Anybody Work in Aviation?

[MattHall91]

Keen to find out how difficult it is to get into the industry, preferably the technician/maintenance side for someone who has a completely unrelated degree and post-graduate sales experience?

I know it is completely different. I should have gone down this route earlier but didn't for some reason! I'm not in a position to re-train and take any time off, so is it possible and what opportunities (if any) come up?

I have done some of my own research, just good to hear from people who work in the industry.

Thanks.

[edc]

You're not going to get in without any relevant experience. Previous industry experience doesn't matter for many roles, I hired many automotive people into aerospace, but unless you have tools experience then you are left with retraining or apprenticeship.

[WolfAir]

MattHall91 said:

Keen to find out how difficult it is to get into the industry, preferably the technician/maintenance side for someone who has a completely unrelated degree and post-graduate sales experience?

I know it is completely different. I should have gone down this route earlier but didn't for some reason! I'm not in a position to re-train and take any time off, so is it possible and what opportunities (if any) come up?

I have done some of my own research, just good to hear from people who work in the industry.

Thanks.

Hey Matt, I am bascially going to mirror what edc said. I notice you mentioned technician/maintenance side, obviously for this you would need a licence pertaining to a specialism, B1 being mechanical B2 being avionics and the type ratings relating to aircraft worked on.
With no relevant degree, last time I read, the CAA required minimum 5 years experience on aircraft plus the passing of modules exams to gain a licence. It is almost impossible to get into a part 145 approved maintenance base where they are willing to train you up (helps if you already know someone on the inside as usual). Apprenticeships are even more difficult to get into and doesn't help if you're on the other side of 24.
That all said, there have been instances where it has all worked but you would have to put some considerable time in studying for the modules pass a few by yourself, get your HR and fuel safety certificates and just apply at every airline maintenance company you can think of, including helicopters. Good luck

[edc]

You can get into a component or assembly manufacturer but like with any job or industry you have to have some skills or experience the company wants. If you have some sales experience then such companies of course have sales roles. The sales cycle is quite different to other b2b or b2c so if you are selling up the food chain to the airframes then unless you have industry experience those sorts of sales roles will be off limits. It doesn't sound like you want it that much if you won't consider some other training.

[ecsrobin]

What is your degree in? There may be a branch within Aviation that it has some relevance.

[Jek Porkins]

I work in the industry - feel free to PM me.

[MattHall91]

Thanks all.

My degree is in Marketing.

[edc]

MattHall91 said:

Thanks all.

My degree is in Marketing.

Depending on the size and ownership structure of the company/organisation most will have a sales/marketing/BD function.

But, to give you an idea, my last place was a 190+FTE manufacturer but owned by a big US based conglomerate. We had 1 person in the sales/BD/marketing function. A lot of this activity is drawn up through the group function set up. In set ups like this, they want as much relevant and industry experience as possible for the small number of roles they do have locally.

You will find a lot of the aviation/aerospace companies may have a UK presence but their ownership is abroad and a lot of the sales/marketing based roles may be at a group level away from the UK business.

[MattHall91]

edc said:

MattHall91 said:

Thanks all.

My degree is in Marketing.

Depending on the size and ownership structure of the company/organisation most will have a sales/marketing/BD function.

But, to give you an idea, my last place was a 190+FTE manufacturer but owned by a big US based conglomerate. We had 1 person in the sales/BD/marketing function. A lot of this activity is drawn up through the group function set up. In set ups like this, they want as much relevant and industry experience as possible for the small number of roles they do have locally.

You will find a lot of the aviation/aerospace companies may have a UK presence but their ownership is abroad and a lot of the sales/marketing based roles may be at a group level away from the UK business.

Thanks edc.

This doesn't surprise me and I thought it would be the case. Useful info

[edc]

Have a look at the industry events and the attendees. All the marketing and BD folks go to these. Network with them for a way in.

There are not a huge amount of large enough, UK HQ'd aerospace businesses with easier to get into sales/marketing roles.

A lot of the conglomerate/group businesses do not market or promote their local sites and push the group name and brand. This makes it harder to find the local business entity sometimes.

[Mr MXT]

BGAD is coming up, might be worth a visit.

[RCBRG]

an apprenticeship helps (and set me up for life), but it has been known for ex burger flippers to get a job fixing planes if you know the right people...