Dominus your experience is similar to mine - I was told that I couldn’t get artic work without two years experience but have had some through an agency, on the downside the hours have been very long and the pay ain’t brilliant. I’ve just finished a 14 hour day - plus nearly two hours travel to work - which will pay me £100 or so. I’m lucky as I’ve had a reasonably well paid job for 20 plus years so can live on what I can earn, and my kids are in their 20’s so when they are home its a joy to get out of the house! I’m hoping that after I’ve worked for two years I’ll have a wider choice of jobs so the agencies can’t hold me to ransom. Good luck.
I would strongly urge you to sever your connection with this cowboy ASAP! I appreciate that as a newbie you’re keen for experience but this fella is really taking you for a ride. I think you can wring more out of him if you show him you’re up to the task. Do it whilst you’ve got nothing else but get out of there as soon as you can, no telling how you’ll end up with that outfit. Not all jobs are 15 hour shifts, far from it so don’t let that put you off but the earning potential ain’t what it used to be.