What to do now? (Getting into engineering)
Discussion
Hello all, I wanted to ask the folk on here for some help.
I have a HND in Automotive Engineering at pass level and attempted to top it up with a BSc but only got a 3rd. I was unable to focus and see the bigger picture back then, I found some modules fascinating but others were a total blur to me.
I soon realised I had shot myself in the foot and that these were going to be useless for applying for graduate positions, it's got to the point where I've been applying for apprenticeships (mainly in maintenance engineering), and still had no responses. I've saved up enough money to sustain myself for living on an apprentice wage for 2 years so that part isn't a problem.
However, what I wanted to ask is if my HND at it's level is advantageous in anyway on an apprenticeship level, or rather it's seen by employers as "He tried engineering and f
ked it up" and chucking my application in the bin. What are your thoughts?
Edited to add: I'm also 25 now, so wanted to see if not being in the 16-24 group would be a factor. I can foot any costs myself, but am I right in understanding employers get more funding for younger apprentices?
I enjoy the job I have at the minute (drive a 3.5t van) but the money is crap.
If needs be I can put the money I've saved towards starting something in college again, but I'd be 27/28 by the time I got out.
Thanks for any replies, however blunt!
I have a HND in Automotive Engineering at pass level and attempted to top it up with a BSc but only got a 3rd. I was unable to focus and see the bigger picture back then, I found some modules fascinating but others were a total blur to me.
I soon realised I had shot myself in the foot and that these were going to be useless for applying for graduate positions, it's got to the point where I've been applying for apprenticeships (mainly in maintenance engineering), and still had no responses. I've saved up enough money to sustain myself for living on an apprentice wage for 2 years so that part isn't a problem.
However, what I wanted to ask is if my HND at it's level is advantageous in anyway on an apprenticeship level, or rather it's seen by employers as "He tried engineering and f
ked it up" and chucking my application in the bin. What are your thoughts?Edited to add: I'm also 25 now, so wanted to see if not being in the 16-24 group would be a factor. I can foot any costs myself, but am I right in understanding employers get more funding for younger apprentices?
I enjoy the job I have at the minute (drive a 3.5t van) but the money is crap.
If needs be I can put the money I've saved towards starting something in college again, but I'd be 27/28 by the time I got out.
Thanks for any replies, however blunt!
Edited by getawayturtle on Wednesday 2nd September 23:52
Whatever way you look at it, you will be playing a support role for a while in any discipline of engineering, until you have a bit of experience / education.
I would suggest stopping by a few agencies, where you can demonstrate your aptitude in an engineering discipline, to see what is available.
Could be product development, industrialisation or manufacture. Similarly in an FMCG, automotive or service industry.
Short term roles as a contractor would give you a start on that ladder and build knowledge and a network.
I would suggest stopping by a few agencies, where you can demonstrate your aptitude in an engineering discipline, to see what is available.
Could be product development, industrialisation or manufacture. Similarly in an FMCG, automotive or service industry.
Short term roles as a contractor would give you a start on that ladder and build knowledge and a network.
I got a National Diploma from college after leaving school and I believe that helped me get my apprenticeship over other people, also meant I didn't have to do National Certificate with the other apprentices and could go straight on to the HNC course instead, so I don't think it's a case of them thinking you tried and messed it up. Might be the age thing, think the older you are the less funding the place gets for an apprentice, so some might just ignore people of certain ages because of that.
Another route in would be through shop floor based manufacturing roles whether that is assembler/operator or tester/inspector. You are going to have to shine and really stand out if you want to progress through that route though and certainly show far more application than you have previously. This route probably won't get you into Design but you could quite easily progress into Supply Chain, Manufacturing or Production Engineering or Quality.
The most important thing in our industry is attitude and determination.
Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
I don't have a degree or even an HNC/D. I came out of the miltary with nothing more than a lvl 3 C&G Electrical qualification but started off in the Automation industry on low money. After working my arse off and proving myself whilst gaining some training and experience I am now in a maintenance engineer position and enjoyed doubling my salary to what is now a very good wage.
In short, the industry values qualifications but not as much as actually being able to do the job. People who can do things in theory are useless compared to people who actually know what they're doing in real life.
The automation industry is currently crying out for people so just get your foot in the door as a maintenance technician.
In short, the industry values qualifications but not as much as actually being able to do the job. People who can do things in theory are useless compared to people who actually know what they're doing in real life.
The automation industry is currently crying out for people so just get your foot in the door as a maintenance technician.
sparkyb999 said:
The most important thing in our industry is attitude and determination.
Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
Thanks for that insight, much appreciated. Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
PHuzzy said:
I don't have a degree or even an HNC/D. I came out of the miltary with nothing more than a lvl 3 C&G Electrical qualification but started off in the Automation industry on low money. After working my arse off and proving myself whilst gaining some training and experience I am now in a maintenance engineer position and enjoyed doubling my salary to what is now a very good wage.
In short, the industry values qualifications but not as much as actually being able to do the job. People who can do things in theory are useless compared to people who actually know what they're doing in real life.
The automation industry is currently crying out for people so just get your foot in the door as a maintenance technician.
Thanks for that. Yes that certainly seems my best bet for now. I'm lucky that I'm near the west midlands, so positions come up more frequently than most places. Just got to keep to at it!In short, the industry values qualifications but not as much as actually being able to do the job. People who can do things in theory are useless compared to people who actually know what they're doing in real life.
The automation industry is currently crying out for people so just get your foot in the door as a maintenance technician.
I can't relate to your specific situation but I can relate to struggling to get into Engineering in general. I left college with A-levels in Physics, Maths and Electronics planning to go to University but when I changed my mind and tried to go into the work place, they turned out to be no help at all. I must have been around 19 at the time and struggled to get many replies when applying for apprenticeships etc.
Admittedly there probably is fewer places coming up near me being on the South Coast, but if you can get your foot in the door somewhere you'll be amazed what a difference the experience makes. I got offered a position after a speculative letter, but I spent a long time searching beforehand. Just don't be afraid to go in at the bottom and work your way up. It's a fantastic industry to be in, I love it. Best of luck!
Admittedly there probably is fewer places coming up near me being on the South Coast, but if you can get your foot in the door somewhere you'll be amazed what a difference the experience makes. I got offered a position after a speculative letter, but I spent a long time searching beforehand. Just don't be afraid to go in at the bottom and work your way up. It's a fantastic industry to be in, I love it. Best of luck!
sparkyb999 said:
The most important thing in our industry is attitude and determination.
Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
Fancy giving another one a chance...? Lol. Most people under 30 seem to think its them that's doing us a favour by turning up to work and pretty much think they can do as little as possible for maximum money. It is really frustrating.
Over the last couple of years, I have sacked more than 10 guys, all young with no drive. They seem to talk the talk in interviews, but we give them a chance of training and let us down.
I have taken on two motor mechanics who wanted a job change recently, one of them has already been to college previously doing an engineering degree. These two have taken to it so well, and within months I have them programming using CAD and setting/operating CNC machine. Their drive, motivation and goals are fantastic and really want to be at work.
We don't ask for much, but seeing someone excited about learning and turning up is refreshing and I say, if you have that drive then you will go far.
27, NVQ Level 3 HGV Technician, qualified in the Army, been working at HGV Main Dealers for 3 years now, moving to near High Wycombe in April 2016
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