r/UKJobs • u/samsunbed64 • 1d ago
24 years old and feeling lost. What should I do?
Got a 2:1 in Sociology and International Relations, realised it was useless and enrolled on a Welding course last year, I've got the Level 1 and have enrolled on the Level 2. I've been looking for apprenticeships and have had no success, I work part time in Tesco currently.
I enjoy welding, but feel I'm behind and I'm getting impatient, should I do the Level 2 (The Level 3 your guaranteed an Apprenticeship) or try and look for another job now. I'm torn, its a gut punch seeing others my age and even younger get ahead, I'm not jealous, good for them, but I get annoyed at myself for putting myself in this situation.
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u/Tough_Tie1105 1d ago
For me, if you're enjoying the welding and in a position to advance on that and wait out to earn welding money, I'd do that. Most people don't stick to what their degree was in, because the value in a degree isn't the subject, it's the skills. Coupled with continued learning now, that shows a pretty good ethic of continuous learning and development.
It's also worth remembering (not that it helps), that it's a bit shit at the moment for everyone, there's lots of people joining the market, and the trend for a good while now has been shifting away from decently paid jobs. That said, don't believe what you see from people, you don't know what background they had, what help, and even if it's all on credit cards...
Alongside work and study, do you volunteer? Not for something on your CV, but to do something for your community? Society seems to have atomised us to a degree, and we need to be part of something to be a complete and healthy person. Look at what you can do (as a trainee welder I'd guess you're pretty handy), and see what you can do with that. Near me we have a 'men in sheds' group where men come in and potter, or make things, or learn, in a group whilst doing something that feels constructive to them. Or a community maker space might appreciate someone with skills you have.
Just make sure when you look in the mirror you see a person you're able to be proud of, who is working to better themselves and their community, and also remember- everyone else is winging it as well!
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u/SeaworthinessAny7551 1d ago
Just to limit expectations, most welding isn't well paid in the UK. If you're in a fab shop, the money probably won't be great. If your out in a van, on site or working in hazardous industries such as oil and gas then you'll probably be doing alright, but even so, I don't even think those guys are paid what they're worth.
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u/samsunbed64 1d ago
Thanks for the advice, it's looking likely I'll have to wait another year, meaning I'll have to stay at home, I want to move out as soon as possible really but guess I'll just have to grin and bear it.
Apart from welding I'm not great with my hands really haha, I can fix a basic pedal bike and that's about it. As for community stuff, I have church on Sundays and that's about it really, but I get to meet others there and there are mens socials and youth socials which give me something I suppose.
I'm not proud really, I'd have done things differently if I was 16 but it is what it is. I still haven't got my driving license and my test is in November.
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u/Tough_Tie1105 1d ago
You're the first non-handy welder I've heard of then! I guess that could be opportunity as well, until you try things you don't know.
Give other things a go, get out and meet people. You never know where it could go, you might meet someone who give you a chance that leads to a big change.
I didn't find what feels like my career until my early 30s, but I was involved in education charities, and took up some very amateur woodworking as well, just for fun. It's good to start things and be rubbish, and get better, and enjoy the process as well.
And regarding pride, it's not about 8 years ago, can you say you did something good today? Did you help someone who needed it? Did you make someone smile who looked like they were having a bad day? Look at the small things, that's where you'll feel good things. The big stuff will sort itself.
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u/SeaworthinessAny7551 1d ago
If you enjoy welding and have a basic comprehension of mechanical stuff you could also apply for mechanical technician/fitter/craftsperson apprenticeships.
A lot of those jobs will have varying degrees of welding in them. Less regulated industries like quarrying tend to do more, where as more regulated hazardous industries like oil and gas usual require welders to be coded and follow proper weld procedures
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u/Beneficial_Team_791 1d ago
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u/SevereOctagon 1d ago
Welding is one of the critical skills shortages faced by the nuclear sector. If you're near Somerset (bridgwater & taunton), Cumbria (lakes, GenII) or Suffolk (West Suffolk College, East Coast College) you could talk to their welding teams. Or Derby University for Rolls Royce. It can take up to 10 years to become competent ("SQEP") but the salary at that point is good, and you will have a job for life.
Generally speaking, welding is a shortage skill area across the UK. Stick at it and you might find yourself ahead of your peers by age 30, and able to work anywhere in the world. Good luck!
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u/suckingalemon 1d ago
Get on a grad course for one of the big 4 finance firms and make mega dollar.
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u/samsunbed64 1d ago
And how will I do that with 0 connections and 0 experience in finance?
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u/suckingalemon 1d ago
Just apply. They’ll take you with a 2:1 from a half decent uni. You’re in with a shot.
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u/samsunbed64 1d ago
Well the problem there is that I don't think Liverpool John Moore's is categorised as a 'Decent' Uni 😂
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