30 too old to get into IT?

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Interslice

159 posts

Master Geek

#154340 24-Oct-2014 17:34

Hello

So basically I am 30 years old, and have worked at the same place for the last 10 years for a local kitchen manufacturing business. My partner and I have just had our first child, he is six weeks old. This has got me thinking about the future quite a bit..
I have not had a wage rise in the last 4 years and now am on slightly more than minimum wage. I don't think I would like to work at this company much longer seeing there is no way to progress.

I have been thinking about getting into IT for years having an interest in tech in general but have never done anything about it and am wondering if its too late? I have no real coding experience so was wondering if there was something like an IT apprenticeship out there? I would be really keen to learn something but don't have the money to full time study so would need to be earning while I did it. Just wondering if there is anything out there like that? or am I just wishful thinking?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank You.

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#1161606 24-Oct-2014 17:36

Well I am 45 and trying to get into IT (just got a Diploma in Systems Technology and A+ and Network+ certified, hint hint giz a job!) so I bloody well hope not!

Brumfondl

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nathan

5695 posts

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#1161617 24-Oct-2014 17:48

30 is definitely not too old to get into IT, nor is 45 :)

Anyone that is passionate about tech can get a job in IT

MikeB4

18435 posts

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#1161619 24-Oct-2014 17:53

I was in my 40's when I redirected my career into IT

Interslice

159 posts

Master Geek

#1161620 24-Oct-2014 17:54

But can you get into IT without being able to study? I would need to be working too, otherwise me and my family would be on the street..

Interslice

159 posts

Master Geek

#1161621 24-Oct-2014 17:55

KiwiNZ: I was in my 40's when I redirected my career into IT

How did you go about this?

MikeB4

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#1161622 24-Oct-2014 17:56

I worked and studied at the same time then moved into IT.

MikeB4

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#1161625 24-Oct-2014 17:59

if you really want something age is no barrier, it will be a barrier if you make it one. Decide what you want to do, work out what you need to do it, plan a plan to get and go for it. Don't be the first person to hold you back.

Interslice

159 posts

Master Geek

#1161626 24-Oct-2014 18:00

Was that through something like an open polytech course?

MikeB4

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#1161629 24-Oct-2014 18:07

I read every book I could find, I started to build PC's, fix PC's and basically talked to anyone I found in IT. I then started on a Helpdesk as an Analyst, during that time I completed MSFT, HP, IBM certifications and ITIL Qualifications, a year later I was Manager of said Helpdesk, a further year later I was manager of the Helpdesk, IT Trainers, Business Analysts and the Desktop Support Teams.

Brumfondl

1185 posts

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#1161634 24-Oct-2014 18:09

Computer Power Plus, where I studied, offer part time study. They are in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

Brumfondl

Interslice

159 posts

Master Geek

#1161679 24-Oct-2014 19:32

You guys have given me a bit of inspiration Im going to have to look over some options. I cant afford the course fees at Computer Power Plus and not very keen on taking out a loan either.. Gotta be some way to do it. Cheers.

nathan

5695 posts

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#1161680 24-Oct-2014 19:33

Depends what sort of IT thing you want to do

www.coursera.org

Coding, networking, comp Sci courses by top universities all free and do from home.

Also code academy, but coursera has other stuff too lots of networking

I also discovered Udemy recently, a very small charge for their courses.

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#1161703 24-Oct-2014 19:50

Depends what your current skill levels are, and what you are or aren't willing to do work-wise. One option that can work, is to find work with the helpdesk of a major IT-related company, be it an ISP or other. You usually don't need much in the way of qualification or experience to start on a level 1 helpdesk, other than being moderately clued up and able to communicate moderately well. It's not glamorous, but there's usually then opportunity to show you are competent, and progress up to more senior technical roles, and then move away from helpdesk into some other support areas. It's not a magic fast track to success by any means, but it is certainly an option for wanting to change career without significant time or money investment in qualification to 'jump start' as it were.

kiwigeek1

637 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1161723 24-Oct-2014 20:20

Depends what city you live.. Im in CHCH and have been trying to get work back in IT support since returning from OZ in 2002 and now Im 48... no show.. always rejected prob tried 3000+ apps..
last reject was from help desk with a Farming company.

Im now a professional cleaner for nights...alas only part time.. kills the back and hands
and yes i do have mild RSI to boot.

oh hum

good luck,, think if you into coding and not support might have better chance.

ps I have a Canty BSC in comp and a Dip in IT from CPIT didnt help at all. plus 20 years working for Helpdesks
and Lan Manager :)

Sideface

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#1161730 24-Oct-2014 20:35

I got into IT aged 55, after 2 years of intensive full-time study at Polytech.
Ended up as CIO of a software development company (50 employees).
The company died in the recession and I'm now retired.
It was fun while it lasted

30 is not "too old" for anything.

Sideface

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