Automotive future for 16 year old
Discussion
Hello all,
This is my first post here. Hoping I've put it in the right place. I'm a mum to a 16 year old. Very typical boy who plays on his xbox a lot, generally grunts and trying to keep himself out of trouble. I'm lucky if I see him for 3 minutes a day at the moment!
We're at that point of looking at the next steps. He will be doing his GCSEs next year. He doesn't want to do A Levels but just wants to get out there and get working. School's not really been for him. We're based in SE London and our choice of secondary schools was limited. He's in a huge school with over 1700 pupils. He has ADD and has generally been lost in school. He's not particularly academic so he's had a tutor to try and get him through. All of that said, we adore him and obviously want the best for him.
He's a lifelong fan of cars. He loves premium brands and is really keen to work for Porsche. We're not quite sure what capacity as he's not shown particular interest in any one area. There's obviously the mechanical side, which would be great but I'm not 100% sure that's what he wants. He just wants to be around cars. He knows them well, he can tell you all sorts about them (totally goes over my head most of the time). He likes big engines and speed, which scares the hell out of me. For Christmas last year he got a car experience session at Dunsfold and was utterly in his element. Santa is bringing him that again this year.
Do any of you have any advice as to what he could do? I know Porsche is based in Reading so I don't think that's feasible at the moment, I have asked our local dealership for advice too but had no response. BMW do an Business Level 3 apprenticeship, which I think sounds pretty good but must be exceptionally competitive to get on. I think this is more his thing and one of the reasons he's studying Retail Business as part of his GCSEs.
I'd be hugely grateful for any tips or advice you can offer. He hasn't quite grasped that we need to start looking at this now and not next July!
Many thanks in advance.
This is my first post here. Hoping I've put it in the right place. I'm a mum to a 16 year old. Very typical boy who plays on his xbox a lot, generally grunts and trying to keep himself out of trouble. I'm lucky if I see him for 3 minutes a day at the moment!
We're at that point of looking at the next steps. He will be doing his GCSEs next year. He doesn't want to do A Levels but just wants to get out there and get working. School's not really been for him. We're based in SE London and our choice of secondary schools was limited. He's in a huge school with over 1700 pupils. He has ADD and has generally been lost in school. He's not particularly academic so he's had a tutor to try and get him through. All of that said, we adore him and obviously want the best for him.
He's a lifelong fan of cars. He loves premium brands and is really keen to work for Porsche. We're not quite sure what capacity as he's not shown particular interest in any one area. There's obviously the mechanical side, which would be great but I'm not 100% sure that's what he wants. He just wants to be around cars. He knows them well, he can tell you all sorts about them (totally goes over my head most of the time). He likes big engines and speed, which scares the hell out of me. For Christmas last year he got a car experience session at Dunsfold and was utterly in his element. Santa is bringing him that again this year.
Do any of you have any advice as to what he could do? I know Porsche is based in Reading so I don't think that's feasible at the moment, I have asked our local dealership for advice too but had no response. BMW do an Business Level 3 apprenticeship, which I think sounds pretty good but must be exceptionally competitive to get on. I think this is more his thing and one of the reasons he's studying Retail Business as part of his GCSEs.
I'd be hugely grateful for any tips or advice you can offer. He hasn't quite grasped that we need to start looking at this now and not next July!
Many thanks in advance.
BTec might be a route for him after GCSE. There are some automotive oriented courses and qualifications.
Other than that, practical experience is always good… Saturday job at a local garage tidying up, washing cars etc, and I’m sure they’ll let him get stuck in helping with jobs on the cars.
Does he enjoy racing games on the Xbox? Lots of opportunities in E-sports these days too, with simulators etc.
Porsche in Reading are the importers, as well as a big dealer. There are Porsche centres near and in London too, as well as some great independent specialists too.
Other than that, practical experience is always good… Saturday job at a local garage tidying up, washing cars etc, and I’m sure they’ll let him get stuck in helping with jobs on the cars.
Does he enjoy racing games on the Xbox? Lots of opportunities in E-sports these days too, with simulators etc.
Porsche in Reading are the importers, as well as a big dealer. There are Porsche centres near and in London too, as well as some great independent specialists too.
As a technician for Porsche moving forward, it will be boring. EVs are hugely competent and need little technical expertise. Unless he specialise in electrical gremlins.....
BTec sounds like the route forward, but I would look at classics or Porsche specialists if internal combustion engines are his thing. Far more variety and exotica will need keeping on the road for enthusiasts moving forward....
BTec sounds like the route forward, but I would look at classics or Porsche specialists if internal combustion engines are his thing. Far more variety and exotica will need keeping on the road for enthusiasts moving forward....
When I was 16 I walked into two of the local garages and asked for a Saturday and School holidays job.
The second one I tried, gave me a job and I spent all my summer and Easter holidays there right through Uni. I enjoyed it, but learnt it wasn't the job I wanted for 30 years. 3rd year, I did most of their car moves. 18 and driving around in Jags, Rollers and even a short delivery of a Capri tickford Turbo...
When my son turned 16, I asked at the local garage who did my MOTs if they had a role for him. He did Saturday's there for a couple of years.
Nothing like experience to work out if you want to do it for life - also to helps compete against other with more academic qualifications.
I assume Brooklands college is too far?
My son still loves cars, but is now a tree surgeon - and loves it. He also was pretty lost at school, but now doing really well.
Good luck
The second one I tried, gave me a job and I spent all my summer and Easter holidays there right through Uni. I enjoyed it, but learnt it wasn't the job I wanted for 30 years. 3rd year, I did most of their car moves. 18 and driving around in Jags, Rollers and even a short delivery of a Capri tickford Turbo...
When my son turned 16, I asked at the local garage who did my MOTs if they had a role for him. He did Saturday's there for a couple of years.
Nothing like experience to work out if you want to do it for life - also to helps compete against other with more academic qualifications.
I assume Brooklands college is too far?
My son still loves cars, but is now a tree surgeon - and loves it. He also was pretty lost at school, but now doing really well.
Good luck
Edited by OverSteery on Sunday 5th October 16:50
One thing to consider is some psychometric assessment to understand where his strengths/weaknesses and interests lie. I enjoy cars but ended up doing something different after going through this sort of assessment, really helped me.
https://careeranalysts.co.uk/
https://careeranalysts.co.uk/
Is a university degree and/or degree apprenticeship out of the question?
For background, I was similar to your son - ADD and poor academic results (A-levels in media, law and sociology!) but went to university and now have 2 masters in automotive engineering, with a career spent around things like the Valkyrie, AMG One, McLarens and everything in between.
My recommendation would be to not go down the technician apprentice path, but rather seeking out a degree apprenticeship with the likes of JLR and moving into something like vehicle dynamics. Plenty of suppliers/OEMs still doing very fun things with cars, even EVs.
In the short term, absolutely get him around a garage to get him in the right understanding of vehicles and engineering - maybe even a spare spanner for an amateur race team? You say SE London - Anywhere near brands hatch? Some early, solid experience will really help him when it comes to applying for apprenticeships; with so many applying it really helps to showcase some experience. (Also obviously get him a driving license asap once he turns 17, that will only fuel his fire for it!)
For background, I was similar to your son - ADD and poor academic results (A-levels in media, law and sociology!) but went to university and now have 2 masters in automotive engineering, with a career spent around things like the Valkyrie, AMG One, McLarens and everything in between.
My recommendation would be to not go down the technician apprentice path, but rather seeking out a degree apprenticeship with the likes of JLR and moving into something like vehicle dynamics. Plenty of suppliers/OEMs still doing very fun things with cars, even EVs.
In the short term, absolutely get him around a garage to get him in the right understanding of vehicles and engineering - maybe even a spare spanner for an amateur race team? You say SE London - Anywhere near brands hatch? Some early, solid experience will really help him when it comes to applying for apprenticeships; with so many applying it really helps to showcase some experience. (Also obviously get him a driving license asap once he turns 17, that will only fuel his fire for it!)
Not everyone is suited to studying, a fact most recent governments seem happy to ignore as they ship in millions of unskilled workers routinely and presume every UK wants further education, so unfair.
I would expect a working trade apprenticeship would work, if he can get an enthusiasm for work across and a passion, says a lot.
If he likes racing suggest he touts himself out to a few local race teams for free, shows willingness and he will pick things up, probably not as common as it used to be sadly.
I would expect a working trade apprenticeship would work, if he can get an enthusiasm for work across and a passion, says a lot.
If he likes racing suggest he touts himself out to a few local race teams for free, shows willingness and he will pick things up, probably not as common as it used to be sadly.
Theres a Porsche east london and a Porsche Kent.
Probably makes sense to start an automotive technician apprenticeship somewhere local to him and then aim to move to working for a different manufacturer a few years later.
Being hands on and practical isn't really the same as school.
Even selling cars isn't academic its about being able to read the room. If you like earning money that soon sharpens the focus.
Probably makes sense to start an automotive technician apprenticeship somewhere local to him and then aim to move to working for a different manufacturer a few years later.
Being hands on and practical isn't really the same as school.
Even selling cars isn't academic its about being able to read the room. If you like earning money that soon sharpens the focus.
It's tricky - but one thing I would suggest is him (you) finding a mentor. I've mentored a few teens over the years and it's been interesting.
Another area he could try initially is maybe cleaning cars for a dealer? It's the lowliest start, but if he impresses them with enthusiasm etc it might lead somewhere? It also starts him thinking about earning money.
Another area he could try initially is maybe cleaning cars for a dealer? It's the lowliest start, but if he impresses them with enthusiasm etc it might lead somewhere? It also starts him thinking about earning money.
GliderRider said:
It is a myth to think that an apprenticeship, particularly in a technical field such as car maintenance, is a route to avoiding subjects such as maths, physics and chemistry.
It is likely that college attendance will be a requirement, and that is highly likely to involve such topics.
Sure, but it will be at a much more basic level. It is likely that college attendance will be a requirement, and that is highly likely to involve such topics.
Poko said:
Is a university degree and/or degree apprenticeship out of the question?
For background, I was similar to your son - ADD and poor academic results (A-levels in media, law and sociology!) but went to university and now have 2 masters in automotive engineering, with a career spent around things like the Valkyrie, AMG One, McLarens and everything in between.
My recommendation would be to not go down the technician apprentice path, but rather seeking out a degree apprenticeship with the likes of JLR and moving into something like vehicle dynamics. Plenty of suppliers/OEMs still doing very fun things with cars, even EVs.
In the short term, absolutely get him around a garage to get him in the right understanding of vehicles and engineering - maybe even a spare spanner for an amateur race team? You say SE London - Anywhere near brands hatch? Some early, solid experience will really help him when it comes to applying for apprenticeships; with so many applying it really helps to showcase some experience. (Also obviously get him a driving license asap once he turns 17, that will only fuel his fire for it!)
I think I worked there too!For background, I was similar to your son - ADD and poor academic results (A-levels in media, law and sociology!) but went to university and now have 2 masters in automotive engineering, with a career spent around things like the Valkyrie, AMG One, McLarens and everything in between.
My recommendation would be to not go down the technician apprentice path, but rather seeking out a degree apprenticeship with the likes of JLR and moving into something like vehicle dynamics. Plenty of suppliers/OEMs still doing very fun things with cars, even EVs.
In the short term, absolutely get him around a garage to get him in the right understanding of vehicles and engineering - maybe even a spare spanner for an amateur race team? You say SE London - Anywhere near brands hatch? Some early, solid experience will really help him when it comes to applying for apprenticeships; with so many applying it really helps to showcase some experience. (Also obviously get him a driving license asap once he turns 17, that will only fuel his fire for it!)
I wrote a big thank you but I don't know where it's gone.
Thank you for all your comments, feedback and advice. Lots to research and google.
I found a business Level 3 apprenticeship at BMW which I think would be good. I'm certain he's only talking about mechanics as a way of getting through the door but I don't think it's what he really wants. He's doing a business GCSE so I'm hoping this will be a good base.
And getting him some work experience too! I'm on the case.
Thanks all.
Thank you for all your comments, feedback and advice. Lots to research and google.
I found a business Level 3 apprenticeship at BMW which I think would be good. I'm certain he's only talking about mechanics as a way of getting through the door but I don't think it's what he really wants. He's doing a business GCSE so I'm hoping this will be a good base.
And getting him some work experience too! I'm on the case.
Thanks all.
I work for a large car company as a design engineer and have been there my whole career.
I did A levels, but didn't want to go into uni and ended up stumbling into a Toolmaking apprenticeship at 18. That was 20 years ago now, but even then it was fairly academic on the college side of things. I wasn't very good, but I enjoyed the practical side and that kept me going. Entry at BTEC/NVQ level is good if you are unsure about academic ability/interest. You can finish up with NVQs and BTECs or keep going and gain more qualifications somewhere between a degree and BTEC (T level now maybe?). Lots of my peers continued on to degrees and masters funded/heavily subsidized by the company.
It's worth looking at trades other than vehicle technician (within a large company) as there is plenty of cross over. In my apprenticeship I would regularly take in home projects to work on. Skimming and porting a head, welding up a cracked sub frame, modify a turbo housing etc etc. The instructors were happy to help as it was all part of our development.
I have ended up as a design engineer and have moved around a bit. I did engine design for ~6 years then BIW upper structures design for ~6 years and now I work in a transmission/clutch/e-drive team. Some of my peers stayed as toolmakers or retrained in mechanical and electrical maintenance, but I'd say the majority now work as engineers, program managers or supervisors. Some even transitioned over into the credit side of things.
It is a tough age trying to work out what the hell to do.
I did A levels, but didn't want to go into uni and ended up stumbling into a Toolmaking apprenticeship at 18. That was 20 years ago now, but even then it was fairly academic on the college side of things. I wasn't very good, but I enjoyed the practical side and that kept me going. Entry at BTEC/NVQ level is good if you are unsure about academic ability/interest. You can finish up with NVQs and BTECs or keep going and gain more qualifications somewhere between a degree and BTEC (T level now maybe?). Lots of my peers continued on to degrees and masters funded/heavily subsidized by the company.
It's worth looking at trades other than vehicle technician (within a large company) as there is plenty of cross over. In my apprenticeship I would regularly take in home projects to work on. Skimming and porting a head, welding up a cracked sub frame, modify a turbo housing etc etc. The instructors were happy to help as it was all part of our development.
I have ended up as a design engineer and have moved around a bit. I did engine design for ~6 years then BIW upper structures design for ~6 years and now I work in a transmission/clutch/e-drive team. Some of my peers stayed as toolmakers or retrained in mechanical and electrical maintenance, but I'd say the majority now work as engineers, program managers or supervisors. Some even transitioned over into the credit side of things.
It is a tough age trying to work out what the hell to do.
uktrailmonster said:
Sure, but it will be at a much more basic level.
ITs not always that basic, had a few techs who were competent but just couldn't get the grade as simply couldn't do the work. I think one of them was heavily dyslexic / dyscalculiaand had somehow escaped being noticed but he just couldn't get his level 3 as he couldn't pass the test.
Runs his own garage and employs 4 techs now despite not having that bit of paper
mum_of_teen said:
Hello all,
This is my first post here. Hoping I've put it in the right place. I'm a mum to a 16 year old. Very typical boy who plays on his xbox a lot, generally grunts and trying to keep himself out of trouble. I'm lucky if I see him for 3 minutes a day at the moment!
We're at that point of looking at the next steps. He will be doing his GCSEs next year. He doesn't want to do A Levels but just wants to get out there and get working. School's not really been for him. We're based in SE London and our choice of secondary schools was limited. He's in a huge school with over 1700 pupils. He has ADD and has generally been lost in school. He's not particularly academic so he's had a tutor to try and get him through. All of that said, we adore him and obviously want the best for him.
He's a lifelong fan of cars. He loves premium brands and is really keen to work for Porsche. We're not quite sure what capacity as he's not shown particular interest in any one area. There's obviously the mechanical side, which would be great but I'm not 100% sure that's what he wants. He just wants to be around cars. He knows them well, he can tell you all sorts about them (totally goes over my head most of the time). He likes big engines and speed, which scares the hell out of me. For Christmas last year he got a car experience session at Dunsfold and was utterly in his element. Santa is bringing him that again this year.
Do any of you have any advice as to what he could do? I know Porsche is based in Reading so I don't think that's feasible at the moment, I have asked our local dealership for advice too but had no response. BMW do an Business Level 3 apprenticeship, which I think sounds pretty good but must be exceptionally competitive to get on. I think this is more his thing and one of the reasons he's studying Retail Business as part of his GCSEs.
I'd be hugely grateful for any tips or advice you can offer. He hasn't quite grasped that we need to start looking at this now and not next July!
Many thanks in advance.
if he doesn’t want to be a technician or mechanic, there are still plenty of roles in main dealers in sales or parts. You don’t need to be academically able. Just go on Google and look at main dealer apprenticeships with bmw, VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ferrari etc.This is my first post here. Hoping I've put it in the right place. I'm a mum to a 16 year old. Very typical boy who plays on his xbox a lot, generally grunts and trying to keep himself out of trouble. I'm lucky if I see him for 3 minutes a day at the moment!
We're at that point of looking at the next steps. He will be doing his GCSEs next year. He doesn't want to do A Levels but just wants to get out there and get working. School's not really been for him. We're based in SE London and our choice of secondary schools was limited. He's in a huge school with over 1700 pupils. He has ADD and has generally been lost in school. He's not particularly academic so he's had a tutor to try and get him through. All of that said, we adore him and obviously want the best for him.
He's a lifelong fan of cars. He loves premium brands and is really keen to work for Porsche. We're not quite sure what capacity as he's not shown particular interest in any one area. There's obviously the mechanical side, which would be great but I'm not 100% sure that's what he wants. He just wants to be around cars. He knows them well, he can tell you all sorts about them (totally goes over my head most of the time). He likes big engines and speed, which scares the hell out of me. For Christmas last year he got a car experience session at Dunsfold and was utterly in his element. Santa is bringing him that again this year.
Do any of you have any advice as to what he could do? I know Porsche is based in Reading so I don't think that's feasible at the moment, I have asked our local dealership for advice too but had no response. BMW do an Business Level 3 apprenticeship, which I think sounds pretty good but must be exceptionally competitive to get on. I think this is more his thing and one of the reasons he's studying Retail Business as part of his GCSEs.
I'd be hugely grateful for any tips or advice you can offer. He hasn't quite grasped that we need to start looking at this now and not next July!
Many thanks in advance.
Also the manufacturers to do degree apprenticeships or apprenticeships at their manufacturing plants or HQ such as BMW and potentially the other brands.
also if you do become mechanic don’t need to be academically able at maths or physics. Just get plenty of experience which you get on the job, keen to learn, pick up good habits. There be a place for him somewhere in automotive industry whether Assembly, Marketing, Sales, Technician, Parts Advisor, Customer Service, Engineer etc.
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