Small, besopke automotive type companies in east anglia
Discussion
Hi guys, I'm wondering if I could tap into the huge resource that is PHEA to aid me in a search for a new career. Forgive me for the unorthodox approach.
Currently I'm working in agriculture- the industry I was born into and vowed I'd never work in but have done for the last 3 years since quitting a product design technology degree (I was bored out of my mind.)
As a result I'm 22 and have no qualifications beyond A-levels, I've realised I'm no academic but I'm intelligent, very creative and lateral thinking and love product design, problem solving and engineering. The problem is finding an employer who will take me on for what I can do rather than what papers I've got!
To get my foot on the ladder I'm hoping to take a couple of weeks off farm work to get some work experience with companies I think I would enjoy working for and who are more in line with personal interests.
So far I've thought of SCA Race Rally, Dave Walker (Emerald ECUs), Courtney (The Vauxhall tuning guys) and NICE (Norwich In Car Entertainment), all of whom are small companies who often work on bespoke projects (I can't stand repetition or workplace bureaucracy).
Has anyone got any ideas of other companies along a similar vein who would be worth approaching? I know somewhere out there an employer is looking for someone like me, it's just a case of finding them!
Thanks,
Bernie
Currently I'm working in agriculture- the industry I was born into and vowed I'd never work in but have done for the last 3 years since quitting a product design technology degree (I was bored out of my mind.)
As a result I'm 22 and have no qualifications beyond A-levels, I've realised I'm no academic but I'm intelligent, very creative and lateral thinking and love product design, problem solving and engineering. The problem is finding an employer who will take me on for what I can do rather than what papers I've got!
To get my foot on the ladder I'm hoping to take a couple of weeks off farm work to get some work experience with companies I think I would enjoy working for and who are more in line with personal interests.
So far I've thought of SCA Race Rally, Dave Walker (Emerald ECUs), Courtney (The Vauxhall tuning guys) and NICE (Norwich In Car Entertainment), all of whom are small companies who often work on bespoke projects (I can't stand repetition or workplace bureaucracy).
Has anyone got any ideas of other companies along a similar vein who would be worth approaching? I know somewhere out there an employer is looking for someone like me, it's just a case of finding them!
Thanks,
Bernie
The problem with small companies is that you can treated like shit and then get booted out at short notice. You can go up fast but you can also go out fast.
What about building up a track record as a technician with one of the big car dealerships in the area? You may still get treated like shit but at least you'll come out with some sound knowledge and something on your CV.
What about building up a track record as a technician with one of the big car dealerships in the area? You may still get treated like shit but at least you'll come out with some sound knowledge and something on your CV.
I think I'd get bored too quickly, I need a challenge and something to entertain my grey matter which I don't think servicing normal cars would provide.
It's not so much about rising through the ranks either, the last thing I want is an office job or to be telling people how to do a job I'd rather do myself. I want somebody who will appreciate me for what I'm good at and pay me accordingly.
It's not so much about rising through the ranks either, the last thing I want is an office job or to be telling people how to do a job I'd rather do myself. I want somebody who will appreciate me for what I'm good at and pay me accordingly.
You could be my personal mechanic, Bernie.
There's always something that needs doing an sorting, and it's always something new
Seriously though, you have Norfolk Car Audio, maybe Panks Auto Electrics.
If you fancy the bodywork or interior side of things, you could try East Bilney bodyshop, C & S Bodycare, and there are a couple of trim shops around here, but I don't have any contact for them I'm afaid (just an idea!)
Darren
There's always something that needs doing an sorting, and it's always something new
Seriously though, you have Norfolk Car Audio, maybe Panks Auto Electrics.
If you fancy the bodywork or interior side of things, you could try East Bilney bodyshop, C & S Bodycare, and there are a couple of trim shops around here, but I don't have any contact for them I'm afaid (just an idea!)
Darren
Interesting. I'd swap with you any day! I'd love to work on a farm!
Having met you I'd have said the Body Shop / Technician route is not one that I could see you taking. I would have said concept to production bespoke work is more your thing, and the only way to get into that is to go out knocking doors and find a place willing to take you on. you may have to suffer low pay and or starting with the boring stuff but it will give you a good insight as to how companies like that work and how they go about getting that work, then go start up on your own if thats what you want (and you strike me as bieng the kind of person that would be more than capable of that)
I'm not to sure about comanies in this area, but theres a company called 1320auto's (www.1320autos.com) who mess with modern minis, they might be worth a try.
Just remeber, if you dont ask you dont get!
Good Luck.
Scott
Having met you I'd have said the Body Shop / Technician route is not one that I could see you taking. I would have said concept to production bespoke work is more your thing, and the only way to get into that is to go out knocking doors and find a place willing to take you on. you may have to suffer low pay and or starting with the boring stuff but it will give you a good insight as to how companies like that work and how they go about getting that work, then go start up on your own if thats what you want (and you strike me as bieng the kind of person that would be more than capable of that)
I'm not to sure about comanies in this area, but theres a company called 1320auto's (www.1320autos.com) who mess with modern minis, they might be worth a try.
Just remeber, if you dont ask you dont get!
Good Luck.
Scott
There are these guys near Bury St Edmunds
http://www.suffolkcountymantas.co.uk
Is this the kind of thing you are after?
http://www.suffolkcountymantas.co.uk
Is this the kind of thing you are after?
I would suggest trying Breckland Technology in East Dereham. They build Mosler's amongst other things and could be looking for an apprentice or 'gofor'
Omicron in Mulbarton who specialise in Lancia's, it really depends on how far you want to travel.
Kev
Edited by evolutionvalet on Tuesday 6th November 19:55
evolutionvalet said:
I would suggest trying Breckland Technology in East Dereham.
From what I hear, I wouldn't...Sorry but I really think you're on a hiding to nothing here. Every young man wants to work for a sportscar team, and the companies know that perfectly well. The queue is a mile long. They get hundreds of letters saying 'I'll make the tea for nothing if only you give me a chance'. And that's exactly what they'll end up doing. Many sign up, very few are chosen. Unless you're an Adrian Newey, you'll end up as head of washing up.
But having said that, I hope you prove me wrong
Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 6th November 19:59
Simpo Two said:
evolutionvalet said:
I would suggest trying Breckland Technology in East Dereham.
From what I hear, I wouldn't...Sorry but I really think you're on a hiding to nothing here. Every young man wants to work for a sportscar team, and the companies know that perfectly well. The queue is a mile long. They get hundreds of letters saying 'I'll make the tea for nothing if only you give me a chance'. And that's exactly what they'll end up doing. Many sign up, very few are chosen. Unless you're an Adrian Newey, you'll end up as head of washing up.
But having said that, I hope you prove me wrong
Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 6th November 19:59
Scott- You are a very good judge of character! Ultimately I'd like to be self employed but for now I lack the skills and self discipline required to do so, which is why I'm looking at taking this route. Thanks for the ideas.
Mark- thanks for the link, it's that kind of thing I'm looking for although perhaps on a slightly larger scale.
you could try competition fabrications at Attleborough.... they do everything from proper vintage cars to the modern bently lemans cars via doing bodywork on the classic team lotus stuff. they also do bespoke exhaust systems for kit/race cars....basically fabrication and all sorts of interesting stuff. not much of a place to look at, just a couple of old nissan huts, but the stuff inside is gorgeous!
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
eccles said:
you could try competition fabrications at Attleborough.... they do everything from proper vintage cars to the modern bently lemans cars via doing bodywork on the classic team lotus stuff. they also do bespoke exhaust systems for kit/race cars....basically fabrication and all sorts of interesting stuff. not much of a place to look at, just a couple of old nissan huts, but the stuff inside is gorgeous!
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
I know a guy that works there, Steve, its a treasure trove and puts out truely awesome quality work. These guys are true craftsmen...evolutionvalet said:
eccles said:
you could try competition fabrications at Attleborough.... they do everything from proper vintage cars to the modern bently lemans cars via doing bodywork on the classic team lotus stuff. they also do bespoke exhaust systems for kit/race cars....basically fabrication and all sorts of interesting stuff. not much of a place to look at, just a couple of old nissan huts, but the stuff inside is gorgeous!
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
Nick pavarrini is the bloke who runs it.
I know a guy that works there, Steve, its a treasure trove and puts out truely awesome quality work. These guys are true craftsmen...Gassing Station | East Anglia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff