No experience But want to change my career at 23

[Jeni19]

Hello everyone,

I need advice on how to start up a career as a mechanic in The UK.

I graduated with a 2:1 in psychology, but don't want to continue in this field.

I've always been fascinated by how moving objects work and would spend time on engineering YouTube videos. My long term goal is to one day go back to uni and learn about mechanical engineering but I always thought hands on practical experience would be priceless knowledge, hence I want to start off as a mechanic, save up and pay off my debts first for my Psychology degree.

I have no experience other than passion and interest. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you

[Jeni19]

a311 said:

Mechanical engineering has little to do with cars/engines etc IME. It's course dependant but if you're interested in engines etc something more specialised like automotive engineering may be more interesting. You won't go far wrong with a mechanical or any engineering degree.

A lot of the first year of any engineering is getting everyones maths up to a similar standard.

Thank you for making me aware that mechanical engineering has little to do with cars. What is the job market like for someone with an automotive engineering degree?
Also I've looked into mechatronics....building robots but unsure whether this will allow me to find a job in the UK. what else would you suggest that leads to a specialist role in engineering?
That's exactly why I posted here... I need every type of opinion to broaden my perspective, so thanks a lot!

[Jeni19]

[quote=DuraAce]Join the military? [/quote


It's out of my league....

[Jeni19]

Paradaxos said:

Be careful. You might be better off going into a graduate traineeship to do with running a garage or dealership and getting involved with the mechanics on your own terms.

Actually being a mechanic professionally seems like a lot of effort on uninspiring machines for not much thanks.

Thank you for the tip. I'll think about it

[Jeni19]

BoRED S2upid said:

Apprenticeship? Find a local garage who will agree to take you on and train you on the job. Expect very long hours and very little pay.

Thanks for the tip

[Jeni19]

Gargamel said:

Can I ask why you did a psychology degree, there must have been a time when you wanted that.

So how is the current dream different from back then.

Also why would you only stay in the UK, why not find some global experience in say robotics?

Finally, how's your Maths going to hold up in a Mech Eng degree?

Good question..Well I did psychology because it was the easiest thing I could do because my parents wanted me to go to uni. I never had much guidance so I really didn't know what I was doing at 18/19.... just went with the flow. But I've always been curious to find out how things worked, I even fixed my Mac desktop I bought second hand from a computer fair.
I have an A in maths from GscE s, and at uni I always used to get top grades for statistics. More than my lab reports.
And I will only stay in the UK because theres no place like home.

[Jeni19]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for sharing your experience....it broadens my perspective.

I'm thinking of just doing a generic job with the degree I have and make enough to go back to education one day....just feel so old...in psychology there was a paper published saying we lose a percentage of our brain capacity as we age but let's not generalise.
you're right, maths and physics are essential so it's a necessity. I have to go back.
Also there are numerous fields to help me get an insight into the automotor industry...such as insurance, car rentals, selling parts etc. start somewhere small as a side thing first.


Wish me luck...any further advice or story sharing is always welcomed!!!!

[Jeni19]

Gargamel said:

Jeni

Hi,

I googled Engineering Apprenticeships, I looked on the Indeed link - there are around 5000 hits

http://chj.tbe.taleo.net/chj01/ats/careers/requisi...

Like this one

Crack on - there is nothing holding you back. Get on a recognised scheme with a decent sized employer, don't piss about under cars - that's a weekend hobby.

You are awesome...I'm definitely looking into it
Thanks

[Jeni19]

audi321 said:

I would go straight back to uni and do your mechanical engineering degree. The longer you leave it the harder it will become. I mean before you have a family etc settle down, get a mortgage etc, etc. If you can afford it, do it now.

Shame you didn't find PH's 3 years ago for this advice Surely you knew fairly early on in your phycology degree it wasn't for you??

Yes true...I will do it as soon as I can afford it!
Well I did know Psychology may not be for me but I'm the type of person that doesn't like leaving something Unfinished. It's a bachelors in science with a lot of lab reports, collecting data from people and statistics, so the skills has helped me in other ways.

I definitely agree wish I had found this page 4/5 years ago! Oh wel no point dwelling on the past

[Jeni19]

a311 said:

There's a trainee Project Manager in our place with a Psychology degree. As discussed in another recent thread Project Management is hard to get a break into it seems, but are well paid and don't necessarily need a technical background.

Disappointing to hear about the other poster experience with their apprenticeship. This is pigeon holing but I reckon apprenticeships are for those who are a bit more vocationally focused rather than academic. I reckon generally you're better off going into a apprenticeship at 16 rather than doing A levels. I think A levels are a stepping stone for uni, and in an apprenticeship you'd normally do an ONC, HNC, HND anyhow. A good mate went and did an electricians apprenticeship then went to uni after not long out of his time for his electrical engineering degree. Teachers etc thought he was nuts at the time but has done well for himself. He's a PM for a big engineering contractor who do big projects, airports, schools etc. He went to uni at 22, you're 23 not 33 so wouldn't worry about being too old, sure you'll be in the minority but there'll be people older than you and hopefully more mature to knuckle down and not (as) interested in getting smashed down the union 7 nights a week.

Will stand by my statement on the previous page:

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be on the tools and being a tradesman/technician. The difference between this and being 'an engineer' is do you want to be the person doing the job or the person, running and planning the job?

If it's the latter go back to uni, if the former go for the apprenticeship.

Good luck.

That's very helpful...you've broken things down to two routes, hence simpler to understand.. i will go back to uni. Creating and bringing a plan to life is something I've always thought of doing.
Your advice is great
Thanks. I do need all the luck I can get