Big plans = scary next 2 years

sakashitti ratter · Scooby Slapper Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Karma :

Right I've handed my notice in at work to go for an apprenticeship in motorcycle mechanics. I'm 24 now and turning 25 at the end of the year so starting a bit late but ho hum Whistle

.

I lrent a flat, which I will probably struggle to pay for as i go onto real shitty wages! I was hoping someone else had done this and would be able to give me info on what I can do to stay where I am.

Also any advice anyone wants to give me along the way whilst I'm learning will be much appreciated!

Also, if anyone in the south knows of anywhere willing to take on an apprectice Very Happy

If not I will be harassing the local bike dealers anyway
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Nothing a hammer can't fix! Laughing

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

I heard the Princes trust can lend you money for that sort of thing.
I might be very wrong.

You have to pay it back though Thumbs Up

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Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
Bike:- Yamaha TRX850 | Killas Biking History | Killas Gaming History | Killas autmotive history

SoulRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Karma :

You seem to have gone about this the wrong way.

Personally i would have asked around to secure an apprentice place before handing my notice in, then i would have known what my expected income would be and weather or not to seek advice about affording where im living.

Doing this before youve handed your notice in would have made you a bit more prepared for this, anyway good luck with finding a place and hope you enjoy it Thumbs Up

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sakashitti ratter · Scooby Slapper Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Karma :

Shay HTFC · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Karma :

I don't know anything, but I'd have thought you'd be more attractive than some chav from the local school.
Make sure they know about your passion for bikes and your experience already in work. I know its supposed to be a chance for a 16 year to get some, but from an employers point of view, I guess they'd still want to know that you won't just doss about all day.

Although... saying that, some 16yr olds are willing to work for £5 an hour. Are you?

Trixie · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Karma :

Good luck. Thumbs Up

There's so many people who get to a certain age, realise they've made the wrong career choice but then can't do anything about it from a practical point of view due to financial constraints or whatever...you're easily young enough to retrain for a job doing something you like doing - good on ya!

If you're worried about paying rent, then how about a part time evening job? Bar work? shelf stacking? Yeah, you'll be knackered (been there, done that), but if it keeps a roof over your head then it's gotta be done - think of it as short term pain for long term gain.

Hope it all works out for you. Smile

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Dead nobodies in company cars...

Shay HTFC · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Karma :

If you're worried about paying rent, move north Very Happy

Plenty of cheap houses in the North East! Cool

sakashitti ratter · Scooby Slapper Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Karma :

Well I am a fully qualified vinyl technician (decals n shit) I wonder if I can go freelance.... Will have to have a look. Thanks for the advice so far Thumbs Up

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Nothing a hammer can't fix! Laughing

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

Get a gerber and get cutting! There's loads of vinyls on ebay. You could set up an ebay store in 10 mins!

As for housing costs, claim housing benefits. If you have a search online, you should find some info.
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Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Apprenticeships do tend to favour 16yr olds as most are still living at home and not having to pay substantial rent/bills etc.

I'm pretty sure the Prince's trust is more to do with setting up promising young business', rather than helping people afford to do a lower paid job.

Good on you though, and the best of luck. Better to be happy than loaded Thumbs Up

Mjolnir · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Karma :

I'm no use to you at all to be honest but I wanted to wish you good luck with it Thumbs Up

Too many people are stuck doing things they don't enjoy.

Follow the dream, Push the envelope, Use the force and other motivational slogans as well!

snapperslappe... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Karma :

if your doing an apprenticeship, and you only get a learning allowance, and only get taught for 16 hours a week or less, you can qualify for housing benifit to pay a part of your rent, and a reduced job seekers allowance.

I did an electrical eng. apprenticeship and took my learning agreement to the dole, even though i was working 4 days a week and on a day release to college on a wednesday, i qualified for help, which made the whole thing allot easier to do, and it's all above board ( just no one ever seems to look into it)....

as long as you can confirm your low income and teaching hours, your sorted Thumbs Up

Shay HTFC · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Karma :

Tommy · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Karma :

Can't offer you any advice mate but good on ya Thumbs Up

As snapperslapper said check with the DSS/DWP whatever the hell they call themselves these days.

Worst they can say is no.

RI_HA · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Karma :

As long as you work 16 hours per week and over 25 years of age you can claim WTC but your earnings must not go about about 5k. thats if your a single person without kiddies.

Call up the tax credit helpline for an exact calculation if you have some figures in mind for earnings per annum.

DWP wont do much, although you may be in for Housing benefit and council tax benefit, contact your local authority.