Want an interesting life? Ever thought of the armed forces or the airforce etc. You don't have to join up in a position that requires you to shoot people half the time you know, it sounds interesting to me and I'm joining up for sure, decent pay aswell.
You're holding yourself back by saying that you're too old. I'm 23 and don't consider 30 to be too old to change career. I've had a half-radical change, since I left Uni I've been an ICT Technician/Tutor, which means half the time I teach, the other half I manage the company's ICT. After 2 years I've handed in my notice and I'm starting work next Tuesday as a Web Designer. It's not as radical as it could have been, but I'm turning a hobby into a career. I enjoyed teaching, even though it was for just 2 years, but I couldn't see myself doing it for life. If you're sick of it, then make the move - look into college in the evenings as some have already mentioned, or ask your current employer if they'd give you a morning/afternoon off a week to do a course.
Nah the age thing is a genuine barrier. Companies recieve funding to support apprentices between 16-24 years old. Also, according to the Learning Direct website, most employers will be unlikely to consider taking on an older apprentice as they expect them to require a higher wage than a teenage apprentice due to adult financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children etc. This is information I've read on several websites. The advanced apprenticeship scheme is supposed to provide funding to employers for older people wanting to begin working in that particular field, however it seems to be hard to find much information about it.
30 is not old , as you mention firms get grants or assistance to take on people, but there so many firms who would bite your arm off to get a chap who is keen to learn, who is reliable and stable , in that instance I know I would employ a 30 year old who would turn up over an 18 year old, life brings its own experience. My advice , phone round firms in your area and pop in and meet them, tell them what you would like to do, , If you do that, Id wager you have a job offer within the week.
