Mixing full time college with full time work

[Tomm1992]

Currently I am working at the Toyota plant in Burnaston in Derby, its really boring, although the money is good, I don't want to be there forever.
I have recently applied to do a level 3 btec in mechanical engineering qualification. I have had 2 years experience within the engineering industry, I've just never done a relevant qualification.
My plan is to finish at Toyota in September and concentrate on this course, and get a 30 hour a week job (if possible). Is this the right thing to do? I am only 23 and I really want a decent career within the engineering industry.

[tfin]

Aren't level 3 btecs usually taught 1 day a week? If the one youre looking at is then doing it along side a job shouldn't be a problem as this is how most apprenticeships are structured.

[Tomm1992]

Yes it is, its every friday all day. Most jobs are Monday to Friday that I'm looking at

[randlemarcus]

Have you told your boss you think the current job is boring you to death? If not, go and have a chat with him, or her, make like Toyota is the only thing that matters in life, and ask for the Friday off for the duration of the course. Keep 80% of the pay, with more chance of overtime, and maybe they will pay the fees.

[Tomm1992]

I have thought about asking them, but I know that it'll be a no. They'll just think of it as they need one person to work one day, but i suppose there's no harm in asking.

I've just got this feeling in my mind that I don't want to think it's good money so I'll stay, then regretting that I didn't do something else whilst I was young.

[tfin]

Tomm1992 said:

Yes it is, its every friday all day. Most jobs are Monday to Friday that I'm looking at

Its definitely doable then, i'm doing a HND in electrical engineering aswell as working full time and its fine. Its just a case of keeping on top of the work.

I would definitely speak to your boss about them giving you the time to do it. Make it seem like it would be a benifit to the company for you to do it and that it would make you more valuble the company etc.

Youd also find the course work easier if youre doing a job which relates to the qualification. Some of the subjects, paticularly the project based ones are easier if you can bring your job into it.

Would it not be possible to do a HNC instead of a btec? Theyre a higher qualification and would make you a bit more valuble to potential employers.

Just my 2p.

[Tomm1992]

Thats my long term plan to do the hnc, I'd need the level 3 to qualify to do it first.

Are you already in a job that relates to your course?

[tfin]

Tomm1992 said:

Thats my long term plan to do the hnc, I'd need the level 3 to qualify to do it first.

Are you already in a job that relates to your course?

It might be worth checking with your college to see if you can go straight onto a HNC if youre planning on doing it anyway. we've got lads who have gone from GCSEs to HNC without doing a btec first.

Yeah i'm doing an Electric Engineering apprenticeship.

[CRB14]

Although in a different industry I did my HNC and BSc part time on day release. It's very doable but can be hard work. He best thing is you build your experience whilst learning.