Hello,
This is my first post on these forums so I would just like to say hello and maybe a little bit about my self. 🙂
Here goes;
My name is Lee i’m 27 years old. I’m a fully qualified printer living in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
For the last couple of years I have began to really hate my job as a printer. It’s a good job don’t get me wrong but I have realised that it’s not what i’m wanting to do for a cereer. After serving an advanced apprenticeship with my company I now seek an new career in a subject that I find interesting – Engineering.
Could I ask for some advice?
I’m wanting to (eventually) work as a Aerospace Engineer – possibly at Newcastle Airport as I live 10 minutes away so that would be ideal. The only problem is I don’t have any engineering experiance or qualifications. Also, I need to keep working in my current job whilst I learn engineering the basics by maybe doing part-time / distance learning.
What type of engineering should I be going for in order to be a good Aerospace Engineer? Mechanical, Electrical, Energy?
All help would be great!
Regards
Lee
By: bloodnok - 26th January 2012 at 21:43
Have you considered the RAF? The closing age for aircraft technician is 29. You would get a good training, get paid, get loads of expierince and get civilian qualifications at the end of your time.
Rgds Cking
I’m not sure you would get the experience to be honest. A hell of a lot of second line stuff is done by civvies now, so you’re just left with flight servicing and rects.
By: JT442 - 25th January 2012 at 19:10
Agreed – I believe that the entry requirements are 5 GCSE’s at C or above including Maths, English and a Science, or relevant qualifications above that level. The RAF training is far far better than anything a civilian company could ever hope to deliver….
Being physically fit is a requirement regardless of the route. Engineering can be quite tough on the muscles…
Good luck 😀
By: Cking - 25th January 2012 at 16:20
Have you considered the RAF? The closing age for aircraft technician is 29. You would get a good training, get paid, get loads of expierince and get civilian qualifications at the end of your time. The downside is, obviously being away from home and being tied to the job for a number of years but it is a good way into aircraft engineering for a late starter.
Rgds Cking
By: Cking - 24th January 2012 at 17:46
The engineering industry is reducing in size all the time in this country, so there are very few jobs anywhere – even for those with rafts of experience.
I would echo this statement VERY strongly.The maintenace industry is in the doldrums at the moment and, if the rumours are true it’s only going to get worse.
Rgds Cking
By: symon - 24th January 2012 at 04:17
I focused on maths and physics at high school. Studied Mechanical Engineering at University, then became an Aeronautical Engineer. Depends what kind of Aeronautical Engineering you want to go in to. Mechanical or Aeronautical will suit you well for design. Electrical may take you in to Avionics or Systems.
By: JT442 - 23rd January 2012 at 11:00
Instead of posting on international aviation forums, why don’t you come and see us.
In all seriousness, if you have no engineering experience at all, I would suggest that an EASA licence programme is not the ideal route. Newcastle College run C&G / BTEC courses which may help and I would suggest that you speak to them directly. I’ll PM the number in a moment.
You will find many different routes to aerospace engineering. I am paid to suggest the Academy route, BUT try volunteering at the local museum (NEAM) first to see if you are even capable of wielding a spanner, and that you particularly like working in sub-zero conditions with minimal help.
If you find you do like freezing to death, then you have the following routes to a qualification:
1. Academy route to an EASA pt66 B1.1 licence. (2 years academic full time + 1 year experience MINIMUM)
2. C&G / BTEC route to either mechanic or Academy (2 years full time)
3. Licence by post (part time, but expensive and unlikely to succeed without significant experience)
The engineering industry is reducing in size all the time in this country, so there are very few jobs anywhere – even for those with rafts of experience. Be prepared to move out of the country if you want to get a start in the industry.
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January 23, 2012 at 9:55 am