Interested in your thoughts or advice...
Discussion
real4star said:
Have you tried toy companies?
Airfix, scale(x?)tric and such... they must need model makers and designers
That's a really good shout. I've likened some of the projects I worked on in the past to giant airfix kits!Airfix, scale(x?)tric and such... they must need model makers and designers
I don't think I've been concentrating on one thing too much, but peoples suggestions are helping to broaden my search. Some of these things just don't spring to mind.
BenRichards89 said:
My fault to some extent. The OP is a bit long. I posted as I knew people would good suggestions.
I do look into transferable skills, I keep an eye on other design sectors, graphics etc. I always though Civils would be a bit too technical for me, but again it's worth looking into so thanks for that
Civils is as technical as you make it. Everything you need to know is in a book or design guide somewhere. I do look into transferable skills, I keep an eye on other design sectors, graphics etc. I always though Civils would be a bit too technical for me, but again it's worth looking into so thanks for that
Maybe have a look at matchtech or hays websites (others are available), may even be worth chucking a CV their way - youll probably get a call from an "advisor" but you can then have a chat about transferrable potential.
I don't want to get all "self-help" on you, or tell you stuff you already know, but have you thought about speaking to an employment specialist, see if they can give you hints or constructive criticism on your CV? There are little pointers - like using generic terms for more specialised skills - which might make your CV stay at the top of the pile.
BenRichards89 said:
That's a really good shout. I've likened some of the projects I worked on in the past to giant airfix kits!
I don't think I've been concentrating on one thing too much, but peoples suggestions are helping to broaden my search. Some of these things just don't spring to mind.
http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/2829/how-to-become-a-professional-lego-designer-no-seriouslyI don't think I've been concentrating on one thing too much, but peoples suggestions are helping to broaden my search. Some of these things just don't spring to mind.
Lego designer...
SpudLink said:
Just finished reading the thread on you build project. You have real talent, as a designer and model builder.
Wish I could offer helpful advice. In the short term, perhaps have a 'downgraded' CV to get your foot in the door at a McJob. And keep putting the real CV out their to those that might offer a job suitable to you talents.
Good luck mate.
Thanks, that means a lot Wish I could offer helpful advice. In the short term, perhaps have a 'downgraded' CV to get your foot in the door at a McJob. And keep putting the real CV out their to those that might offer a job suitable to you talents.
Good luck mate.
That is pretty much the plan at the moment. Get in somewhere to keep me afloat while I continue to look around, while using some of the wage to make another model to showcase some of the skills I've picked up since, as that model is over 2 years old now, and I need something fresh for the portfolio.
OpulentBob said:
Civils is as technical as you make it. Everything you need to know is in a book or design guide somewhere.
Maybe have a look at matchtech or hays websites (others are available), may even be worth chucking a CV their way - youll probably get a call from an "advisor" but you can then have a chat about transferrable potential.
I don't want to get all "self-help" on you, or tell you stuff you already know, but have you thought about speaking to an employment specialist, see if they can give you hints or constructive criticism on your CV? There are little pointers - like using generic terms for more specialised skills - which might make your CV stay at the top of the pile.
Thanks. I think I do need to have another look at my CV and refresh it. Currently I just feel like the stuff I've done is going against me rather than for meMaybe have a look at matchtech or hays websites (others are available), may even be worth chucking a CV their way - youll probably get a call from an "advisor" but you can then have a chat about transferrable potential.
I don't want to get all "self-help" on you, or tell you stuff you already know, but have you thought about speaking to an employment specialist, see if they can give you hints or constructive criticism on your CV? There are little pointers - like using generic terms for more specialised skills - which might make your CV stay at the top of the pile.
OpulentBob said:
That is brilliant!NeMiSiS said:
Don't be ashamed to sign on, it won’t be long term, and believe it or not the JobCenterPlus can give some sound advice on how to get into work.
My advice would be to emigrate while you have few ties, or should I say before it's too late, even if it’s picking fruit in Australia - it’s a window of opportunity to see what’s there and what could be open to you.
If there is nothing here, move on.
I've always wanted to go to Australia. Although I thought they would only let you in on a permanent basis if you had so much experience in a certain industry and had something to offer. Aside from normal jobs over there I would love to work in Holden's Studio as a modeller.My advice would be to emigrate while you have few ties, or should I say before it's too late, even if it’s picking fruit in Australia - it’s a window of opportunity to see what’s there and what could be open to you.
If there is nothing here, move on.
The only concern with going abroad is the arrangements of my Crohns Treatment.
OpulentBob said:
Oh and (possibly flame suit on) while you're searching, claim what you are entitled to. You'll be paying in to it when you're working, and it's what it's there for. s
t experience, yes (I've done it, once!) but it really makes you appreciate work when you do finally find it!
+1 - while I wish you every success OP - and you clearly have more talent in your little finger than I have in my entire (Adonis like) body - don't forget that if on benefits things like your medication would be free (though it may be now) and you may be entitled to free dentistry, eye checks, that kind of thing. You have paid into it and are entitled to it. Though the reality is, I appreciate, galling.t experience, yes (I've done it, once!) but it really makes you appreciate work when you do finally find it!You have clear ability - don't give up on it and go back to your old job because it's a safety net. Work might be scarce but you clearly have the skills, drive and enthusiasm - something will come up. It might not be in motoring just yet, but there's plenty of time to return there.
paolow said:
+1 - while I wish you every success OP - and you clearly have more talent in your little finger than I have in my entire (Adonis like) body - don't forget that if on benefits things like your medication would be free (though it may be now) and you may be entitled to free dentistry, eye checks, that kind of thing. You have paid into it and are entitled to it. Though the reality is, I appreciate, galling.
You have clear ability - don't give up on it and go back to your old job because it's a safety net. Work might be scarce but you clearly have the skills, drive and enthusiasm - something will come up. It might not be in motoring just yet, but there's plenty of time to return there.
Thank you. I don't currently have to pay for my treatment, but I do know its very expensive.You have clear ability - don't give up on it and go back to your old job because it's a safety net. Work might be scarce but you clearly have the skills, drive and enthusiasm - something will come up. It might not be in motoring just yet, but there's plenty of time to return there.
I hope you're right
If travel, doing some work but for shorter periods on a limited budget interests you, have a look here: http://www.workaway.info/
It matches up all sorts of stuff from couples renovating farmhouses to large build projects and everything in between with people like you who would like to go abroad and are willing to muck in for the cost of flights only, pretty much. Shortest stay and time helping out the hosts are looking for is usually 2 weeks, with a month being the most common. Pick a country and browse the options
I second the JSA advice, and if you your parents are helping you out a bit, you could easily save up for a cheap return to Europe. You may find getting out of your current situation gives you a valuable new perspective, you can gain new and more skills, meet new people and who knows where it will lead.
Good luck. You're extremely articulate, seem motivated and skilled and you sound like you deserve a break!
It matches up all sorts of stuff from couples renovating farmhouses to large build projects and everything in between with people like you who would like to go abroad and are willing to muck in for the cost of flights only, pretty much. Shortest stay and time helping out the hosts are looking for is usually 2 weeks, with a month being the most common. Pick a country and browse the options
I second the JSA advice, and if you your parents are helping you out a bit, you could easily save up for a cheap return to Europe. You may find getting out of your current situation gives you a valuable new perspective, you can gain new and more skills, meet new people and who knows where it will lead.
Good luck. You're extremely articulate, seem motivated and skilled and you sound like you deserve a break!
OpulentBob said:
Don't join the police as a riot control officer and then refuse to open fire on a crowd of rioters.
I got the reference. "Get me the Justice department. Entertainment division"
Seriously OP, you have my symapthies. How are you applying for jobs BTW? Are you using specialised recruitment agencies? As someone who deals with then from an employers POV I have interviewed and employed people who after reading a CV I was set to reject at first stage. A decent agent can get you in the door and hugely increase your chances.
The fact that yoappaear to be mobile (ie: not confined to South Wales) will go in your favour too. Good luck.
Edited by 8Ace on Friday 19th July 08:48
Ben
Have a look at these guys
http://www.modelmakers-uk.co.uk/architectural-mode...
Based in Cardiff too, try for a foot in the door ?
real4star said:
Have you tried toy companies?
Airfix, scale(x?)tric and such... they must need model makers and designers
Airfix Models are now owned by Hornby and are in a bit of a resurgence at the moment so they may be worth contacting.Airfix, scale(x?)tric and such... they must need model makers and designers
Most of the actual master model/pattern mould making is actually going on in India and China - with design, CAD and research going on in the UK.
However, recently they announced that some of the master and pattern work is coming back to the UK.
8Ace said:
I got the reference. "Get me the Justice department. Entertainment division"
Seriously OP, you have my symapthies. How are you applying for jobs BTW? Are you using specialised recruitment agencies? As someone who deals with then from an employers POV I have interviewed and employed people who after reading a CV I was set to reject at first stage. A decent agent can get you in the door and hugely increase your chances.
The fact that yoappaear to be mobile (ie: not confined to South Wales) will go in your favour too. Good luck.
Edited by 8Ace on Friday 19th July 08:48
I've also tried to draw on some of the contacts I have. For example I've spoken a couple of times to one of JLR's chief designers about prospective stuff there. I was also talking to people at SAIC MG over a few weeks and nearly got in there at the beginning of the year, and I've spoken to people at Aston Martin on a few occasions as well as people at a few other places.
Edited by BenRichards89 on Friday 19th July 14:40
To echo the advice you've got so far, just keep going. You've clearly had a bit of bad luck but people that have the right attitude will always get on, regardless of the obstacles in front of them.
The first graduate job is always the hardest to get, especially in this climate, so don't be afraid to be bold. I managed to get an interview with a small automotive manufacturer by door stepping them. They we're vaguely thinking of getting a graduate in and a keen lad just appeared in front of them!
Think reasonably broadly about the approach and keep plugging away and you'll get there. Good luck.
The first graduate job is always the hardest to get, especially in this climate, so don't be afraid to be bold. I managed to get an interview with a small automotive manufacturer by door stepping them. They we're vaguely thinking of getting a graduate in and a keen lad just appeared in front of them!
Think reasonably broadly about the approach and keep plugging away and you'll get there. Good luck.
BenRichards89 said:
JLR accept people with 2:2s, so I applied there for the Graduate Modeller role, my portfolio got through, but I failed the ridiculous psychometric tests, which given I had a bit more experience than a graduate, grated slightly. I’m waiting for it to open again this year to give it another shot.
Can I just say that you cant fail psychometric tests. They will have a certain profile they are looking for and you cant "play" the test to try and be that if you are not because there are a number of tests built into the questions to look for consistency and weed out people who are trying to play a game. craigjm said:
Can I just say that you cant fail psychometric tests. They will have a certain profile they are looking for and you cant "play" the test to try and be that if you are not because there are a number of tests built into the questions to look for consistency and weed out people who are trying to play a game.
Perhaps psychometric was the wrong word that I used? These tests had distinct correct/incorrect answers. My last attempt I ran out of time on the last section. I certainly didn't intend to "play" them, merely get the right answer in the time allowed, which by the end I failed to do as I couldn't get my head around what was being asked quick enough.If I recall the tests were Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Diagrammatical Reasoning.
The only reason it grated on me was because I knew I was more than capable of the job I was applying for, having already had a year's experience of doing the same job elsewhere, and infact on some occasions, working on their site, on their projects!
Controversial thought perhaps but I felt the tests were not relevant to the position I was applying for and done me a disservice, but they have got to trim down X000's of Graduates to something more accommodating I guess.
Ironically, a friend of mine works there on the Grad Scheme as a Designer, and never even took the tests.
Edited by BenRichards89 on Tuesday 23 July 01:40
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