Ramblings
Iv'e added this page to babble on about stuff in general, because quite frankly, there are times when I don't want to offload, but writing it down somehow puts things into perspective.  It's all rhetorical, so don't get all batshit crazy and start emailing me to tell me I'm wrong.  My wife will do that perfectly well thanks :) Think of it more as a diary you get to read. 

The view expressed here are my own entirely, they might not always be accurate and sometimes they will be controversial.  Please take them for what they are - the ramblings of an old bloke, his view of life, work, aspirations and criticisms as he sees the world.  Nothing more!  Please do not share, copy or post them elsewhere on the internet

So in 2022, I had to re-take most of my gas exams, and again still more in 2023 /4,  just to be able to stay in this industry.  I spent thousands on Courses and exams and lost 7-10 days of work for the pleasure.  This all has to be recouped over the following 5-year period, but that cost is 'upfront'.

 I don't know which is worse, my abhorrence for the 'old tie brigade' inventing jobs for the boys OR the fact that some customers don't understand how much training and re-examination goes on in the gas industry.  Worse still, that somehow, we cannot command a suitably appropriate labour rate.
  
If customers stopped to think how much skill and training goes into say a main dealer car mechanic, who services/repairs their 30-5000K car and is charged out at £90-120 per hour, they don't bat an eyelid.  Yet the equipment that makes the meals, that make the profit, that buys that car,  is only considered worthy of 1/4-1/3rd of that, it makes me laugh.  I know I can, and regularly do, the same job that they do; keeping my work vehicle in tip-top condition.

Sharp intake of breath all you like!, I was born to a mechanic, built my first engine at 11 years old, worked in the motor industry re-conditioning engines and have maintained family cars and motorcycles for ever.  It's skilled, but not rocket science - even less so with the introduction of laptops being plugged in and telling you what needs doing.  The true skill is the engineering - and that has since become a 'part changing' exercise!

As a catering engineer I have 35 years of experience!  I know my job and that translates into quicker more effective and efficient repairs.  I know what does and doesn't break down and I'm looking for the tell tale signs that will prevent a breakdown.  My repairs last longer - even the makeshift ones.  My labour rate may seem high to you but consider the experience, the outlay of exams, the response times, the changing landscape of this industry.  Then it becomes obvious  - I'm worth it!

  
 










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