Originally Posted by
batesy72
Hi guys
As the title suggests I am considering the possibility of a career change.
I am currently working as an automotive technician/mechanic and I am curious as to what your thoughts are on this as a possible change and if there is anyone who has done something similar.
This wasn't my original plan to do this, it was more of a money earner while I studied at university a number of years ago.
I studied aviation technology with pilot studies 2006-2009 whilst also gaining a PPL, so I have a bit of an understanding of aircraft and flight.
My original intention was to become a commercial pilot, however, having being offered a place at FTE I chose not to accept it initially due to my dad's health deteriorating and eventually passing away.
I have since continued to work fixing and repairing cars, which is ok, but I would really like to get back around aircraft in some form and I do feel my mechanical ability and my previous study would be of use.
I do understand about the licensing aspects, although from searching around the net, it seems the apprenticeship route is the favoured route to becoming an aircraft engineer.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and a happy new year to all.
Alan
Depends to a large extent what you mean by "engineering", but particularly as you already have a first degree (Leeds, I'd guess, from the title?), there are quite a lot of scholarships available for aerospace MSc programmes and the like. It's absolutely true that there is a shortage of well qualified engineers, both the licenced sort and the graduate sort - although it's getting into the industry at first that can be the struggle, and you can't be too qualified.
Have a look at these...
Royal Aeronautical Society | Centennial Scholarships
Aero MSc Bursary Scheme - Royal Academy of Engineering
and especially (although not only) if you happen to be of the female persuasion (although I'm guessing probably not as you signed yourself Alan)...
Funding, Scholarships, Awards - Women and girls - WISE
For what it's worth however, at 28, you're still irritatingly young, and if you chose to self fund through the modular route to CPL / fATPL through your current job (or mortgage your life for integrated!), it's entirely possible that you can also get a flying job if you want that enough.
G