Change of career at 25 but having problems.
Discussion
Sorry that my first post on these boards isn't car related! I have lurked for many years but never posted, but I could use some help if anyone's willing to give it.
I have decided to leave retail and begin a career in engineering, now I have no qualifications in this field so I would be starting at the bottom. I thought an apprenticeship would be the best route into this as I could suffer the low wage for a few years, but I have been applying for many and not getting any interviews. I have been on a few assessment days and always done really well on these, I have a good education (although not in relevant subjects other than an A Level in systems & control), with the highest being a HND in music production (not sure why I did this!). I just don't seem to have done much career wise since leaving education and thought I really need to get a move on.
I left my job working nights in a supermarket and I'm currently just doing temp agency factory work - not something I wish to continue with obviously as the boredom is driving me nuts.
Does anyone have any ideas that might help me get into the industry?
If anyone would mind looking at my CV and offering any tips based on that I can send it over!
I have decided to leave retail and begin a career in engineering, now I have no qualifications in this field so I would be starting at the bottom. I thought an apprenticeship would be the best route into this as I could suffer the low wage for a few years, but I have been applying for many and not getting any interviews. I have been on a few assessment days and always done really well on these, I have a good education (although not in relevant subjects other than an A Level in systems & control), with the highest being a HND in music production (not sure why I did this!). I just don't seem to have done much career wise since leaving education and thought I really need to get a move on.
I left my job working nights in a supermarket and I'm currently just doing temp agency factory work - not something I wish to continue with obviously as the boredom is driving me nuts.
Does anyone have any ideas that might help me get into the industry?
If anyone would mind looking at my CV and offering any tips based on that I can send it over!
Just thought it might be helpful as geographical location would be important for anyone thinking of helping out.
Can you enroll in any sort of full time college course to get some basic engineering/apprenticehip type qualifications.
Once you are on a course and in a college, the college may be able to help you look for suitable positions in industry.
Can you enroll in any sort of full time college course to get some basic engineering/apprenticehip type qualifications.
Once you are on a course and in a college, the college may be able to help you look for suitable positions in industry.
What kind of engineering are you looking at? Mechanical, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Marine, Construction, Civil?
I started in construction when I was 21 years old and I was in a very similar situation to you, although I had A-levels in Physics, Chemistry, Maths.
Basically without a degree and experience, you are going to need to go the apprenticeship route. Before you even get to that stage though, you need to answer my inital question and then decide on a career route within that industry.
For example, my route so far has been:
I'd be looking on every jobsite going for apprenticeship opportunities and apply directly to companies by email to see if they have any available. Most construction companies take on between 1-10 apprentices a year depending on size.
I'll gladly take a look at your CV if you wish.
I started in construction when I was 21 years old and I was in a very similar situation to you, although I had A-levels in Physics, Chemistry, Maths.
Basically without a degree and experience, you are going to need to go the apprenticeship route. Before you even get to that stage though, you need to answer my inital question and then decide on a career route within that industry.
For example, my route so far has been:
- Apprentice CAD Drafter while doing HNC in HVAC Building Services - 2 Years
- CAD Engineer - 1 years + company change
- Estimating Engineer - 1 years
- Estimating Team Leader - 1 year
- Pre-Order Engineering Manager - current
I'd be looking on every jobsite going for apprenticeship opportunities and apply directly to companies by email to see if they have any available. Most construction companies take on between 1-10 apprentices a year depending on size.
I'll gladly take a look at your CV if you wish.
I'm most interested in mechanical or electrical maintenance engineering, although automotive would interest me too. Like you said, engineering covers so much it's a bit hard to pick exactly where to go!
I have been applying for pretty much every apprenticeship vacancy near me, but I will try contacting companies direct and see if that gets me anywhere (it certainly can't hurt!).
If you could take a look at my CV that would be appreciated, I will email it over (if it lets me, not used the email on here before!)
I have been applying for pretty much every apprenticeship vacancy near me, but I will try contacting companies direct and see if that gets me anywhere (it certainly can't hurt!).
If you could take a look at my CV that would be appreciated, I will email it over (if it lets me, not used the email on here before!)
I'm in a similar position as yourself. I'm currently doing a level 3 btec in engineering at a local college as a day release. Next year I'm going to do a NVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations along side the btec. Hopefully these qualifications will lead to something.
I've applied for apprenticeships, jobs and sent letters to companies to gain work experience. So far I've had no luck. Being above 24 puts us in a bad position as the companies can't get government funding.
If I can't find a job or apprenticeship withinthe next year I may have to consider going to university to gain a degree.
I wish you luck.
I've applied for apprenticeships, jobs and sent letters to companies to gain work experience. So far I've had no luck. Being above 24 puts us in a bad position as the companies can't get government funding.
If I can't find a job or apprenticeship withinthe next year I may have to consider going to university to gain a degree.
I wish you luck.
jjenkins said:
I'm most interested in mechanical or electrical maintenance engineering, although automotive would interest me too. Like you said, engineering covers so much it's a bit hard to pick exactly where to go!
I have been applying for pretty much every apprenticeship vacancy near me, but I will try contacting companies direct and see if that gets me anywhere (it certainly can't hurt!).
If you could take a look at my CV that would be appreciated, I will email it over (if it lets me, not used the email on here before!)
Hi, I have been applying for pretty much every apprenticeship vacancy near me, but I will try contacting companies direct and see if that gets me anywhere (it certainly can't hurt!).
If you could take a look at my CV that would be appreciated, I will email it over (if it lets me, not used the email on here before!)
I'm a Mechanical Engineer - be happy to take a look at your CV and try and offer some advice. Have you looked at the IMechE website - http://www.imeche.org/membership/professional-deve...
Cheers,
Gary
I have considered going back to college under my own steam and getting some qualifications that way (and hoping I can then get a job at the end of it), but most people seem to recommend an apprenticeship if you can get one, but it seems due to my age, I may be fighting a losing battle like you say.
I will check out that website and send my CV so you can take a look!
I will check out that website and send my CV so you can take a look!
Royal mail offer what appears to be a very good apprentice scheme and I believe that your age is unlikely to be an issue. 1st year training takes place in Lancashire but I assume you would be allocated a mail centre closest to where you live with vacancies. Unfortunately I believe you have missed the closing date for this year. Feel free to message me if you would like more info. I have worked for RM for a few years but did my apprenticeship elsewhere. I do have close ties to the guys that run the scheme as a couple of them were previous bosses that I am on good terms with so I could get you any info you require
Good luck whatever path you choose
Chris
Good luck whatever path you choose
Chris
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