Apprenticeship

[tommy411]

Ok so i know this has probably been done to death but wanted to start a new thread for my first post. I would like to start an apprenticeship as AME Mechanic. After spending some time looking though different threads i am feeling rather lost as to where i should be looking for an apprenticeship. As with most people when you start with google Qantas is going to be the first hit you get. i had a look thought i may apply but after reading a lot of posts on here im wondering if i should be looking elsewhere.
Can you guys on here recommend any places i should try apply or at least call and see if they will have any intake next year. from what i can see it seems to be a low paying trade all though i am not doing it for the money. i have pretty much have everything i want, just getting bored in the job i currently have. and by the looks of it my job would still pay more even after i finish an AME apprenticeship , but money is not the motivating factor.
For an industry that pays so low i would have thought it would be easy to get an apprenticeship. But after a little research i have not really got anywhere. so thought why not ask some people who have been through it all before.. and if im going to commit 4 years of my life to something i would like to learn as much as possible before i make any big decisions. So what are your thoughts..

Oh and has anyone else ever had trouble trying to speak to any of the teachers at Kangan tafe. ffs i dunno why they even have a phone they never answer EVER!!!!

Since i started looking into doing this a few weeks ago there has been little things like people not returning calls not answering not replying to emails. and or otherwise telling me to call somewhere else. its starting to leave a really bad taste in my mouth about this industry.. Could be an early sign but i will try press on..
Any help is much appreciated

[Jethro Gibbs]

Re : Since i started looking into doing this a few weeks ago there has been little things like people not returning calls not answering not replying to emails.:ugh:


In all areas of employment not just aviation the human resource people and employment recruiters are just the scum of the earth and have stuffed it for everyone but them not answering calls and e mails is common place they do not even acknowledge receipt of resumes so do not think its just you because its not.:ok:

[tommy411]

Your right jethro i just wanted to have a bit of a whine about it. i have never really liked HR a whole lot. every year they explain why they cant give me a better pay rise. then i make a big fuss and all ways get something better. it just pisses me off how difficult they are like they own the company or something..

anyways back on topic.. Just wondering what is the average 1st year Apprentice wage. Mature age that would be, as im well over 21

thanks guys

[Jethro Gibbs]

Re : $ payed the race to the bottom is on everywhere it seems if you will work for free all the better.:ugh:

[tommy411]

Any ideas who i should try contact for an apprenticeship please..
how did everyone else get there start.....

thanks for any help anyone can give me

[Jethro Gibbs]

no one seems to be advertiseing:ugh:don,t waste your time trying to call any of them

[IFOT]

Go for Qantas. They pay well, give you good training and give you good career progression. If you don't get where you want then you can easily get a job with other companies. Most regional /charter airlines, when employing, generally only get GA guys applying so someone with airline training would be very desirable. The only other advice I would give is make sure you are proactive and chase the opportunities. Some people expect Qantas to hand them everything on a plate!
So don't listen to all the negative comments about Qantas, I don't think you could ask for better training!
Hope this helps!

[Engine Wizard]

I agree with all IFOT says. The Qantas website is a bit of a nightmare, but in terms of quality training and future employability, they're the best place to start. I believe QantasLink train apprentices at Tamworth, but in very limited numbers.

[Jethro Gibbs]

There is nothing on the Qantas site they just ask you to register your interest then maybe we will e mail you in 2011 to ask you to apply I would not hold your breath waiting for them to e mail the HR Department of Qantas is just a shambles.

[Engine Wizard]

As I said, it's a nightmare. Try this link:

Qantas careers - Apprentices (http://www.careers.qantas.com.au/apprentices.aspx)

[Saintsman]

Sorry, but at 27, I can almost guarantee you will not be offered an apprenticeship. You are just too old.

Most schemes have age limits and one of the reasons is that they want to mould you into the type of engineer that the company wants. You can do that to people straight out of school. At your age, you will be set in your ways.

You may find that someone will take you on as unskilled and pick it up as you go, but I don't see too many options for you.

[wulfgar]

At the Brisbane Heavy Maintenance facility (Qantas 767/a330 maintenance), the oldest apprentice this year is 61 years old. Actually only around half are under 21. Common ages here in the Brisbane facility for apprentices would be 20's and 30's. For the intake of around 20 to 25 people (all inclusive of structures, avionics and mechanical) this year, around 6 to 8 would be aged 30 plus.

But Saintsman, I understand what your saying. If you had to get a plumbing, sparky, chippy apprenticeship (ie. building trade) with a small business, it would be hopeless unless your 17 to 20 years old.

To get into Qantas these days, its pretty much necessary to do a pre-apprentice course, with the Aviation Australia course been the most popular. This is somewhat risky as they turn out way more graduates then apprentice positions available.

Hope this helps,

cheers.

[Saintsman]

Wulfgar,

Live and learn :)

[whissper]

Make sure you understand the difference between the two licensing systems in Australia.

While QANTAS, Jetstar, VB and a few others RPT will benefit from an EASA license most of GA would still prefer people with a CASA license.

That said however, the most important thing is hands on time how ever you can get it.

[tommy411]

Any one know of a pre apprentice course you could do in melbourne.
Aviation Australia is only in QLD right?

Thanks for the replys

[Bolty McBolt]

Wulfgar said
To get into Qantas these days, its pretty much necessary to do a pre-apprentice course, with the Aviation Australia course been the most popular. This is somewhat risky as they turn out way more graduates then apprentice positions available.


From what I hear all airlines large and small in Oz ask the tafe teachers who is competent and who is not at AA. The guys who do well act the part are often given the :ok: thumbs up when airlines come calling (and they do) looking for talent.
Those who are in surplus after completing their AA course probably didn't work this out.

[whissper]

Can you define what is compotent?

Passing all the exams (mech / avionics) and showing up seemed to be the most important traits (that and attitude but how do you assess attitude)

[Busted Sump]

Whissper,

When i did AA in 2007 it was required that you had passed all your exams before any airlines could offer you a job. A good attendance record was also looked upon highly.
As for attitude, after spending 1 year at AA with the instructors they get to know the students fairly well and get to know how each student conducts themselves and how motivated and interested they really are.
The guys in my year that were sent there by their parents or clearly had no real interest in being there missed out on jobs. Most of the instructors are good guys but if you piss them off and make their job hard then you cant expect them to recommend to you for a job.