Engineering graduate job interview
Discussion
doogz said:
So you're a rocket scientist that works out radiator sizes for Ford Fiestas? 
Now you can actually start learning.
Yup Now you can actually start learning.
I'm really looking forward to it.
RenesisEvo said:
GroundEffect said:
Today I accepted a verbal offer with Ford 
Congratulations! May I ask where you will be working (Dunton, Dagenham, etc.) if you don't mind saying?I had a tough interview at Dunton in June (not helped by being late, despite giving myself an extra hour to get there), was offered the position but at a poor rate - less than I was already on, so in the end I turned it down. It wasn't about cooling systems so fear not!
Good luck with the new job!
doogz said:
GroundEffect said:
I'll be at Dunton. I have to say, though, the pay is more than satisfactory for me
Ball park figure?I skipped the whole Graduate thing and went straight from Uni, to contracting, but at the time, graduate wages here were terrible.
The graduates in here have a real bad attitude as well, it's the way the program is run, but they all have this belief that they'll stick out their 2 years on the grad scheme, then instantly become Directors, it's funny listening to them.
doogz said:
GroundEffect said:
Still to be confirmed (waiting for my contract to come through) but it should be over £35k given what was discussed and the job advertisement. It's not a graduate training scheme, it's a proper engineering job but for graduate-level. They've recommended I apply for the grad training scheme too so I can move to a permanent role with the company - this one is contract-based.
I don't understand.Is it a contract job, as in, will you be working for them, or yourself?
Is it a salary, or an hourly rate?
doogz said:
GroundEffect said:
Hourly rate. I'm not entirely sure of the situation either, but as he explained yesterday, the powertrain department works this way; they bring in people on contract and their contracts are renewed at the beginning of the calender year. He stated that they're in the process of expansion so my job wouldn't be on the line for renewal.
Hmm.. These are things i would have asked before accepting anything. Or have you not accepted the offer yet?Sounds like they're bringing you on as a contractor, you'll require an accountant, and a limited company by the sounds of things.
Your job won't be on the line for renewal? If everyone's contract is up at the end of the calendar year, you'll be hoping yours is in line for renewal! Unless i'm missing something.
And what I meant was is that my contract will be renewed in January since they aren't getting rid of anyone.
GroundEffect said:
Hourly rate. I'm not entirely sure of the situation either, but as he explained yesterday, the powertrain department works this way; they bring in people on contract and their contracts are renewed at the beginning of the calender year. He stated that they're in the process of expansion so my job wouldn't be on the line for renewal.
That's what they told me, very common for auto industry now across the board. The budgets for the depts get approved/released annually, so once they're available they can then renew (or not) the contracts.I was offered for a non-graduate project management role an hourly rate that would just about match the salary I was on, circa 25k (so well done you!). I was offered significantly more by BMW (about 43% more in fact) for a similar job, I turned that down too (although I partly still regret that, I hope I made the right choice!)
doogz said:
Renesis, £25k contracting? Too right, I'd be offended at that tbh. The whole point in contracting is money. Some will say flexibility, and give a whole load of other reasons why it's better. And some of them might be right. But really, it's about money.
I was almost offended, especially given they knew I would have to re-locate and the fact I possess a masters degree and several years of experience (not a fresh graduate); I really felt they were trying it on. I tried to politely get them to improve the offer, but they weren't interested, so I said no.I agree that contracting really is only about the money, hence why I'm sticking out my permanent job for now, even if the pay isn't great - I know I could earn more elsewhere, but for now I'd rather stay in F1.
GroundEffect - our paths may yet cross - Dunton is geographically very good for me, it's a shame it didn't work out this time, but it's still on my list for the future.
doogz said:
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
Don't forget about IR35, not sure I fully understand it still, but when I was looking into contracting, that was an issue - basically could mean more tax (less income 
)doogz said:
No, it's because you're disposable, and they don't need to give you paid holidays, or a pension, or pay your NI or anything at all.
And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
Not always, my OH is contracting with no ltd company or accountant.And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
doogz said:
Strachan said:
doogz said:
No, it's because you're disposable, and they don't need to give you paid holidays, or a pension, or pay your NI or anything at all.
And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
Not always, my OH is contracting with no ltd company or accountant.And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
doogz said:
GroundEffect said:
doogz said:
Strachan said:
doogz said:
No, it's because you're disposable, and they don't need to give you paid holidays, or a pension, or pay your NI or anything at all.
And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
Not always, my OH is contracting with no ltd company or accountant.And you'll need a limited company, and an accountant.
Which actually has a lot of benefits imo, you best check with the agency as to the exact arrangement, in case they have some umbrella PAYE scheme where they'll take you on as staff or something.
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