Worth becoming a plumber when I can’t drive?

[Heather2023]

what title says basically. I’m 23 just finished a costume degree looking to change careers (for so many reasons) but all the trades I’ve looked at seem to heavily rely on having a driving license. The issue there is that I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) which means that my reactions are too slow to be a safe driver, and I have poor spacial awareness among other things. Any advice would be great!

 

[Ben-gee]

You would not be able to work on your own- but as part of a two person team not being able to drive would be less of an issue.

 

[gmartine]

It's like any other trade so you'd need to find a role that didn't require you to transport your tools to a job or place of work. Not impossible but restrictive in terms of future employment options.

 

[Last Plumber]

I don't know anything about ADD but from what you said you may be better working with someone as mentioned above.
The subject of Plumbing is vast and I'm sure there are aspects of it that are within your capabilities but working along side someone will help you discover what they are and answer the transport problem.

Just thinking out loud:
Once you're qualified and experienced, there are some opportunities such as maintenance in buildings that require site based staff. e.g. Hotels, care homes, factories, schools etc. Maybe look into that side of things too if driving is never going to be a possibility. I don't know what would be available but it's a thought.

 

[Chuck]

IME, the ADD label covers quite a wide range of personalities. I tend to think of people with it as 'creative', 'energetic' and 'sociable'. One person I know with it can work with 100% concentration for hours on end without a break, but only when they find the task 'interesting'. They have no ability to 'knuckle down' and stick at important but uninteresting tasks.

The 'installation' aspect of plumbing needs good spatial awareness. With domestic work you need to be able to plan pipework paths and think ahead in 3-d to anticipate and workaround problems. There are a lot of 'rules' you need to know and must comply with. At the commercial end of the business, you'll be working from drawings and specifications and to a strict timetable.

I'd suggest you try talking to your local college. They should have an adviser who can discuss the right course/career for you taking your specific circumstances and background into account.