Careers Advice, Anyone?.

[Green Nomad]

Hi,

I am coming close to finishing my contract here in Oman as an aircraft engineer, and I am looking to retrain if needs be to be a plumber or similar, if I can get the training done, before my expected retirement in 15 yrs or so.

My question is, has anyone been in a similar position, retrained to be a plumber or electrician and managed to be a success in Thailand, as a business boss of course.

I know for sure in my line of work as an aircraft worker, there is no contracts available in or near to Thailand.

Any help much appreciated....GN.

[Pleng]

I'm pretty sure that electrician and plumber are on the (very long) list of professions that are forbidden for non-Thais. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

(edit) sorry I see you're looking to run a business, in which case that's probably ok?

[margaretcarnes]

I can see possible potential for running a 'farang' standard electrical installation company in Thailand - but would have thought that standard of work, when needed in big building projects, would already be covered by the main contractors?
Perhaps at a domestic level - might be worth getting some comments from the farang property developers.
Must admit the farang I know who have succeeded in anything other than the usual property/hospitality fields have been a construction project manager in Bangkok, rail engineer, or one was a clothing factory manager. All had many years of prior experience before landing jobs in Thailand.
While it's admirable to be considering a change of direction, you maybe need to look at how many working years will be left after the training - and what kind of practical experience in the field would be needed to satisfy work permit conditions. Then there are the updates needed for electrical work - at least to maintain Western standards.
As for plumbing - any farang who can even contemplate a plumbing business in Thailand deserves a medal IMO!