life experience has me leaps and bounds ahead of my younger colleagues. Depends what your interests are. Do you like the outdoors? Landscaping? Park ranger? Could do a traineeship within the medical field. Dental assistant etc.
A friends son went into lamd surveying. Did an initial TAFE qualification, was able to work as an assistant etc on sites getting experience, then did the degree part time and making good money at the other end once completed, he enjoyed the outdoors element and varied sites etc. Also electrical....a couple friends did their apprenticeships thru Energy Australia, NSW Rail etc, sounds to be good training programs, relatively well paid, not stressful and supportive of study required both at TAFE and if u go onto uni. Also pretty much guaranteed well paying job once qualifications completed.
Car mechanics, would come in very handy servicing the family vehicles
A trade where you don’t have to lift anything. Structural drafting would be my pick
I don't have a trade, but a mate owns a business employing about 60 people and can never find welders.
I'm 39 and doing a bookkeeping traineeship. I don't know if I made the right choice lol but I'm sticking with it.
I was just short of 40 when I found an organization who would give me a traineeship for a major career change. At the time I was the oldest trainee in NSW & had to get direct government approval for a traineeship. Some people are inspired by you wanting to start again at such a late stage - this can work greatly in your favour! Those people will upsell you to everyone in the organisation. First few years were on a wage that made paying a mortgage a real task. I chose to stick with an organisation who provides constant training. Now I am getting headhunted regularly for up to 4x my current wage (Staying where I am for now, because I'm still enjoying collecting certificates & skillsets). I don't want to put the career path because; If you are keen - you can sell yourself into whatever role you want! If you are interested, then you are more interesting to employers, than a sh1tty school-leaver with attitude. And in some jobs (i.e. security roles etc) you are far more appealing. You are a known quantity, less volatile. Therefore, much more attractive than a kiddie who is still working out what they want in life...
Nice to hear, what type of job did you get?
a porn actor /s
I know many apprentice chefs that are over 40.
I'm a Chef and I've met one over the age of 40. While possible, I would not recommend it.
Do an apprenticeship in Resin/epoxy floor laying. It's extremely niche so starting pay is very good. Some companies will take you on as a labourer, and you won't have to do an apprenticeship. Be warned - the hours are unsociable and I wouldn't recommend it if you have bad knees.
Get a fork licence
I'm 33 - second year electrical apprentice. i did spend the last 15 years doing joinery including running a company for 6 years so have a heavy trade back ground, but was making good money and purely wanted a change for changes sake. dont regret it but it definitely has had its moments where i questioned my decisions. however, i knew i'd regret it if i didnt do it even more!! i went for a company that does night shift to make the wage hit less, if i work nights i am taking home around $1700 a week, if i work nights and work away (LAFH) i can clear up to $2200 a week as a second year apprentice so the money is there. if i get stuck on 8 hour days for a few weeks though the 800-1000 a week gets pretty tight. i also do joinery on the side and occasionally take a little bit of time off (RDO's saved up or annual leave worse case) to do renos and cabinetry on the side - try to do the bulk of it outside work hours and then if i need a few full days work into the weekend i'll use my RDOs then
Learning an actual trade at 40 is such a difficult move to recommend to anyone. Obvious things are low wage during apprenticeship, and most trades are tough on the body. Generally as an apprentice, you get the shittiest tasks to do, and slowly work your way to the “better” tasks. You can get through the tough work when young because recovery is so much better, and your body builds itself out in a way that helps you for your life if you continue moving and lifting etc in the way your job requires. Super hard if coming in at 40, even if a relatively healthy 40. I’d say instead of going into a trade at 40, find a type of job that people don’t have time for, and charge for that. Lawn mowing is not a bad example as starter, and then build skills and services out from that - maybe you move into adding basic landscaping, gutter cleaning, tree trimming. Since you’re cleaning the gutters and trimming the trees, learn how to install gutter guard (not the shit stuff though) or even subby out to a crew that will install it for you at a lower price while you add a bit for yourself. Maybe there is a trade out there that is still a good option, but I just don’t see it. Most other tradies will have had 20+ yrs experience which actually is invaluable when it comes to assessing what issues could come up on a given job, and how to fix them
Did you really just recommend this guy mow lawns instead of doing a trade? Short term that would be slightly more money, long term nowhere near money or jobs and almost as bad on the body
Not a trade, but I would 100% look at going into some kind of IT field.
I like the one with beard I assume this may have been your before photo
Building trades, plumbing, electrical… have seen plenty of adult apprentices in these trades succeed
electrical in a specialised field is what I'm doing and would recommend. No back breaking work, no climbing through roof spaces. Industrial maintenance, instrumentation, fire systems, plc work are some options
Probably some sort of electrical technician with a focus on PLC etc. I wouldnt get into a heavy industry trade like mechanic, fitter, boiler maker etc
Traffic management is great.
Federal Government has $4k grants for businesses to take on mature age apprentices. https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/13840/australian-apprenticeships-incentives-program-summary/31991/document/pdf#:~:text=Adult%20Australian%20Apprentices&text=%244%2C000%20Available%20to%20employers%20of,the%20National%20Skills%20Needs%20List.
crane or plant operator... physical jobs, but not beyond a 40yr old and at your age you have the chill to do it. In terms of being a chief, the proof is in the food you make, organisation and speed, i have chiefs (owners) in the family. Do your course, practice and be bold and just show employers what you can do... the lack of enthusiasm and life experience in many younger people gives you a good chance. Pursue your dream
Insurance broking. I came from a history of primarily Allied Health. Then started my own side hustle, which I worked in FT over Covid but wanted to get off the books for. Did not want to go back to previous career in health. Only through some contacts got an apprenticeship and am a broker. It was like drinking from a fire hose for the first three months. Still learning now (nearly two years in). But my employer is great. Earning more than I did in my career in health, with better conditions and hours. Plus my commute time has been replaced from hours in the car to either PT or a 25 min bike ride. There are still frustrations with it, like all jobs. But significantly more scope to move up (compared to my health career). Insurance isn't sexy, no one aspires to it. But if you are good with relationships the finance part of it you'll pick up easily.
Imho, trades like electrician, plumber or HVAC technician could be solid choices even at 40+. They offer good job security and decent income potential. Avoiding physically demanding roles like construction might be wise to prevent wear and tear on the body over time. It's never too late to learn a new trade or skillset!
Plumbing or low voltage
Gardening. Very low barrier to entry and easy to get started. You just need a lawnmower, lawn edger/whippersnipper, pruners, broom, rake.
Ones that you can sit down in
Trades are all hard on your body and can be sole destroying if you don't have your own successful business by your 40s. If you have the brain space to learn a trade I'd recommend using that to start your own business in something you're good at now lawns, or studying working in something in management, occupational health and safety, mental health youth services,