Is 34 too old to try to get a plumber apprentice job and work up to Journeyman/Master status?
Asked by Kristy
My husband has been really interested in doing this lately. He said he has heard it takes about 4 yrs as an apprentice, and then you get a Journeyman's license, and then a few more years to be a Master. I encouraged him to do it and he says he thinks he is too old, and that people usually start apprenticing out of highschool. Is this true, and do you think 34 is too old to start out? Thanks!

Best Answer:
One of my cousins started electrical school when he was 32, did his apprentice 34-37 and has been a journeyman since. He's union and makes $42.50 an hour. Plumbers make more then he does, what I have no idea.

At age 34 it is usually too great of a financial hit to start as an entry level employee. Plumbing is also a heavy lifting job - as are most construction jobs - but he would know his body better than anyone. Will he be able to physically handle it? No time like the present to change careers - it seems to hit around 47 - so he has an edge there.
Answered by justwondering

you are never too old to try something new...it is very common for people to change careers after spending many years in one profession. Good luck to him, he has the guts I wish I had.
Answered by Bravo_33

no it is not! a lot of people start there careers late in life because of many reasons. tell him to go for it. all the luck in the world.
Answered by bookreader ohio

A chap i used to work with was 44 and he had this idea of becoming a gas fitter, he enrolled on a local college course in the evenings and applied for a job as a gas fitters mate, so maybe if he is to old for a apprenticeship then this is the best possible option.
Answered by travis0302