Getting a job as a mechanic with criminal record?
Discussion
I am getting sentenced in 2 weeks and told to expect about 2 years. Because of the length I was told I would get to do a course for getting a job after I get out.
Most of the courses are about bricklaying and plumbing but I was told that its hard to get a job in these now and that a car mechanic might be better.
If I did get to do a course would it be good when I am going for a job or would they see it was done in prison. Does it matter much about having a criminal record if you want to be a mechanic? Would it be a good job for me to try and get? If you were taking people on would you give somebody like me a job?
Most of the courses are about bricklaying and plumbing but I was told that its hard to get a job in these now and that a car mechanic might be better.
If I did get to do a course would it be good when I am going for a job or would they see it was done in prison. Does it matter much about having a criminal record if you want to be a mechanic? Would it be a good job for me to try and get? If you were taking people on would you give somebody like me a job?
paulm2013 said:
I am getting sentenced in 2 weeks and told to expect about 2 years. Because of the length I was told I would get to do a course for getting a job after I get out.
Most of the courses are about bricklaying and plumbing but I was told that its hard to get a job in these now and that a car mechanic might be better.
If I did get to do a course would it be good when I am going for a job or would they see it was done in prison. Does it matter much about having a criminal record if you want to be a mechanic? Would it be a good job for me to try and get? If you were taking people on would you give somebody like me a job?
I have seen less coherent posts from people who have been here for years...Most of the courses are about bricklaying and plumbing but I was told that its hard to get a job in these now and that a car mechanic might be better.
If I did get to do a course would it be good when I am going for a job or would they see it was done in prison. Does it matter much about having a criminal record if you want to be a mechanic? Would it be a good job for me to try and get? If you were taking people on would you give somebody like me a job?
No idea re your query, I am sure you may get the odd comment though?
First thing is good for you at wanting to do something with your life when you get out. Second it all depends on the offence for many employers. One of my staff got 9 months for a motoring offence, which was a grossly unfair senntance, but we kept his job open. I also have another staff member who was jailed for flashing when he was so pissed he hadn't got a clue as to what he was doing.
So long as the offence is not theft or anything kiddie related there are many employers who will give you a chance. Keep your head down and take every bit of education offered.
So long as the offence is not theft or anything kiddie related there are many employers who will give you a chance. Keep your head down and take every bit of education offered.
andymc said:
all depends on what you where convicted of, i don't think there are many mechanics courses in nick (unless it's sylvester stallone)
In Feltham where I think I will go because I am 20 one of the courses is on the website as Automotive Vehicle Maintenance. The list on the website hasPrison Workshops
BICS
Laundry
PICTA
Employment
Employment includes;
Education Orderly
Gym Orderly
Kitchen
Laundry
Library
Officers' Mess
Reception Orderly
Recycling
Servery
Unit Cleaner
Training with Qualifications in;
Automotive Vehicle Maintenance
Bricklaying
Catering
Gardening
Horticulture
Industrial Cleaning
IT - PICTA
Laundry
Motor vehicle maintenance
Painting and Decorating
PICTA
Plastering
Plumbing
Recycling
Sports Studies
Qualifications available include;
City & Guilds Basic Bricklaying,
City & Guilds Painting & Decorating,
City & Guilds Automotive Vehicle Maintenance,
ECDL, IT Essentials 1 and 2 CISCO Networking certificate
NVQ Catering & Hospitality CIEH Food Safety certificate
NPTC Horticulture
OCN Horticulture
In my opinion it's probably better to try with a 'backstreet' garage rather than a main dealer type garage as they are less likely to worry about any criminal convictions and probably wouldn't even ask. They're more likely to go with attitude and willingness to learn/work than worrying about your past.
Out of those choices I would chose plumber, then brickie. If they do corgi or sparkie courses then take them, but plumber is a good one to come out with. I don't see a prison mechanics course getting you a skill that you could successfully take to a company, you're more likely to get work as an apprentice plumber and then try to learn other things so that you've got a few trades. I've heard Pimlico take people on their attitude, not their skill or background.
Edit: Plastering is a good one, if you're real good at it people will bite your arm off.
Edit: Plastering is a good one, if you're real good at it people will bite your arm off.
The Moose said:
To answer your 'someone like me' question - who knows. We don't know you and from one post certainly can't tell for certain. A criminal record wouldn't stop me from having someone in...
Do you mind if I ask what you're getting banged up for?
GBH - I have been in trouble before but not in prison - just did community payback It happened ages ago now and I am a different person now after thinking about what I did but I can't change it. Before this was just for being drunk and fighting and doing stupid stuff and driving too but I haven't been in any trouble since this happenedDo you mind if I ask what you're getting banged up for?
This is admirable I think, not sure about mechanics.
http://www.timpson.co.uk/blog/article/79/john-timp...
http://www.timpson.co.uk/blog/article/79/john-timp...
spaximus said:
First thing is good for you at wanting to do something with your life when you get out. Second it all depends on the offence for many employers. One of my staff got 9 months for a motoring offence, which was a grossly unfair senntance, but we kept his job open. I also have another staff member who was jailed for flashing when he was so pissed he hadn't got a clue as to what he was doing.
So long as the offence is not theft or anything kiddie related there are many employers who will give you a chance. Keep your head down and take every bit of education offered.
Like I said I have changed and have stopped getting drunk and I will probably be 22 when I am out and don't want to keep getting in trouble like I was. I didn't really give a fSo long as the offence is not theft or anything kiddie related there are many employers who will give you a chance. Keep your head down and take every bit of education offered.
k before hand but seeing how upset my family are and seeing what I was like on CCTV wasn't good. I had to go for a probation meeting and they say it is good but but because of what happened was to serious not to get locked up for itpaulm2013 said:
GBH - I have been in trouble before but not in prison - just did community payback It happened ages ago now and I am a different person now after thinking about what I did but I can't change it. Before this was just for being drunk and fighting and doing stupid stuff and driving too but I haven't been in any trouble since this happened
I wouldn't have a problem with that, everyone deserves a second chance if they show the right attitude. If it was fraud or steeling it might be different. Some employers will be prejudiced but you get narrow-minded people sometimes. 
I agree with Spaceman about plumbing/builders trade as being possibly a more lucrative option, but go with what interests you. Better to get up and go to a job you like than wake up and think "oh no work again"! IMHO
paulm2013 said:
Like I said I have changed ...
I can't speak for what you've done or face as a result, but I applaud your attitude for a brave first post. That's what will give space to make your own future. Don't stop wanting it, and the best of luck.Edited by Huff on Thursday 29th August 19:39
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