P51
as The Doc says there is a lot of down sides to our job and the outsourcing to the former eastern block is the latest threat to our pay rates which have been stagnent for some time. There are also the problems our collegues at FLS are facing at the moment.
You will most certainly have to work some shifts which if its the wrong one start to take their toll although 4 on 4 off is excellent.
You will have to work in some terrible conditions, even with a major operator one hangar I worked in had U/S doors for an entire winter. If you work on the line( the most interesting IMHO) you will work in all weathers and at all times.
You will be treated with contempt from management and almost all other departments in the industry.
Would I do it again YES. I have had some great times in the industry and worked with some great people who have taught me a lot along the way. I now get some excellent travel benifits which give my family travel we could never dream of. I also have the oportunity to work abroad and although the pay is not what it should be for the responsability I live OK.
If you are going to do it the my advice is to go for B1 as there more positions for B1s. If you want to be B2 you can always convert later. While at Uni get them to help you with a student placement and keep a log book with every job you do or see (the CAA are getting very hot on engineers logs.) There are a few places that could take placements, BA at GLA and Cardiff, FLS, Britannia and Monarch some one else may know more. If / when you get a job take all the type training they throw at you.
You could also try getting a modern training scheme
(apprenticeship is not PC any more) BAs leads to a full B1 or B2 plus degree and I think Virgin do one as well
My last thought though is before you consider going down the maintenance route have you considered being a pilot, the training is not any more difficult and the rewards far greater
Hope this helps
FTF