Looking for some advice.

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s.brogan

Original Poster:

4 posts

104 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
quotequote all
This forum popped up on a job search, so I'm not sure if this sort of post is allowed/in the right place but hey ho it's worth a try.

I'm looking to get back into engineering (well, more getting into if properly) and don't seem to be getting anywhere at all. I previously did a Marine Engineering cadetship in Glasgow, attaining the HNC and getting some practical experience working on ships, but didn't attain the final sea-going qualification (OOW if i remember rightly) as I dropped out due to family circumstances.

Since then I've been working various random jobs (currently a 0 hour contract on the railways, but that's a whole other problem) and trying to get back into the engineering sector (albeit not very hard) but I've really stepped up the searching in the last 6 or so months as I know engineering is the career path I want to go down.

However, I'm getting absolutely no-where, I'm at the point where I'm applying for apprenticeships even thought I'll have to struggle to get by on a weekly basis, and I'm still getting knock backs. I'm wondering if it's be cause I'm on the older side for an apprentice at 24, or if it's just not means to be.

The biggest problem for me is that I'm kind of in an in-between, I'm not completely green and clueless, but I'm nowhere near the level of a qualified technician/engineer.

Does anyone have any advice that could help me? I'm based in Glasgow and drive, yet I still seem to be getting nowhere (not even an interview about an engineering job in the last 6 months)




Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
quotequote all
s.brogan said:
This forum popped up on a job search, so I'm not sure if this sort of post is allowed/in the right place but hey ho it's worth a try.

I'm looking to get back into engineering (well, more getting into if properly) and don't seem to be getting anywhere at all. I previously did a Marine Engineering cadetship in Glasgow, attaining the HNC and getting some practical experience working on ships, but didn't attain the final sea-going qualification (OOW if i remember rightly) as I dropped out due to family circumstances.

Since then I've been working various random jobs (currently a 0 hour contract on the railways, but that's a whole other problem) and trying to get back into the engineering sector (albeit not very hard) but I've really stepped up the searching in the last 6 or so months as I know engineering is the career path I want to go down.

However, I'm getting absolutely no-where, I'm at the point where I'm applying for apprenticeships even thought I'll have to struggle to get by on a weekly basis, and I'm still getting knock backs. I'm wondering if it's be cause I'm on the older side for an apprentice at 24, or if it's just not means to be.

The biggest problem for me is that I'm kind of in an in-between, I'm not completely green and clueless, but I'm nowhere near the level of a qualified technician/engineer.

Does anyone have any advice that could help me? I'm based in Glasgow and drive, yet I still seem to be getting nowhere (not even an interview about an engineering job in the last 6 months)
I cant help you too much other than to add that at age 24, you are too old to be given government funding for an apprenticeship. I start one in September, and ill be 23y/o so therefore right on the limit.

Have you tried applying for jobs? With an HNC surely there are plenty of companies that would take you on in a junior role?

s.brogan

Original Poster:

4 posts

104 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
quotequote all
I've been looking almost every day on various sites, the problem with finding a straight up job is;

1) They seem few and far between for juniors
2) Many of them look for people with a recognised apprenticeship
3) Most of them look for 2+ years of experience

I'm at my wits end with the job I'm in (0 hour contract and mainly nightshift, no breaks etc) Is there and good sites specifically for engineering jobs/training I could do off my own back which might help?

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
quotequote all
s.brogan said:
I've been looking almost every day on various sites, the problem with finding a straight up job is;

1) They seem few and far between for juniors
2) Many of them look for people with a recognised apprenticeship
3) Most of them look for 2+ years of experience

I'm at my wits end with the job I'm in (0 hour contract and mainly nightshift, no breaks etc) Is there and good sites specifically for engineering jobs/training I could do off my own back which might help?
Have you tried applying?
Id apply for 10, no matter what they state they are after. If they turn you down then no harm done. If they dont then youre quids in.

mike9009

6,918 posts

242 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2015
quotequote all
I would suggest looking for a role on the shop floor within a manufacturing firm. The last few firms I have worked at were keen to promote from within, as any potential candidates understood the company/ process from a grass roots perspective.

So most people I recruited into various engineering roles originated from the shop floor, unless they really needed specialist knowledge/ education. Our Operations Manager would keep an eye out whilst recruiting for any potential candidates.

Any job within industry may give opportunities in the future....if not move on to the next once you have some experience...

Good luck

Mike

s.brogan

Original Poster:

4 posts

104 months

Thursday 23rd July 2015
quotequote all
Benbay001 said:
Have you tried applying?
Id apply for 10, no matter what they state they are after. If they turn you down then no harm done. If they dont then youre quids in.
Before being put forward for the job I'm in now, and ever since, I've been applying for anything and everything I feel I could be competent in, I'd hate to end up in the situation of getting an engineering job then being in over my head.

Ideally and entry level job would be ideal but I guess I'll just keep trying, no harm in it!

Cheers for your input.

s.brogan

Original Poster:

4 posts

104 months

Thursday 23rd July 2015
quotequote all
mike9009 said:
I would suggest looking for a role on the shop floor within a manufacturing firm. The last few firms I have worked at were keen to promote from within, as any potential candidates understood the company/ process from a grass roots perspective.

So most people I recruited into various engineering roles originated from the shop floor, unless they really needed specialist knowledge/ education. Our Operations Manager would keep an eye out whilst recruiting for any potential candidates.

Any job within industry may give opportunities in the future....if not move on to the next once you have some experience...

Good luck

Mike
I'll keep that in mind, what sort of jobs do you mean? I'm considering doing things the old fashioned way but I've heard people saying that's often frowned upon these days?