Can i train to do this for a living?

[redoxide]

well i have reached that point in my life when i have decided i need a change.
im now in my mid 40ties and have worked all my working life in the motor industry. From being a mechanic for Aston Martin, to owning my own garage and Mot business, And for the last Three years working in the R&D Establishment of a major manufacturer working in Vehicle Emissions research.
But thats it ive had enough! if i as much as look at another car or gas analyser im gonna pop .

So i have decided i wanna spend the next part of my working life doing something i enjoy. And as i enjoy this hobby im thinking of turning it in to a career. But do you guys think its do-able ?
Are any of you sat installers already? if so could you point me in the right direction. And give me an idea of the qualifications that i will need to achieve and perhaps where i can find the necessary courses.
Your thoughts (both positive and negative) and any advice would be most appreciated.

Cheers, Red

[Robbo]

I've been thinking the same thing myself a while now mate. I'm in the same situation and age unfortunately. I had a look on the CAI website a while back, I think there were some courses on there.

Robbo

[redoxide]

Cheers Robbo I will take a look.

[lincsat]

There is a City & Guilds course available that's part of the registered digital installer scheme - if you google the RDI, you should find the details.

Don't think of working for Sky, Virgin or one of their subbies - that's a job for the young. They expect you to work long hours for little pay and just shut up and take the crap.

[redoxide]

[quote=lincsat;118118]There is a City & Guilds course available that's part of the registered digital installer scheme - if you google the RDI, you should find the details.

Don't think of working for Sky, Virgin or one of their subbies - that's a job for the young. They expect you to work long hours for little pay and just shut up and take the crap.[/quo

Thanks for the pointers lincsat i will have a look for RDI as you suggest
I did look at Sky a while ago But it did not appeal to me. I just want to be an independent installer who offers a good quality service.

[BGonaSTICK]

Good luck. It's a tough life being a small-time installer though (from what I've heard). You need to build a reputation to get above all the cowboys. Qualifications is an obvious starting point.

Definitely work out there though - especially if you're prepared to diversify a bit (terrestrial, radio etc.)

Can I have your old job? Sounds great!

[brian]

Just a thought - seeing as the satellite crowd here are pretty sound, it may be worth have an installers board, where people can ask for reputable satellite installers.

So if anyone here is thinking about setting themselves up, let me know and I'll look at getting a board set up.

[scopx]

The sat installers I have visited with over here is U.S. state their greatest fear is getting nailed by yellow jackets ( a hard stinging hornet). LOL
Tom

[nanochickin]

If what you do is an enjoyable hobby think very carefully before going into it job wise

When you have been sticking dishes up everyday the last thing you want to do when you get home or on the weekends is start playing with your own dishes

You must also remember that apart from Sky a lot of the systems that go in are not at low level, even though you think your ok with height you soon find out that your not .

I often find myself working around the forth floor (30-40ft) which doesn't sound high until your on the top of your ladder wrestling with an aerial setup on a 12-20ft pole or trying to install a dish when there is a brisk wind

Even though you have fall arrest equipment its always on the back of your mind that its going to hurt if you fall off the ladder

The highest i have worked upto now was on top of a high rise block of flats in Bolton (Blackshaw house i think it was) on top of the roof apex. It was a bit windy and i was sh**ting myself up there

Think very carefully about it, its no where near as interesting or as much fun when you do it for a job Its also bloody hard work

If you are interested doing this for a living you can try Avonline



Nano

[redoxide]

Originally Posted by nanochickin

If what you do is an enjoyable hobby think very carefully before going into it job wise

When you have been sticking dishes up everyday the last thing you want to do when you get home or on the weekends is start playing with your own dishes

Nano

Yeah i think your probably right. I think im probably just having my mid life crisis
And your right the thought of falling twenty feet off a ladder isnt that exciting. Besides not being the smallest of folks (slightly rounded..lol caused by living to close to the pub ) just think of the crater i'd leave .

i think i will just have to settle for winning the lottery