nosefirsteverytime
15th November 2005, 18:32
This may be well-trodden before, but I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do with a Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in the aviation feild? (I'm not sure if it equates to a Diploma or what, since the system is changing here. I would have studied for two years in 3rd level and I could take the title "Mechanical Engineering Technician"). It's obvious where a Degree can get me, but I'd like to know if there's anything out there I can do while I amass funds for further education.....
EI-MICK
15th November 2005, 20:15
nope not really, B1/B2 is what you need,maybe start as an apprentice.mech. eng at hons degree level wont give much help either if fixing is what you want to do,however if you have a degree in your field you could maybe go in to an engineering planning dept. etc.
Genghis the Engineer
16th November 2005, 11:48
The HNC is a recognised qualification, sitting somewhere below a degree but still highly regarded. The fact that the system is changing won't devalue it.
If you look at the RAeS grading guide, you can see that it's regarded as equivalent to an "ordinary" (as opposed to an Honours" degree.
Associate Member (AMRAeS)
There are four ways to qualify as an Associate Member. Candidates must be either:
a. Age 23 and above: Hold a BTEC Higher National certificate, ordinary degree or international equivalent
Have had two years’ practical training
Have at least three years’ experience at a relevant level of responsibility or…
b. Age 23 and above: Hold an Honours degree or equivalent
Have had two years’ professional development or…
c. Age 30 and above: Have ten years’ appropriate experience or…
d. For Licensed Aircraft Engineers: Hold a UK CAA licence with type rating, or international equivalents, or appropriate company approvals
Have at least two years’ experience involving supervisory and/or technical administration
Of course like any other "academic" engineering qualification it prepares you well to then learn how to do an engineering job and get licences in that area, but it doesn't actually qualify you to DO anything.
I believe that if you talk to them, most university engineering departments will also be happy for a good HNC pass to allow you to skip at-least the first year of a degree if that's what you plan to do.
You won't find, by and large, that anybody differentiates strongly between an HNC in Mechanical Engineering, or an HNC in aeronautical engineering - but if you plan to do the latter at degree level, you'll probably have to self-teach quite a lot of aerodynamics if you're hoping to skip the first year of a degree course.
If you're just looking for a job, I doubt you'll struggle to find one with an HNC plus a few years relevant industry experience. Without experience of-course, you're about as employable as any other total newcomer to the aircraft industry - hardly at-all!
G