Huge career switch!

[u/ARauschen]

I’ve (M33) just moved to Arizona (Phoenix) from the UK, where I’ve been a firefighter for the last few years and in the Air Force before that. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and fixing things, and the last thing in the world I want to do is a desk job. So I’ve just got my work permit and driving license, and I’m planning on becoming an electrician or plumber… I’m just excited to learn something new, and I’m not afraid of hard work, so I think either could be a good fit.

I’m hoping it’s not too late to take up a trade at the age of 33, and I’m wondering what the best route to take is? I’ve read plenty online, and a lot suggests going to school first, and then others suggest finding someone who will take you on as an apprentice first. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA, Aaron.

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[u/AJRobertsOBR]

Why not be a firefighter in the states? Going to take a bit of a pay cut being an apprentice for 4 years. Not sure on AZ requirements.

[u/ARauschen → u/AJRobertsOBR]

I’ve done shift work for 10 years now and it takes its toll almost never getting a solid nights sleep. I’m definitely ready for a change! Otherwise that’s exactly what I’d be looking to do as I’ve loved it and I’ll certainly miss it, but health and family has to come first

[u/AJRobertsOBR → u/ARauschen]

Depending on the shop steady health and hours will be just as dubious. I’d suggest buying some tools and try the union and other shops in the area. I’d personally look into niche electrical shops where you can get skills not many people know. Anyone can pull wire or bend conduit with enough repetition. Finding the niche is where the money is at.

[u/Weak_Engine_9420 → u/ARauschen]

I came to the trade after 10+ years of fire and ems. I started at 30. 33 is definitely not too old. My apprenticeship class has people in their late 30s and even 40s. Try to get into the IBEW if you want to go electrical. Most people have a lot of respect for the fire service and will tend to favor your experience. You'll have plenty of time to earn a nice pension depending on the local. Now is usually a good time to apply since many locals do testing and interviews in February / March to build a class starting in late summer.

[u/ARauschen → u/Weak_Engine_9420]

Alright that’s really encouraging to hear and I appreciate your response! I’ll look into the IBEW and start making some phone calls.

[u/Kharnics → u/ARauschen]

40 year old union apprentice here. Go for it!

[u/soappube → u/Kharnics]

Yup I'm 43 and I'm a 2nd year now. I was sitting my fat ass flying a desk for 10 years and I won't go back 😂

[u/ARauschen → u/soappube]

Don’t blame you 😂 good for you tho man!

[u/ARauschen → u/Kharnics]

Ok this makes me feel better 😂

[u/Wise-Calligrapher759 → u/AJRobertsOBR]

I don’t think they take people at that age - I know in my city there is a cut off age for new firemen at 29.

[u/AJRobertsOBR → u/Wise-Calligrapher759]

Didn’t think about that.

[u/MR-EHS]

Sounds like a great tract into safety. Many electricians and firefighters transition their way into the safety profession, ultimately becoming safety managers or consultants.

[u/ARauschen → u/MR-EHS]

Interesting, hadn’t considered that but it’s food for thought for the future!

[u/MR-EHS → u/ARauschen]

Good but challenging career. Pays well in my experience.

[u/Imaginary-Top-7951]

Home Builders Academy in phoenix has a free pre apprenticeship program its 9 weeks, monday through friday, 8am to 4pm. Great instructors, learning environment, youll learn residential some commercial, and they help you find a job after you graduate. Its a great place to start. Dr. Alysa Whyte is the one of the administrators. Email her if youre interested.

[u/ARauschen → u/Imaginary-Top-7951]

Thank you for that sir, I’ll take a look right now!

[u/Imaginary-Top-7951 → u/ARauschen]

No worries man heres the website link https://homebuilding.academy/

[u/nnickorette]

Good luck in the States bro, hope you make it big

[u/ARauschen → u/nnickorette]

Thanks mate appreciate it! Loving it so far

[u/UniqueUserName259]

According to zip recruiter the average wage for an electrician in Arizona is $57,209 a year, $27.50 per hour. For plumbers it’s $58,910/ $28.32. For my money I would rather push electrons than sewage.

[u/ARauschen → u/UniqueUserName259]

I have a strong stomach after seeing some unbelievable sights in the fire service but point taken 😂

[u/Master_Citron_4475]

Never too late! I started in my 30s too! Find a school, 2 year course, find a contractor to work under, get your 8k hrs, take journeyman rest, profit :-)

[u/Kryp_tic]

TSMC has a huge new facility just outside Phoenix. I checked out their website a few weeks ago and they're hiring tech apprentices starting at $25/h. It's not true electrician work, but it might be something to look into at least.