First Diploma in aerospace engineering

[robin28]

Hie guys
l am interested in starting a career in aircraft engineering and would like to know what already professionals and people in the industry think about the BTEC First Diploma in aerospace engineering.
If there are other courses l can take , l am welcoming all kind of info regarding to the field
regards

[YOUNGBUCK]

From what i know people who have gained this qualification have used it as a stepping stone into apprenticeships but i dont think it can be viewed as much more than this. After this qualification people tend to forward onto a degree of foundation degree in the same subject although this is only from what people i know have done. The subject is good to accompany studys for easa exams as similar subjects are covered, aero, maths, elec fund, materials etc

[planecrazy.eu]

A first diploma is good for people who have messed up their G.C.S.E's and thus may not have enough knowledge to gain entry into one of the apprentice possitions at an airline, or gain entry to the National Diploma or Certificates.

First diploma is a GCSE type qualification.

National Diploma is A level type (worth 3) and Certificate (Worth 2)

To get into University for a Foundation or First Degree you'll need to have at least National Certificate or A'levels or Level 3 like IB, Highers, BTEC, Etc.

This course will do no harm if you want to be an Engineer, it gives you some great foundations and will prove this is what you want to do to companies.

My Brother has done this course, and it seems that Apprentice Schemes with airlines still favour National Diploma from what i can see, and do think highly of people who have qualifications such as First Diplomas.

I know this as fact, people who got into a scheme from my brothers interviews either had First Diploma or National Diplomas/Certificates and even a FD. No school leavers with GCSE's was taken, showing that entry expectations are higher than the minimum standards.

Despite what above says, you need the qualification above this to get into Uni for Degrees or FD's.

Some colleges also run this course with practical experience so that an A licence is issued.

My brothers course is offering A licence with hands on next year.

An A licence will get you a foot in the door if you dont get into an apprentice scheme, it will also serve good if you do get on one.

[YOUNGBUCK]

Yes sorry about that, The first diploma is below national diploma (i got these two mixed up). I did not personally do this qualification although many of the young people i work with, have gained this qualification. An A licence is good to have but without experience it doesnt really count for much, although praise should not be taken away for passing the exams. It is always better once you have completed the neccessary entry course to try and attain an apprenticship rather than carry on in education into Aircraft engineering related uni courses which can lead into an ab initio route into the industry. Engineers who have came through on apprenticeships are nearly always welcomed warmer than engineers who have came through uni, purely for the fact that apprentices have hands on experience and have got dirty, also many engineers have came through on apprenticeships.

[robin28]

Thanks guys l have been researching and weighing out everything for better options l however would opt for the National Diploma and study for two years hoping the coming years would have regained over this economic crisis , has this global crunch seriously damaged hiring of new trainees or .......

[faz1989]

Robin, once you have completed studying for the Diploma, what do you plan to do?
A National Diploma is only good enough if you are planning to go to University or doing an apprenticeship or going to a 147 college. Even way you still have to carry on in an education institution before you be able to get a decent paid job in the aviation industry.
I completed my National Diploma in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical last year with triple Distinctions and I sometimes do wish I have completed an EASA license course instead. I am currently at a 147 college doing my EASA license and my job prospective looks much better then just doing the National Diploma.

PS. A National Diploma is a lot better than a First Diploma.