foreigneRS

the last job as a refrigeration service engineer did not work, so i am on the lookout for work again.

am considering training to become a bike instructor, but don't know if there's much of a living to be made doing it, especially during the winter months. and as much as i love riding, day in and day out during all weathers may not be quite so appealing after a while.

am also considering taking some electrical qualifications to add another string to my bow. having a degree in mech. eng. i already know a fair bit about electrics and electronics and in my last job i was doing installation and fault finding on single and 3 phase stuff, so it's nothing new.

when you have a broad knowledge base and quite general qualification, there are plenty of jobs out there, the problem is i don't know what i want to do when grow up

AlexF

Gutted for you matey !

Jobs are a pain - perhaps its time you started your own business doing somthing YOU do want to do!

Alex

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear this Nick.

There is loads of work in the automation industry particularly in Water and Food manufacturing.

Big demand for PLC programmers at present...

Kamike

Seems to be plenty of people learning to ride all year round, theres a school close to my house and I see them learning 3-4 at a time twice a day even on the weekends

Paddy

Shame you've got an arse hole like a Wizard's sleave and can't go back to being a rent boy.

A bloke I know started a bike school up in Norfolk, he loved it for a while but did this thing HERE and is now a technical editor on some other bike magazine.

I could see you doing something like that in the media! Your photos of holidays/trips are legendary mate! shame you're not more photogenic but you can always be the one just taking the photos. and I suppose if you're wearing a helmet...

If I can help in anyway with anything, let me know

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Im sure whatever you turn your hand to you will be good at it Nick

Lambchop

iTrader: (1)

I wouldnt have the patience to be a bike instructor and i also dont like soakings day in day out when bad weather

You'd also have to ride a crap old man style bike everyday...oh hold on

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Next time Im finished with my current job, Im thinking of doing a PGCE to gain QTS.

foreigneRS

that's the problem matey, i don't really know what i do want to do otherwise i would

that's good to hear simon. i like that kind of work but only have very limited experience in plc programming. just a bit of block programming of a telemecanique plc a couple of years ago. is there some training course that would get me further forward that you know of, or some specialist recruitment firms in that area?

i'm just the right size to accomodate big boys like you getting into writing and photography would probably also require further training, but is worth considering as i enjoy it.

you bugger

really? i couldn't be a teacher i don't think. at least that's one thing that i have no desire to do, so can cross it off the list.

Chip

iTrader: (3)

I find it quite satisfying teaching people things.
Its one way to generally make a difference IMHO

As you mentioned about Bike training I thought it was kind of relevant, but i'll shut up now, lol

foreigneRS

when you put it like that, you have a point. i'm not sure it's the training aspect that appeals to me so much as being able to ride all day. but i need to have the passion for teaching or it would never work.

Daveyboy

I find teaching one of the most rewarding things to do - whatever the trade/skill you are teaching its nice to have people want to listen to you and learn from you. As oppose to IT where people only talk to me when things are broke and all they do is moan

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Exactly!

Riding around all day slowly following a bunch of spastics who cant ride = no fun
Teaching people to ride = no fun or fun, depending on your views on teaching

Chip

iTrader: (3)

What sort of teaching do you do then mate?
(im in IT too, so it sounds relevant to me is why im being nosey!)

Daveyboy

Mines now more extra curricular teaching - all sport/studio based stuff - martial arts/personal training mostly - although im qualified as a swimming instructor i havent taught that for years. If i could make a decent living at it I would still be doing it full time - unfortunately money talks - and teaching dont pay lol

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

Thats the problem, it seems there isnt anything academic available other than really basic stuff.
Only the equipment manufacturers provide training courses.
Trouble is these days all the kids want to write web pages or games and so the real world programming skill base is being eroded but does have the benefit that wages in this sector are booming !

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

You don't need any training you just have to be able to do it!! With electrics n' stuff, getting it wrong matters, so training to a recognised level is vital, with writing there is no wrong!!

AlexF

If you want a hand when you do that just shout matey

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

Dan you tight ass, give him a job on FF

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

DON'T TELL HIM!! Chip + School = Bad idea!

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

Like many industries, it's not taking staff on at the moment sadly!!

AlexF

It would be a laugh watching Choip teach hehehe

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

He's been banned from going within 500m of schoolgirls though!

AlexF

Arr a teaching career in motor vehicle it is then!!

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

LOL

GARETH T

not true,, ive been on private training coarses on rockwell-allen bradley and siemens!

thing is to program PLCs you really need to have an electrical background! but i can see you being very good at it!

other spin off in the industry are vision systems and robotic control! (look at ABB robots and cognex vision if your interested)

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Cunts

foreigneRS

thanks gareth. although i took a mech. eng. degree, it was a toss up between that and electrical/electronic. looking back, maybe i made the wrong choice but i can't complain at where the mech. eng has taken me so far.

any details on the courses that you took please?

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

Gareth, your company had money to burn.. You are the exception not the rule...LOL

GARETH T

i cant remember the name of the company,, ill grab it tomorrow off my notes!

simon,,, not when we are privatized LOL (read the press lol)

on the same note,, i programmed a slc500 and a HMI tonight in work LOL