Cheers dude, appreciate the advice 👍 I'm 33 and have worked in an office since 16. About to leave my well paid job to try and become a carpentry apprentice. Can't bloody wait!
Same here. At age of 36 and after uni degree, I decided to turn the page and carpentry looks very attractive. Simply because you can create something each day you go to work. :D
Good to hear mate. I've just turned 40, second week into an electrical apprenticeship. Previously worked in construction in an unqualified trade. Left that to own a courier franchise. Coming back to construction you definitely feel it. But the pros definitely out way the cons. I think the hardest is actually having some knowledge but not yet been able to show it to the tradesman. As an mature age apprentice you definitely need to be patient and wait for your opportunity to shine. Learning along the way.
Soak every day up like a sponge. Gain everything you can off the people around you. Regardless of how much you know. You will find a way to slot in and help out in no time mate. Build on Legend.
I've been doing remodels for 2 years. Going in for my apprentice carpenters test within the hour here. I'm very confident in my hand skills but I'm 30 years old and math was always my worst subject. I had to do a refresher on how to multiply and divide fractions because I completely forgot where to even start. That being said the one aspect I'm very nervous about is the schooling. I was a very troubled young guy so my schooling was not what it should have been.
Hows this going? Im contemplating going this route too. Leaving a decently paid desk job to start an apprenticeship. With a family it probably is much more difficult at 38.
Awesome vid. I’m 37 and I’ve just landed a carpentry Apprenticeship in Brisbane. I’ve kicked a goal. I have 6 years of construction skilled labouring experience. I also started a carpentry apprenticeship back when I was 21 but only lasted 2 months. I’ve always wanted to be a carpenter and wasn’t sure if it was going to be happen. I met the guys from the company I work at my security job and they offered me a truck driver / labourer role. Someone to pick up material from the shed and job sites and also help the tradies. After my first 3 days they offered me to work pretty much full time hours. They also said scratch the truck driving your staying on the tools. When they asked if I wanted to stay on I asked if they could give me an apprenticeship. After a couple days they came back and have been happy with my the first 4 weeks and willing to put me on. Can’t wait to get it going. Yes body is sore I’m not 21 any more but I am a lot happier doing what I enjoy.
Awesome work mate. Sorry for the late reply. But Congrats, Sounds like you're a keeper. Keep us posted mate. I'm sure we are all keen to hear how you go. Build on legend.
Legend bro. I was actually scratching my head today and was thinking what the he'll did I get my self into hahahahaha. Man it's so good to know I'm not the only one. Great content man looking forward to seeing more of your journey. Hang in there bro🤙
Great advice, I'm 38 and just landed a mechanical fitter apprenticeship so chuffed at bluescope here in Wollongong, been in retail, but have had mechanical background previously in automotive and small engine repairs will keep u updated
How’s it going? I’ve been in mechanical Engineering for 2 years now but I have not completed an apprenticeship. Would you suggest it as I really would like to do it because I feel like I am at a disadvantage
Appreciate and admire you talking about this online. I’m 28 and worked in marketing for 7 years, recently decided to leave and become an electrician. I’ll be starting an apprenticeship very soon. Super excited to take my life learnings and throw everything and being the best possible tradesman I can be. Any additional pearls of wisdom anyone can leave for us is really appreciated. I’m well aware the journey can be tough as an apprentice with how you might get treated but totally prepared for all the nonsense. Ready to prosper!
@@Travisty01 I’m glad you’ve decided to take the leap. It’s never too late! You can start a pre-apprenticeship course to get your foot in the door and learn basics. A Cert II in Electrotechnology is a preference of most apprenticeship employers. However not all employers deem it a requirement, you can start applying for a first year apprenticeship now if you really want to. Just expect the apprenticeship salary to be fairly low, pay won’t see a significant rise until you’re fully licensed after the 4 year apprenticeship.
Awesome to hear it guys. Take every day as it comes. Enjoy the bits you can and really treasure it. It will help keep that passion alive. And the biggest thing is to Stretch. 😁
Normally pay is consistent as an adult apprentice regardless of your year according to minimum wage in Australia. At the end of the day, it is up to the Employer to set that rate.
@@midlifecarpentry thanks for taking a moment to reply! Appreciate your advice, I hear plenty of older pro tradesmen say to stretch, exercise and look after your body as much as possible and don’t let any fool ever convince you that it’s ‘not cool’ or ‘weak’ to be cautious about your health. Even if it’s little things like wearing ear muffs or certain basic protective gear.
So glad I found this. I’m 29 yo now, Just left my high paying job in the mines to start a mature age lol plumbing apprenticeship. I have anxiety over how I feel stupid or like I don’t know anything. I’m only 3 months in. It’s been a big challenge to my ego to have to learn of the 17yo second year, who also happens to be very lippy and a smart- arse. But I just need to keep doing it for my wife and son. The money is so-so about $840 a week for me. I appreciate this man, I needed to hear it wasn’t only me that feels this
Yer man, I'm sitting here typing as my hands are cramping from being on the jackhammer all day doing Demo. As lippy as he can be, absorb everything to learn whenever the opportunity is given. Regardless of age, Knowledge is Knowledge. Besides, you'll be qualified in no time. Hang in there and get it done bro. Enjoy the moments of fulfillment. Build on Legend!!
Hey bro! Thought I’d check in. 26 looking to make the jump into plumbing too. How are you travelling now? Any tips to get hired as a matured age apprentice ? I keep getting knocked back cause of my age
It is a process mate. Hang in there it will happen for you. Just a matter of time. Took me about 6 months to get a job that lead into an Apprenticeship. Was a laborer to start with.
Hey there mate. Your videos have been super helpful. I'm 22 in 3 weeks and am looking into an adult apprenticeship as a heavy vehicle mechanic. I've been a HR driver for just under a year now, where my passion for heavy vehicle mechanics grew. The problem is I'm quite young but am legally still recognised as a mature aged apprentice. I sure as hell do bring more life experience than a school leavers but nowhere near as much as you older blokes do. Hopefully 🤞 I can use my transport experience and knowledge to get a foot in the door. I think there's also huge financial incentives for larger businesses to take on board adult apprenticeship anyways.
Tips from a retired pro. Be the first to work and the last to leave. Make friends with everyone. Work with the best carpenters, no mater what the pay is. If you have to borrow a tool from anyone, go buy that tool tonight. Work harder than anyone else to make up for how stupid you are while learning. Do not get stuck doing one particular job. You have to want to be the best ,or you might as well quit now.
The best carpenters I’ve worked with are grumpy old egotistical douche bags that have zero teaching skills and spend most their time just running their mouth.
Thanks mate, really enjoyed this video, I’m 32 and apart for a warehouse job for a year 4 years ago, I haven’t worked since I was 23. I’m on the mend now and have been wanting to get a mature age apprenticeship in the metal engineering/ welding trades when my health permits. I’m actually already a qualified tradesman as I completed my 4 year Locksmithing apprenticeship after grade 12. In the final year of TAFE there are 4 possible seperate niche subjects that the trade college and your employer nominate for you to attend and complete. I was lucky enough that the TAFE and my employer saw potential in me and I got to complete the safes program. Cracking them and then also repairing them. This subject involved all the introductory welding modules which I picked up very easily as I had already been shown how to weld in my workplace. Locksmithing as a trade is really unrecognised, you have to really have your head screwed on when it comes to the practicalities of metal engineering. You are required to work as a bit of a ‘jack of all trades’ as you besides metal, you will be working with timber (doors), plastics, cement, cars, electronics(access control systems), paint everywhere from peoples homes, commercial settings all the way to industrial settings. You don’t just cut keys, you have to be able to improvise, repair 130 year locks from heritage listed buildings. You can’t buy spare parts, you have to learn to reverse engineer and make them from scratch! So machining and using files and vernier calipers/micrometers as what you are making is usually small and has to be very accurate! After all this comes what I had the most fun with at work; If we had to make anything for in the workshop or custom for a client (gates, reinforced doors for a bank moving into a shopping centre or we got a new work van and the boss had drawn a rough diagram of the shelves and benches we needed in the back of it, my employers new I had the knack for it and I’d have a bunch of steel square section, boards ect to make it from so I’d get to spend a couple days of heaven measuring, cutting, welding, fitting, bolting. I’m not a cabinet maker but I learned enough to make shop cabinets from scratch! Absolutely an amazing trade the fact that I gained so many of these skills! So I want to do that 5% fabrication work 100% of the time! Why would I not, plus I’d be getting paid 1.8ish times the money once qualified! So anyway, sorry about the rant, but I think I could possibly workout as a good candidate for a mature age apprenticeship! The fact I already have 1 metal engineering trade under my belt and fabricate things for a hobby, why not try to get an apprenticeship and hopefully become better at what I love, and hopefully be a mature age apprentice that the boss feels can really be an asset to their company! Thankyou for the encouragement your videos are giving me! P.S. just trying to give a shout out to all the Australian locksmiths out there that don’t get paid ANYTHING like a plumber or sparky, yet have such a grand skill set! In 2013 as a fully qualified tradesman I was making about $21 an hour (not $34 or $40) like a lot of people in other trades I know and yet there are a surprisingly high amount of people out there that still don’t feel like they’re getting their moneys worth when they get a locksmith out to their homes! Don’t be one of them! 😉 Cheers mate, keep on with it! Sounds like you’re going great! 👍
As a qualified cobbler in a disposable world, I get the lack of recognition. As a shopping mall key cutter, I 100% appreciate the support I had from our local locksmith. At 35 I'm now looking to re-enter the job market for an apprenticeship, either fab or auto electrical - I just want to formalise my hobbies 😂
I’ve always had a desk job. Last year I bought my first impact at 31, now 32. Been thinking of hoping into carpentry maybe even an electrician. I enjoy doing both. My previous union job laid me off. Taking more than a 50% pay cut to be an apprentice is tough. But it should get better for us. Best of luck.
I was 27 when I started my apprenticeship. All the other apprenticeship were 16 lol. But cause I was older I worked my ass off 100x harder and slowly made my way up the ladder to carpenter whilst the young guys slowly quit or gave up 33 next month ❤
Nice one!! Yer I definitely feel as an older apprentice you want it more as you kind of have to due to existing commitments. But the whole drop out rate really needs to change regardless of age.
Thanks for a great vid! It sounds like an exciting journey with both ups and downs. Im looking to go into a apprenticeship myself, but i am scared since i have no experience what so ever with carpentery. However i have a dream of becoming a great carpenter so i just have to go for it 100% and work my ass off.
I watched this video a couple of months ago from Korea. Finally, I decided to leave for Australia to be a carpenter in February. I'm 30 years old. I always thought of myself as old. You motivate me, so thank you.
I’m 39 and just started as an arborist apprenticeship. Most of my background is fitness but I have also done many other things. Never stop learning , it’s really not too late. I plan to also start a carpenters apprenticeship once I get great at my current job. Great attitude , stay healthy and keep posting your journey
It's a good time to pick up a trade. While the old guys are still around to teach you as they retire. I'm going on 18 years as a Carpenter, working as a Superintendent on multi million $ projects and even teaching for a university for pre-apprenticeships. I'm currently considering taking plumbing so I can stay closer to home vs working on remote jobsites.
I'm getting recommended so many aussie carpenters lately after starting as a general hand for a builder/carpenter one and a half months ago at 35 now 36. I had no idea mature aged apprenticeship are as common as they are. Makes me think there could possibly be light at the end of the tunnel to have a qualification although I couldn't afford the mortgage on those wages. When I bought the house I was a forkie earning way more than I have in construction so far, except for that day a certain large group of protestors broke the glass sliding door in the city. I got a big pay for that day but I think it was like 15 hours work from memory. Anyway got sick of the nepotism and lack of any real skill progression/advancement and decided to take a leap of faith into construction. What construction does pay higher in however is overall satisfaction when you can look back at things you've been a part of/helped construct and a whole lot of variety. I had no idea carpenters did so much as I was a laborer for a commercial builder before this but he ended up retiring. I also bought up a bunch of m18 fuel tools and bought some of the old bosses stuff when he was selling up so I try to make up for lack of knowledge by being able to bring some of the tools the other boys don't have/backups so I don't have to borrow theirs. Even got nudged into buying a tool belt and estwing 😅 Anyway loving this while it works, I'm trying to soak up all the knowledge I can of the trade. It's also cool to see the perspectives in this video and the comments.
Thanks so much for posting this! I’m a 38 year old artist and I’m in the process of joining the carpenters union. I’ve had my interview and skills assessment and I’m eager to start working!
My hands are always hurting as well! haha Completely agree with the straight lines. Such an amazing sense of satisfaction. Great update video man! Thanks for sharing.
Fair play to you- I’m 50 and just finished an Electrican course Have a builder background but it’s still daunting - Anyone in their late 30’s early 40’s thinking about this- do it , you’re still young. By the time you get to 50 you’ll probably think there’s no point Cheers
Nice vid again mate, are you doing a 'compentancy based' apprenticeship or are you going to TAFE over a block type of apprenticeship? Keep it mate, well done.
From my understanding all are competancy based. Luckily as I don't do well with exams. Haha. But im going through a training organisation that does not do a 6 week block of training, it's done with training books and on-site meets. Hope that answers your question mate.
can't wait to get into an apprenticeship, working with copper would be a dream because of the straight lines and manual bends 😂 Too bad it's all pex and it's looking more and more like i won't be doing gas fitting
Thank you for the video. I started a builder Level 3 course and am on the way to an apprenticeship. It keeps my mind bothering whether I made the correct selection or decision. By the way, thank you for providing insight into what it looks like. Wish you all the best.
Started at 50 after I retired from another career? No one’s going to appreciate me even though I am in good shape look 40. So I eat, drink, sleep finish carpentry! Read all Gary Katz books over & over and teach myself then let my dad instruct me ( retired master carpenter/ contractor). Now at 65 I am rolling deep and having a blast! Plus I am a contractor! Don’t listen to the whiny adults! You do what needs to be done!
@@midlifecarpentry yes! Us men need to hv a ligit job to feel like we contribute ! Why? Adam? Where are you? What hv you done? (All down hill from there unless ?)
Did you go back down to Min wage being an adult apprentice? Or did they take into consideration you're a matures adult who probably isn't going to muck around or show up late or hung over and give you a better hourly rate?
Hi Mate, the is high as an adult apprentice compared to some who has left school. The key difference is that most likely the rate stays the same for the entire 4 years.
Thanks for the comment mate. Sorry for the late reply, been nuts this time of year. My wife does work yes. Honestly would not have been able to do this with out it. So thankful for her. 😊
My son is 16 and looking at carpentry or electrical college or apprenticeship. I’m worried he is too young at 16 to go straight into apprenticeship and thinking he should do a year or two in college first and then get apprenticeship at 18 ??? What do you or anyone think.
Not sure if this is the answer you're chasing but, I'll always encourage finishing year 12, heard to many stories of people leaving beforehand and regretting it. These days students can get on a school based apprenticeship. But it is hard to know what you want to commit four years to.
Hey bud, I know what you mean by being hard on the body. I actually did the opposite, I started in construction at 18 and thought I was in shape! I ended up quitting because it was too hard physically and took an office job. To start over again, I'd pace myself more and not listen to a team of dumbasses that treat you like shit, I'd join a slower team, dedicated to quallity of work instead of quantity.
Oh um..... This could start an argument hahaha. Really it depends on your passion. I like Building things and working with wood. Plus I feel I don't have the smarts to be a Sparky.
I think the government will need a reality check with the $10,000 attempt to sign on more apprenticeship’s. I think atleast 3 times that amount will be required.
HAHAHA Had a crack at welding the other day for the first time. I have a newfound respect for you guys. Find some enjoyment in it mate and hold on to that. You can build so much cool shit!!!
I’m thinking about getting into joinery/ carpentry, I’m 27 and kinda feel like an idiot…. I already have a degree but I’m not not interested in anything corporate/ related to my degree. I always loved being hands on and working with wood. I’m worried that I’m going to be surrounded with men my own age taking the piss because I’m just an apprentice at 27 and that I’ll be surrounded by 16-17 year olds who I’m on the same level as ffs 😂😂 anyone else in a similar situation lads?
You may be surprised mate hey. I know I was. I work with a great crew. The chippies and Business owner are both younger than me. All part of really. Keep an open mind and you'll be surprised what you can learn from people of all ages. That help?
I was 27 years old when I started, I had to work along side cheeky 16 17 year Olds haha. I just worked 10x harder and had a grown up mentality, wanted it more than them. 33 now and qualified. 27 is young as, trust me. Do it bro! ❤
Never say never! I’m 41 and gonna look at a trade. My will power is strong as ever and I’m a bang with these young fellas whether your a session vet or an apprentice I’m competing😂
I started commercial / industrial painting at 52...now 58, so certainly not out the the question. I'm in relatively good shape, have never consumed alcohol or smoked (with the exception of weed). I had a desk job in the not-for-profit sector for 18 years, so this transition has been quite a change for me. I wish I would have worked in the trades from the beginning.
I'm 33 and I generally despise working with an apprentice my age or similar. Probably sounds bad but tough shit that you have an old injury playing rugby or whatever, if I'm older than you and outworking you, if you can't do it then why would you expect to get paid 2x as much as some green 18yr old that can do it?? Fuck em right their
Fair comment mate. Can see where you are coming from. Have you had a few issues in this area? Do you reckon something like a health check for older folks to check all their bits work good before starting a trade is an idea? In saying that young ones can have issues too I guess.
Im 10 seconds into your video and I had to pause it really quick to ask, do you or do you have someone edit your video? The reason Im asking is the music in all these types of videos are just terrible, jazz on a Tuesday night coffee shop, type terrible and Im curious as to who makes the music and who chooses it and why? I understand it may be cheap to purchase this stuff, but man. Sorry, Im just a sour musician who is 40 and trying to become a carpenter myself. I think I should go back to playing and recording music.
HAHAHA. That was long ago and very much in the learning. But yer might have been something I found online. Honestly can not remember. Sorry it wasnt to your liking. I'm just a Chippy 😁
Not actually true, the standard doll is like $350 a week. I dud a mature age apprenticeship starting on $35 an hour now I'm a director of my own company and make atleast $80 an hour.
Money is always a big one for an Adult apprentice. You really need to sit down and look at every detail of where your money is going and add up if it is possible to make the change. All the best with it mate.
Cheers dude, appreciate the advice 👍 I'm 33 and have worked in an office since 16. About to leave my well paid job to try and become a carpentry apprentice. Can't bloody wait!
Best of luck!
Same here. At age of 36 and after uni degree, I decided to turn the page and carpentry looks very attractive. Simply because you can create something each day you go to work. :D
im 35 and its the same. how is it going for you 1 year after
Hey man, how’s it going a year later?
iam about to do the same
Good to hear mate. I've just turned 40, second week into an electrical apprenticeship. Previously worked in construction in an unqualified trade. Left that to own a courier franchise. Coming back to construction you definitely feel it. But the pros definitely out way the cons. I think the hardest is actually having some knowledge but not yet been able to show it to the tradesman. As an mature age apprentice you definitely need to be patient and wait for your opportunity to shine. Learning along the way.
Soak every day up like a sponge. Gain everything you can off the people around you. Regardless of how much you know. You will find a way to slot in and help out in no time mate. Build on Legend.
I've been doing remodels for 2 years. Going in for my apprentice carpenters test within the hour here. I'm very confident in my hand skills but I'm 30 years old and math was always my worst subject. I had to do a refresher on how to multiply and divide fractions because I completely forgot where to even start. That being said the one aspect I'm very nervous about is the schooling. I was a very troubled young guy so my schooling was not what it should have been.
Hows this going?
Im contemplating going this route too. Leaving a decently paid desk job to start an apprenticeship. With a family it probably is much more difficult at 38.
Im 38 and finding my ways into plumbing apprentice
Awesome vid. I’m 37 and I’ve just landed a carpentry Apprenticeship in Brisbane. I’ve kicked a goal. I have 6 years of construction skilled labouring experience. I also started a carpentry apprenticeship back when I was 21 but only lasted 2 months.
I’ve always wanted to be a carpenter and wasn’t sure if it was going to be happen.
I met the guys from the company I work at my security job and they offered me a truck driver / labourer role. Someone to pick up material from the shed and job sites and also help the tradies. After my first 3 days they offered me to work pretty much full time hours. They also said scratch the truck driving your staying on the tools.
When they asked if I wanted to stay on I asked if they could give me an apprenticeship. After a couple days they came back and have been happy with my the first 4 weeks and willing to put me on.
Can’t wait to get it going. Yes body is sore I’m not 21 any more but I am a lot happier doing what I enjoy.
Awesome work mate. Sorry for the late reply. But Congrats, Sounds like you're a keeper. Keep us posted mate. I'm sure we are all keen to hear how you go.
Build on legend.
Legend bro. I was actually scratching my head today and was thinking what the he'll did I get my self into hahahahaha. Man it's so good to know I'm not the only one.
Great content man looking forward to seeing more of your journey. Hang in there bro🤙
Thanks mate. Just gotta get stuck in hey. Still enjoy it far to much. Hahaha. I'm addicted.
Great advice, I'm 38 and just landed a mechanical fitter apprenticeship so chuffed at bluescope here in Wollongong, been in retail, but have had mechanical background previously in automotive and small engine repairs will keep u updated
Awesome news mate. Congratulations. May it all work out for you. Build on legend.
How’s it going? I’ve been in mechanical Engineering for 2 years now but I have not completed an apprenticeship. Would you suggest it as I really would like to do it because I feel like I am at a disadvantage
Appreciate and admire you talking about this online. I’m 28 and worked in marketing for 7 years, recently decided to leave and become an electrician. I’ll be starting an apprenticeship very soon. Super excited to take my life learnings and throw everything and being the best possible tradesman I can be. Any additional pearls of wisdom anyone can leave for us is really appreciated.
I’m well aware the journey can be tough as an apprentice with how you might get treated but totally prepared for all the nonsense.
Ready to prosper!
What are the steps in doing this change. I'm 38 and are looking to do the say as you. I'm looking at doing a electrical also.
@@Travisty01 I’m glad you’ve decided to take the leap. It’s never too late! You can start a pre-apprenticeship course to get your foot in the door and learn basics. A Cert II in Electrotechnology is a preference of most apprenticeship employers. However not all employers deem it a requirement, you can start applying for a first year apprenticeship now if you really want to.
Just expect the apprenticeship salary to be fairly low, pay won’t see a significant rise until you’re fully licensed after the 4 year apprenticeship.
Awesome to hear it guys. Take every day as it comes. Enjoy the bits you can and really treasure it. It will help keep that passion alive. And the biggest thing is to Stretch. 😁
Normally pay is consistent as an adult apprentice regardless of your year according to minimum wage in Australia. At the end of the day, it is up to the Employer to set that rate.
@@midlifecarpentry thanks for taking a moment to reply! Appreciate your advice, I hear plenty of older pro tradesmen say to stretch, exercise and look after your body as much as possible and don’t let any fool ever convince you that it’s ‘not cool’ or ‘weak’ to be cautious about your health. Even if it’s little things like wearing ear muffs or certain basic protective gear.
So glad I found this. I’m 29 yo now, Just left my high paying job in the mines to start a mature age lol plumbing apprenticeship. I have anxiety over how I feel stupid or like I don’t know anything. I’m only 3 months in. It’s been a big challenge to my ego to have to learn of the 17yo second year, who also happens to be very lippy and a smart- arse. But I just need to keep doing it for my wife and son. The money is so-so about $840 a week for me.
I appreciate this man, I needed to hear it wasn’t only me that feels this
Yer man, I'm sitting here typing as my hands are cramping from being on the jackhammer all day doing Demo. As lippy as he can be, absorb everything to learn whenever the opportunity is given. Regardless of age, Knowledge is Knowledge. Besides, you'll be qualified in no time. Hang in there and get it done bro. Enjoy the moments of fulfillment. Build on Legend!!
I’m second year going into third now, have little to no anxiety now. And have developed some solid skills. Loving it.
Hey bro! Thought I’d check in. 26 looking to make the jump into plumbing too. How are you travelling now? Any tips to get hired as a matured age apprentice ? I keep getting knocked back cause of my age
That’s awesome to hear this. I’m 31 and looking for apprenticeship right now. I have mix feelings. But looking for it
It is a process mate. Hang in there it will happen for you. Just a matter of time. Took me about 6 months to get a job that lead into an Apprenticeship. Was a laborer to start with.
Do it bro your still young
Hey there mate. Your videos have been super helpful. I'm 22 in 3 weeks and am looking into an adult apprenticeship as a heavy vehicle mechanic. I've been a HR driver for just under a year now, where my passion for heavy vehicle mechanics grew. The problem is I'm quite young but am legally still recognised as a mature aged apprentice. I sure as hell do bring more life experience than a school leavers but nowhere near as much as you older blokes do. Hopefully 🤞 I can use my transport experience and knowledge to get a foot in the door. I think there's also huge financial incentives for larger businesses to take on board adult apprenticeship anyways.
Hook in bloke. Sounds like you have your head around it already. All the best with it.
Tips from a retired pro. Be the first to work and the last to leave. Make friends with everyone. Work with the best carpenters, no mater what the pay is. If you have to borrow a tool from anyone, go buy that tool tonight. Work harder than anyone else to make up for how stupid you are while learning. Do not get stuck doing one particular job. You have to want to be the best ,or you might as well quit now.
BANG!!!! Well said sir!! Thank you.
Thank you
Thank you.
Where did doing all that get you in life?
The best carpenters I’ve worked with are grumpy old egotistical douche bags that have zero teaching skills and spend most their time just running their mouth.
25 years old and switching careers from personal trainer to carpentry apprenticeship thank you for this video
Very welcome
Can i ask why you are switching from sports to carpentry ? My son is 16 and trying to work out what to do but it’s so young to decide
Thanks mate, really enjoyed this video, I’m 32 and apart for a warehouse job for a year 4 years ago, I haven’t worked since I was 23. I’m on the mend now and have been wanting to get a mature age apprenticeship in the metal engineering/ welding trades when my health permits. I’m actually already a qualified tradesman as I completed my 4 year Locksmithing apprenticeship after grade 12. In the final year of TAFE there are 4 possible seperate niche subjects that the trade college and your employer nominate for you to attend and complete. I was lucky enough that the TAFE and my employer saw potential in me and I got to complete the safes program. Cracking them and then also repairing them. This subject involved all the introductory welding modules which I picked up very easily as I had already been shown how to weld in my workplace. Locksmithing as a trade is really unrecognised, you have to really have your head screwed on when it comes to the practicalities of metal engineering. You are required to work as a bit of a ‘jack of all trades’ as you besides metal, you will be working with timber (doors), plastics, cement, cars, electronics(access control systems), paint everywhere from peoples homes, commercial settings all the way to industrial settings. You don’t just cut keys, you have to be able to improvise, repair 130 year locks from heritage listed buildings. You can’t buy spare parts, you have to learn to reverse engineer and make them from scratch! So machining and using files and vernier calipers/micrometers as what you are making is usually small and has to be very accurate! After all this comes what I had the most fun with at work; If we had to make anything for in the workshop or custom for a client (gates, reinforced doors for a bank moving into a shopping centre or we got a new work van and the boss had drawn a rough diagram of the shelves and benches we needed in the back of it, my employers new I had the knack for it and I’d have a bunch of steel square section, boards ect to make it from so I’d get to spend a couple days of heaven measuring, cutting, welding, fitting, bolting. I’m not a cabinet maker but I learned enough to make shop cabinets from scratch! Absolutely an amazing trade the fact that I gained so many of these skills! So I want to do that 5% fabrication work 100% of the time! Why would I not, plus I’d be getting paid 1.8ish times the money once qualified! So anyway, sorry about the rant, but I think I could possibly workout as a good candidate for a mature age apprenticeship! The fact I already have 1 metal engineering trade under my belt and fabricate things for a hobby, why not try to get an apprenticeship and hopefully become better at what I love, and hopefully be a mature age apprentice that the boss feels can really be an asset to their company! Thankyou for the encouragement your videos are giving me!
P.S. just trying to give a shout out to all the Australian locksmiths out there that don’t get paid ANYTHING like a plumber or sparky, yet have such a grand skill set! In 2013 as a fully qualified tradesman I was making about $21 an hour (not $34 or $40) like a lot of people in other trades I know and yet there are a surprisingly high amount of people out there that still don’t feel like they’re getting their moneys worth when they get a locksmith out to their homes! Don’t be one of them! 😉
Cheers mate, keep on with it! Sounds like you’re going great! 👍
Hey mate sounds like you have a direction "Locked In" 😁 Nice one! Chase what you enjoy then it helps to not feel like work. Weld on Legend.
As a qualified cobbler in a disposable world, I get the lack of recognition.
As a shopping mall key cutter, I 100% appreciate the support I had from our local locksmith.
At 35 I'm now looking to re-enter the job market for an apprenticeship, either fab or auto electrical - I just want to formalise my hobbies 😂
I’ve always had a desk job. Last year I bought my first impact at 31, now 32. Been thinking of hoping into carpentry maybe even an electrician. I enjoy doing both. My previous union job laid me off. Taking more than a 50% pay cut to be an apprentice is tough. But it should get better for us. Best of luck.
That pay drop can be a shock, but we have found our feet and making it work. All the best to you.
Any tips ? Looking to start but trying to figure out how it would work with a house and kids etc
Also curious about this
I was 27 when I started my apprenticeship. All the other apprenticeship were 16 lol. But cause I was older I worked my ass off 100x harder and slowly made my way up the ladder to carpenter whilst the young guys slowly quit or gave up
33 next month ❤
Nice one!! Yer I definitely feel as an older apprentice you want it more as you kind of have to due to existing commitments. But the whole drop out rate really needs to change regardless of age.
Do you wish you had started younger now ????
Thanks for a great vid! It sounds like an exciting journey with both ups and downs. Im looking to go into a apprenticeship myself, but i am scared since i have no experience what so ever with carpentery. However i have a dream of becoming a great carpenter so i just have to go for it 100% and work my ass off.
Just gotta hook in hey mate. Roll with the days as they come.
I watched this video a couple of months ago from Korea. Finally, I decided to leave for Australia to be a carpenter in February. I'm 30 years old. I always thought of myself as old. You motivate me, so thank you.
Wow that's cool. I'm from Malaysia. May I ask how you applied for it? I'm interested in learning a craft trade too
@@StinkyDinkyArt It's TAFE school
Glad I could help mate. All the best with it.
I’m 39 and just started as an arborist apprenticeship. Most of my background is fitness but I have also done many other things. Never stop learning , it’s really not too late. I plan to also start a carpenters apprenticeship once I get great at my current job. Great attitude , stay healthy and keep posting your journey
It's a good time to pick up a trade. While the old guys are still around to teach you as they retire.
I'm going on 18 years as a Carpenter, working as a Superintendent on multi million $ projects and even teaching for a university for pre-apprenticeships. I'm currently considering taking plumbing so I can stay closer to home vs working on remote jobsites.
Basically, anyone with knowledge I soak up like a sponge. 😁
I'm getting recommended so many aussie carpenters lately after starting as a general hand for a builder/carpenter one and a half months ago at 35 now 36. I had no idea mature aged apprenticeship are as common as they are. Makes me think there could possibly be light at the end of the tunnel to have a qualification although I couldn't afford the mortgage on those wages.
When I bought the house I was a forkie earning way more than I have in construction so far, except for that day a certain large group of protestors broke the glass sliding door in the city. I got a big pay for that day but I think it was like 15 hours work from memory. Anyway got sick of the nepotism and lack of any real skill progression/advancement and decided to take a leap of faith into construction.
What construction does pay higher in however is overall satisfaction when you can look back at things you've been a part of/helped construct and a whole lot of variety. I had no idea carpenters did so much as I was a laborer for a commercial builder before this but he ended up retiring. I also bought up a bunch of m18 fuel tools and bought some of the old bosses stuff when he was selling up so I try to make up for lack of knowledge by being able to bring some of the tools the other boys don't have/backups so I don't have to borrow theirs. Even got nudged into buying a tool belt and estwing 😅
Anyway loving this while it works, I'm trying to soak up all the knowledge I can of the trade. It's also cool to see the perspectives in this video and the comments.
Awesome stuff mate, watching from NZ
Thanks for watching!
Stick with it big fella.
It will pay off in the end 👍
Thanks Mate. Appreciate the support.
Thanks so much for posting this! I’m a 38 year old artist and I’m in the process of joining the carpenters union. I’ve had my interview and skills assessment and I’m eager to start working!
Awesome mate. Life changing. Get stuck in.
My hands are always hurting as well! haha
Completely agree with the straight lines. Such an amazing sense of satisfaction. Great update video man! Thanks for sharing.
All part of the fun hey. Hahaha. Hope you are doing good otherwise mate.
Fair play to you- I’m 50 and just finished an Electrican course
Have a builder background but it’s still daunting -
Anyone in their late 30’s early 40’s thinking about this- do it , you’re still young. By the time you get to 50 you’ll probably think there’s no point
Cheers
Great video, Mirrors my thoughts 3 months into Locksmithing at age 38. Hear you on the knees :)
Yep body aches and pains are there, but worth it. Stretching helps if I remember to do it :P
Aiming for an Electrical apprenticeship at 36. Thanks for your morale👌
No Worries mate. Best of luck!
What made you choose electrical ?
@@helenalovelock1030 ended up in carpentry about 4 months in!
Nice vid again mate, are you doing a 'compentancy based' apprenticeship or are you going to TAFE over a block type of apprenticeship? Keep it mate, well done.
From my understanding all are competancy based. Luckily as I don't do well with exams. Haha. But im going through a training organisation that does not do a 6 week block of training, it's done with training books and on-site meets. Hope that answers your question mate.
appreciate you sharing mate
I'm 48. Is it crazy to think I should have a crack at a building/carpentry apprenticeship?
Anything is possible mate. Just gotta find the opportunity.
can't wait to get into an apprenticeship, working with copper would be a dream because of the straight lines and manual bends 😂
Too bad it's all pex and it's looking more and more like i won't be doing gas fitting
Nothing stopping you from having a go with it during your own time. 😜
Architectural sheet metal
Thank you for the video. I started a builder Level 3 course and am on the way to an apprenticeship. It keeps my mind bothering whether I made the correct selection or decision. By the way, thank you for providing insight into what it looks like. Wish you all the best.
You can do it!
Started at 50 after I retired from another career? No one’s going to appreciate me even though I am in good shape look 40. So I eat, drink, sleep finish carpentry! Read all Gary Katz books over & over and teach myself then let my dad instruct me ( retired master carpenter/ contractor).
Now at 65 I am rolling deep and having a blast! Plus I am a contractor!
Don’t listen to the whiny adults! You do what needs to be done!
Nice Work! Amazing what abit of Passion does.
@@midlifecarpentry yes! Us men need to hv a ligit job to feel like we contribute ! Why?
Adam? Where are you? What hv you done?
(All down hill from there unless ?)
What career did you come from and why did you switch ? You seem a great guy.
I worked in sales for a Petroleum services company. Desk job.
Gotta ❤ your job
100% spend a lot of time doing it.
Did you go back down to Min wage being an adult apprentice? Or did they take into consideration you're a matures adult who probably isn't going to muck around or show up late or hung over and give you a better hourly rate?
Hi Mate, the is high as an adult apprentice compared to some who has left school. The key difference is that most likely the rate stays the same for the entire 4 years.
For a person looking to move to NZ to learn building, would you advice a study at a school or how do you suggest i go about it ?
Not sure about NZ sorry, in Australia. But I would say a course or school would be a good start. Especially if new to it all.
Out of curiosity does your wife work as well or are you managing to support a family as well
Think I'm going to take the plunge at 30
Thanks for the comment mate. Sorry for the late reply, been nuts this time of year. My wife does work yes. Honestly would not have been able to do this with out it. So thankful for her. 😊
I wish I had been a carpenter
you reckon its too late mate?
could you take me like your apprentice?l like the trade of carpenter... l used to make furnitures with pallets woods in africa
I want to hear the guys at the jobsite reactions, do they know this video exists?
hahaha yer man. All the guys know about the channel and are frequent watches. God only know why HAHAHAHA.
My son is 16 and looking at carpentry or electrical college or apprenticeship. I’m worried he is too young at 16 to go straight into apprenticeship and thinking he should do a year or two in college first and then get apprenticeship at 18 ??? What do you or anyone think.
Not sure if this is the answer you're chasing but, I'll always encourage finishing year 12, heard to many stories of people leaving beforehand and regretting it. These days students can get on a school based apprenticeship. But it is hard to know what you want to commit four years to.
@@midlifecarpentry yes I want him to do a couple of years in college environment 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Carpentry is a great job and the best trade...but the best money is always in Utilities ...
Hey bud, I know what you mean by being hard on the body. I actually did the opposite, I started in construction at 18 and thought I was in shape! I ended up quitting because it was too hard physically and took an office job. To start over again, I'd pace myself more and not listen to a team of dumbasses that treat you like shit, I'd join a slower team, dedicated to quallity of work instead of quantity.
They are out there mate. Just gotta find em.
good on ya m8
Thanks Mate. Certainly, feeling it was worthwhile.
Do you think carpentry is better than electrical?
Oh um..... This could start an argument hahaha. Really it depends on your passion. I like Building things and working with wood. Plus I feel I don't have the smarts to be a Sparky.
I think the government will need a reality check with the $10,000 attempt to sign on more apprenticeship’s. I think atleast 3 times that amount will be required.
Any extra money is great. But they will still be bloody taxing it no doubt..... Wait and see I guess.
welp atleast you didnt choose boilermaking
HAHAHA Had a crack at welding the other day for the first time. I have a newfound respect for you guys. Find some enjoyment in it mate and hold on to that. You can build so much cool shit!!!
I’m thinking about getting into joinery/ carpentry, I’m 27 and kinda feel like an idiot…. I already have a degree but I’m not not interested in anything corporate/ related to my degree. I always loved being hands on and working with wood. I’m worried that I’m going to be surrounded with men my own age taking the piss because I’m just an apprentice at 27 and that I’ll be surrounded by 16-17 year olds who I’m on the same level as ffs 😂😂 anyone else in a similar situation lads?
You may be surprised mate hey. I know I was. I work with a great crew. The chippies and Business owner are both younger than me. All part of really.
Keep an open mind and you'll be surprised what you can learn from people of all ages. That help?
I was 27 years old when I started, I had to work along side cheeky 16 17 year Olds haha. I just worked 10x harder and had a grown up mentality, wanted it more than them. 33 now and qualified. 27 is young as, trust me. Do it bro! ❤
I guess 55 is out of the question in the plumbing trade.
Honestly not sure mate. You fit and capable? Look around you never know. We do need Trades people everywhere.
Never say never! I’m 41 and gonna look at a trade. My will power is strong as ever and I’m a bang with these young fellas whether your a session vet or an apprentice I’m competing😂
I started commercial / industrial painting at 52...now 58, so certainly not out the the question. I'm in relatively good shape, have never consumed alcohol or smoked (with the exception of weed). I had a desk job in the not-for-profit sector for 18 years, so this transition has been quite a change for me. I wish I would have worked in the trades from the beginning.
Hahaha men who LOVE tools. My boyfriend electrician and has orgasms when he gets a new tool 😂😂😂😂
Most certainly can relate. It's not only the purchase that excites, it's the pleasure of using it after too. 😂😂
Sounds like they sent the first year apprentice to fix someone else's f-up? WTF?
All part of the fun mate. But I think I had a Tradie with me on this one.
@@midlifecarpentry Oh okay. I was gonna say that sounded a bit weird.
I'm 33 and I generally despise working with an apprentice my age or similar. Probably sounds bad but tough shit that you have an old injury playing rugby or whatever, if I'm older than you and outworking you, if you can't do it then why would you expect to get paid 2x as much as some green 18yr old that can do it?? Fuck em right their
Fair comment mate. Can see where you are coming from. Have you had a few issues in this area? Do you reckon something like a health check for older folks to check all their bits work good before starting a trade is an idea? In saying that young ones can have issues too I guess.
Has your employer required you to get vaccinated?
Hi Mate, we have only been encouraged to do so. At this stage is not a requirement. However, I would say it will be eventually.
Im 10 seconds into your video and I had to pause it really quick to ask, do you or do you have someone edit your video? The reason Im asking is the music in all these types of videos are just terrible, jazz on a Tuesday night coffee shop, type terrible and Im curious as to who makes the music and who chooses it and why? I understand it may be cheap to purchase this stuff, but man. Sorry, Im just a sour musician who is 40 and trying to become a carpenter myself. I think I should go back to playing and recording music.
HAHAHA. That was long ago and very much in the learning. But yer might have been something I found online. Honestly can not remember. Sorry it wasnt to your liking. I'm just a Chippy 😁
Shoulda been a sparky apprentice mate....
Nah, never mate. I'd get bored shitless with that sort of work. Plus, not enough tools needed for it.
@@midlifecarpentry yeah, we are all different..
the dole pays better lol....
Perhaps..but at least you feel less of a leach on the tax payer eh😉😉
Not actually true, the standard doll is like $350 a week. I dud a mature age apprenticeship starting on $35 an hour now I'm a director of my own company and make atleast $80 an hour.
I'm looking at starting new apprenticeship as adult but was deciding if I could afford the living cause I have family too feed.
Money is always a big one for an Adult apprentice. You really need to sit down and look at every detail of where your money is going and add up if it is possible to make the change. All the best with it mate.