• Question: What is the best way to get into the engineering industry? Are you better off getting an apprenticeship or getting the qualifications needed and then finding a job in the industry?

    Asked by tomwalton2 to Graham, Luke, Maksim, Ruth on 17 Jun 2014.
    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      it is different for everyone, i went down the apprenticeship route and i loved it.
      you get to work 4 days a week then college for 1 day. you get paid and you can put into practice what you have learnt in the class room out on site or in the office.
      dont get me wrong it is also hard work. you have to work full time and study and do all the assignments and exams .
      but for me it was definitely the best route.

      thanks

      claire

    • Photo: Ruth Gregory

      Ruth Gregory answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      I have found that the people that have been better off in the long run have started an apprenticeship however, it is all a matter of preference. Either way you have to put a lot of effort into the qaulifications and work. I liked the apprenticeship route as I was able to afford my own house and learning to drive. By the time others had graduated from university or college I had a very secure career and was ready for a promotion. Whilst doing the apprenticeship I kept thinking about others who were having fun at university and having the freedom to learn about themselves but now I feel like I am better off in the long run. As I didn’t have to pay for my education as the company did, I feel this was a better route for myself with wanting to move away and have personal freedom.

    • Photo: Graham Wiggins

      Graham Wiggins answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      Hi tomwalton2
      I have to admit to being somewhat biased toward apprenticeships 🙂
      they apy you as you learn, so you see the World of work + know what you are getting into, and usually have great set of qualifications if you don’t end up working there.
      Doing the Degree before work ? hmmm works for some, though don’t forget experience is something employers love, so, if you do the Uni/Degree route, pop in some “work breaks” 🙂 maybe do something work / voluntary work in a gap year, instead of trekking round the usual Gap year routes ??

    • Photo: Luke Fry

      Luke Fry answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      I have found the for me, getting an apprenticeship was the best way. It doesn’t hold you back from gaining the same qualifications you would get on your own, you just have to play a slightly longer game. One of the biggest things that employers look for in a new starter is experience…
      If I compare my position next year to that of one of my friends who went to uni, we will have the same level of qualification. they will have maybe 2-3 years experience. I will have 6 years experience. They will have £xx,xxx of debt and I will have none…I rest my case. Although, I will point out that apprenticeships are not for everyone, if you are completely academic and don’t like to make things and get your hands dirty then perhaps apprenticeships aren’t for you!

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