Discussions

Just looking for some feedback as to people's opinion in starting an apprenticeship in there 30s. Do employers prefer people straight out of high school or having completed a pre employment course?

There are legions of people "planning" to go back to school and upgrade. They never do.

The pre employment courses are catered toward straight out of high school. You will pay to go and be at the same spot as if you just start work in the trade. If you start working you make money instead of paying. The only reason to take one is if you can’t get a job.

What trade are you looking at?

Honestly I don't think they care of your age as long as your their to work and learn. My spouse had all ages in his technical classes. And he started at a later age (with apprenticing) Some trades are kind of hard to find someone who wants to take on an apprentice. Which trade are you looking at?

Hoping to get a millwright apprenticeship but most companies are unionized and hard to get into but I'm not giving up

Check the Manitoba Provincial website searching Appentice Manitoba. It can be a challenge to secure an amployer willing to take you on from the start, but there are employers that may have put their name/business forward.

After years working in industry, I decided to go back to school at 30. I'm 32 now and am about to graduate. I already have a job offer conditional upon graduation.  
 
For me, going back when I was older actually was an advantage. During the summer between year one and two, I got a 3 month placement at a local business. They remarked at how much more mature and professional I am than the normal 19 year old kids they have in. They attributed that to my experience and maturity of course and offered me a job upon graduation.  
 
Going back to school has been a fantastic experience for me.

As long as you're physically and mentally able, age is never a barrier.  
 
Most employers don't care either way, as long as the person can perform the job.  
 
Sounds like you're not short on grit, so good luck with your new endeavour.

R+M said "Just looking for some feedback as to people's opinion in starting an apprenticeship in there 30s. Do employers prefer people straight out of high school or having completed a pre employment course? "

My life took a HARD left in 2013, I had just turned 36. After a couple of months of processing my new life change I put together a "GOOD" resume and had clearly worked out what I wanted to do.  
 
In early April I got the yellow pages and went to electrical companies and just started at A...had an apprenticeship by mid May.  
 
I was willing to do whatever it took, I didn't make demands or tell them what I couldn't do and I was very clear that I was there for the long term.  
 
But...also, for what it's worth...it was tough going from what I was earning for the last 15 years to a 1st year apprentice wage of around $15/h, and the seasonal work schedule of the trades is tough (30 hours here, 60 hours there, no hours for a couple weeks). I ended up starting up another business, make sure you can go for a few years without needing a ton of income.