What to do now? (Getting into engineering)

[getawayturtle]

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 fked 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

[getawayturtle]

Thanks for all the replies chaps, opened my eyes to some options I hadn't previously considered, and nice to know my qualifications may have some value. Much appreciated.

[getawayturtle]

snotrag said:

OP - I've been there. Send me a PM for a chat. Don't worry!

Thanks, PM sent.

[getawayturtle]

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.

[getawayturtle]

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!