Apprenticeships in the Motor Industry

[CypherP]

Has anyone ever done one/currently going through one?

I'm considering applying for an apprenticeship straight through a manufacturer and wondered if anyone has had any experience with these, or whether it is worth doing? I'm in need of finding something new and something that I can work at that will give me the right qualifications. Right now, I'm just enquiring as I don't have a definite idea of exactly what I want to do, but any info would be gratefully received.

On a side note, are there any other ways to get into mechanics or servicing to gain the right qualifications, other than attending college? I'm 25 and as I've been working since I was 18, I've built up a pretty good experience level, just not in the right industry for me. Before it's too late, I want to set myself a goal and be able to achieve something that will last me.

Thanks all.

[neenaw]

I did my apprenticeship with Volvo Trucks through their manufacturers apprentice scheme.

It wasn't a bad set-up, better than the local college type schemes as we had far better facilities to use. As with any apprenticeship, the wages weren't particularly good, but they never are! the block release to College was also quite enjoyable as we got plenty of time away from home and work which was quite a good laugh.

One problem you may have is with your age. They usually only want to take on apprentices anywhere between 16-18, I suppose it's because they'll have to pay you more the older you are.

[Jonny671]

Usually a good motor college will sort everything for you. Thats what I done when I left school, they had sorted me a placement and stuff within 2 months and I was doing 4 days work and 1 day college.

We're currently taking on an apprentice, he's done 1 year at a tech college and is now going through a Motor college and they're sorting it with us & Mazda themselves usually get involved and help out too.

[Diablos-666]

I'd love to do something like this, i'm 25 too but there is no way i could afford to be on £10k pa again!

[CypherP]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I know that my age will probably be an issue compared to some of the younger generation who want to go for the same things, but then my GCSEs and A Levels and 7 years of work experience could be seen as a positive thing, so perhaps it could work either way.

As for the low pay and duration of the apprenticeship, I've got to the stage where I've already been living on far less than ive been used to, and feel that if I'm going to have a fresh start doing something completely different, then I'm to expect to start from the bottom on crap wages and work myself up again.

I'm just trying to work out the best way of doing it. Right now, my thoughts are either to try and get myself into an apprenticeship in the motor industry or to try and find someone who would be willing to take me on to learn a trade, eg. Plumbing, carpentry etc.

[MG CHRIS]

IM in an apprenticeship at the moment finnished first year going on to second year in september its good but wage is perthetic the goverment wants people to enter apprenticeships and only be on want im on £75 a week which will go up to £120 in september but that is still poor not even minimun wage for christ sage but that for another thread. The work is hard especially if you go into a local garage as you are espected to do a lot of work and havent got enough staff but with main dealers i believe its more relaxed and easier and with better wages its good but has a lot of negatives but i dont know what pay you will be on as you are 25