Engineering Apprenticeships

[Opara]

Hello, a couple of years ago I made a decision to make a change in my life, I wasn't enjoying my job and wanted to find a more fulfilling career that would offer the the opportunity to work abroad.I decided on engineering and went back to college and succeeded on getting a place at a good university studying and electrical/electronics engineering degree.

I've read a lot on here about those who went a different route instead doing an apprenticeship and the more I think about it the more I feel it suits my needs.As i'm older i'm wondering if that has passed me by as i'm now 30.Has anyone on here taken this route at this age?

I've been looking for links on the internet but a lot of them seem like scams so I thought i'd turn to PH for first hand advice.For those that did it how did it work out for you and would you still choose the same path if you could do it over again? Also does anyone have any recommendations of places to try? I'd be more than willing to relocate to take this opportunity.

Thanks

[ben_h100]

Well I'm 27 and looking at engineering apprenticeships. Probably going to take a £10k pay cut (at least) if I manage to get onto a scheme. Reason: gain better quals and start something new.

What companies are you thinking of?

[carlomtb]

I've been looking into this lately also. Would also be interested to hear what routes other people have been down.

[Opara]

I'm just looking at the moment, there's alot of fluff out there who are promising the world,i'm trying to seperate them from the proper opportunities.

I'd like to get into the oil and gas industry and i'm happy to take a pay cut as long as i'm on the path to a good career.Have you found any places yet?

[rog007]

I'm sure you'll have spotted these and their like:

http://jaguarlandrovercareers.com/apprentices/

http://www.oilcareers.com/content/career/ModernApp...

http://www.heathrowairport.com/about-us/heathrow-j...

http://www.gsk.com/uk/careers/apprenticeships/engi...

http://www.hull.co.uk/meetingfiles/BP_Apprentices....

[orangesrule]

Last year i completed my apprenticeship in electrical engineering. I started it when i was 17, now im 22. It was the best thing i've done.

I would recommend trying to get as many achedemic qualifications from the employer/scheme as possible. I'm just about to start the final year of my foundation degree, and am starting my new job as a test engineer in 3 weeks time.

Obviously money as a late starter would be a concern, some schemes only pay £90 a week. i started on £160 > £240 > £280 > £320, which went up in successive years.

In 12 months of completing my apprenticship i'm now about to start my new job within the company, looking at a £28k basic salary, which with some overtime and other allowances should crack £32k with ease; which at the age of 22 is fairly good.



I've advise looking at apprenticeship schemes run by:

Babcock international
The Ministry of Defence
Railway networks

[RobGT81]

BAE take apprentices on at all ages.

http://www.baesystems.com/article/BAES_156407/york...

I did an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship when I was 19, best thing I ever did. Job opportunities all over the world working on some fairly big, cool and expensive stuff for the military and airline people. Money as an apprentice isn't great but once you finish you can pop to Airbus and pull in £28 p/h which isn't too shabby

Edited by RobGT81 on Monday 5th August 09:53

[Gem62]

I wokred in the power sector - try them..

UK Power Networks
National Grid
Scottish and Southern Electric

Good luck and congrats on taking the initial step to further your academic qualifications.

[Gem62]

I wokred in the power sector - try them..

UK Power Networks
National Grid
Scottish and Southern Electric

Good luck and congrats on taking the initial step to further your academic qualifications.

[TopCAD]

If you're looking in the North West area I got mine through these: http://www.stegta.co.uk/

I did my apprenticeship in Civil Engineering working for Jacobs. STEGTA can only normally offer funding to under 21 year olds, but they will certainly be able to help you finding an apprenticeship.

[scoobychris555]

I did my apprenticeship at Mars uk. They still run an apprenticeship that I believe to be very good still. My present employer (Royal Mail) also run a good scheme. Unfortunately both of these schemes (like most others I guess) recruit earlier in the year.