Complete Career Change for an Ex Squaddie!

[James0302]

Hi all, My names Jimmy, I was in the army for 8 years, got out and started working in Iraq. Its now time to get a normal job, one that I can use my artistic, hands on nature to - hopefully. I recently have become interested in Tiling and all the different niches available. I am still in the process of looking for good courses to start, I cannot afford to apprentice as I have a family and an apprentice wage wouldn't cut it. I suppose I want any advice on courses to do to give me the best possible chance and basic skills to get started. Also, I would love to hear about the multitude of niche tiling that can be done that I could strive towards, possibly in a more artistic direction? Thanks in advance!

Jimmy

 

[Andy Allen]

Some tilers on here have took a course and gone on to make a successful career from tiling.

However from there feedback the first year or two was spent earning very little money if any.

So alot will depend on your financial situation..

 

[WetSaw]

Hello Jimmy.

I believe there's a few ex-forces on here, notably our resident Matelot 3_fall.

I can only echo Andy's comments and I hope TJ is in a good mood when he sees this as he will, undoubtedly, share his thoughts with you.

 

[Qwerty]

Great intro. Welcome to the forum

 

[Dumbo]

I'm looking for a course to go in the army but can't afford to in as a private i was thinking a general specialising in black ops .
Anybody?

 

[WetSaw]

I'm looking for a course to go in the army but can't afford to in as a private i was thinking a general specialising in black ops .
Anybody?

Tut,tut.. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit ( so people are always telling me!)

 

[James0302]

I'm looking for a course to go in the army but can't afford to in as a private i was thinking a general specialising in black ops .
Anybody?

Yes mate, Gain a US citizenship and you can join the Navy Seals direct from being a civilian.. ;P you may be successful on how well you pick it up and the effort your willing to put in...True story

 

[James0302]

Tut,tut.. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit ( so people are always telling me!)

As a squaddie, I am used to it🙂 I understand the best way is to start from the ground up, learning your skills through an apprenticeship, however we are not all blessed to have been able to stick with the one career path 🙂

 

[Dumbo]

Yes mate, Gain a US citizenship and you can join the Navy Seals direct from being a civilian.. ;P you may be successful on how well you pick it up and the effort your willing to put in...True story

Would they take a 53 year old.
Ps . I used to be a sixer in the cubs and a patrol leader in the scouts. I was obviously picked for these rolls as my exceptional leadership skills were recognised. Do you think this will help with the general bit.

 

[James0302]

Would they take a 53 year old.
Ps . I used to be a sixer in the cubs and a patrol leader in the scouts. I was obviously picked for these rolls as my exceptional leadership skills were recognised. Do you think this will help with the general bit.

With this experience you could join the Royal Marines, I wouldn't try for the Elite Parachute Regiment though 😉

Anyways, we digress, back to topic in hand, Im just looking to get started and some helpful information would be greatly appreciated. I am in the fortunate position to work on a rotation of 8 weeks in Iraq and 4 weeks at home, where I could fit in some experience, and build a portfolio before starting out full time. thoughts?

 

[GoneGuy]

Hello and welcome to the forum, why not have a chat with Darren at uk pro Tiling click on advert on bottom of this page

 

[CJ]

Could you not do a “course” through the Army??

 

[Time's Ran Out]

This is the best job in the world - so enjoy!

 

[James0302]

Could you not do a “course” through the Army??

I do have money that I can use the army gave me to do certain courses yeah. I understand these courses only show and teach the very basics of tiling and doesn’t make anyone an expert, I assume pro tiling is considered the beat of its class in teaching?

 

[CJ]

The basics are a start 😉

 

[Blunt Tool]

Welcome Jimmy best of luck in your career path, yes do a course, go to tile shops and see if you can shadow a tiler, work with him to learn and gain experience.

 

[GoneGuy]

How are you getting on