21 & Want to get into Aviation
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21 & Want to get into Aviation
Hey my first post here, figured i'd write about my situation to get a better idea of what i'm looking for.
At college I was really looking to become a pilot and was working hard in my studies so that I would get sponsorship in some shape or form and eventually after starting uni the credit crunch hit and well i dropped out because all the schemes disappeared and as i don't have the richest background, without sponsorship that was my pilot dream over.
Anyway I gave up on the pilot idea and just started full-time work and i'm already bored of grinding out the same thing day-in-day-out, i've decided to sort my life out and get into what i love and thats aviation, somehow. I recently applied for an apprenticeship at Airbus & BAE and also when they open for applications this year, Virgin. I'm awaiting a reply from them but i'm considering if that fails going back to uni and doing a foundation degree in Engineering and then a full degree. I'm willing to work exceptionally hard whichever route i take to get what i want but i just don't know where or what route i should follow to make sure i'm successful in getting a place.
I understand apprenticeships are a way to go about it from zero but i fear that these courses will have mountains of competition with people who have oodles of more experience than me. With no experience whatsoever in engineering myself i just don't know what to do. I'm not holding my breath on Airbus accepting me into their scheme not because i don't have the requirements but i don't know i'm just not having any luck at all.
Anyway sorry for the long 'essay' just wondering if anyone had any advice on what i should do to get into this field, if the apprentice applications don't get back to me or don't think i have what it takes then i think the degree route is the only way.
At college I was really looking to become a pilot and was working hard in my studies so that I would get sponsorship in some shape or form and eventually after starting uni the credit crunch hit and well i dropped out because all the schemes disappeared and as i don't have the richest background, without sponsorship that was my pilot dream over.
Anyway I gave up on the pilot idea and just started full-time work and i'm already bored of grinding out the same thing day-in-day-out, i've decided to sort my life out and get into what i love and thats aviation, somehow. I recently applied for an apprenticeship at Airbus & BAE and also when they open for applications this year, Virgin. I'm awaiting a reply from them but i'm considering if that fails going back to uni and doing a foundation degree in Engineering and then a full degree. I'm willing to work exceptionally hard whichever route i take to get what i want but i just don't know where or what route i should follow to make sure i'm successful in getting a place.
I understand apprenticeships are a way to go about it from zero but i fear that these courses will have mountains of competition with people who have oodles of more experience than me. With no experience whatsoever in engineering myself i just don't know what to do. I'm not holding my breath on Airbus accepting me into their scheme not because i don't have the requirements but i don't know i'm just not having any luck at all.
Anyway sorry for the long 'essay' just wondering if anyone had any advice on what i should do to get into this field, if the apprentice applications don't get back to me or don't think i have what it takes then i think the degree route is the only way.
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penitpete
Hi. As you have discovered it's far from simple, usually it's done by a combination of smoke and mirrors. You could try joining the RAF, that way you get to drink lots of beer and have a laugh at the same time.
Last edited by penitpete; 17th Jan 2010 at 12:41. Reason: spelling mistake
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Well, yes, a degree in Engineering will open many doors for you.
That's what I did as well, and got a LOT of opportunities.
I got a great work and could save for my license.
But that does not mean it's the only way to get into this world.
You just have to find the one that works for yourself.
So if you feel like it, you can try Engineering and see if you like it.
That's what I did as well, and got a LOT of opportunities.
I got a great work and could save for my license.
But that does not mean it's the only way to get into this world.
You just have to find the one that works for yourself.
So if you feel like it, you can try Engineering and see if you like it.
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There's a few different ways:
1. Join the RAF as an engineer.... 9 years isn't all that long.... but any experience you get will NOT count towards a licence. You'll still have to have 5 years in a Part 145 company on top of the RAF stuff.
2: Go on a part 147 approved degree/B1 licence course (see other threads for the pros and cons of this one...
3: Try your most local maintenance organisation and see if they will allow some OJT. That way they gain someone to hold a torch, and you get to see whats happening in the hangars. It MAY open a door to somewhere prepared to give you a start.
Avoid recruitment agencies - they need experienced guys.
Whoever you speak to, be polite, courtious and VERY keen. Speak to as many current engineers as you can. Do your research into every option. Good luck.
1. Join the RAF as an engineer.... 9 years isn't all that long.... but any experience you get will NOT count towards a licence. You'll still have to have 5 years in a Part 145 company on top of the RAF stuff.
2: Go on a part 147 approved degree/B1 licence course (see other threads for the pros and cons of this one...
3: Try your most local maintenance organisation and see if they will allow some OJT. That way they gain someone to hold a torch, and you get to see whats happening in the hangars. It MAY open a door to somewhere prepared to give you a start.
Avoid recruitment agencies - they need experienced guys.
Whoever you speak to, be polite, courtious and VERY keen. Speak to as many current engineers as you can. Do your research into every option. Good luck.
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I would defo do a 147 course; kingston, bristol, newcastle, norwich (klm) and a few more. This is not the best way of gaining hands on experience, but you shall still have to do 2-3 min years as a fitter when you have passed your modules, also you can go onto uni which will take an extra year or 2 yrs part time.
I dont care what other people think, this is still the best way to go if you have ambition-theory first then worry later about how you'll get the required experience, it will be easier to get into a company if you have proven your dedication by studying for your modules.
This industry is suffering at the moment though so I wouldnt go into this lightly, maybe try and get a weeks work experience from a reputable 145 organisation.
If you want an apprentice then id consider monarch and BA.
Good luck
I dont care what other people think, this is still the best way to go if you have ambition-theory first then worry later about how you'll get the required experience, it will be easier to get into a company if you have proven your dedication by studying for your modules.
This industry is suffering at the moment though so I wouldnt go into this lightly, maybe try and get a weeks work experience from a reputable 145 organisation.
If you want an apprentice then id consider monarch and BA.
Good luck
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My 7.5 years didn't count at all. I guess it also boils down to what aircraft type you worked on. I know the guys at Waddo on Sentrys / Brize on Tristars can get time off for good behaviour, IF they document everything they do. I was saddled with the mighty tornadoooo and Sea Kings on SAR. and I didn't write down a thing. damn.
My personal experience was that the RAF's BTEC was utter garbage as was the experience (in the CAA's eyes) and I had to take 2 years out of my life and go through an academy to get anywhere near the ladder. I got a contract straight after the course working at BA Glasgow and just kept on connying. Good giggle - I learned more after the course while working than I did in the RAF, plus I got to play with a certain Lancaster for 6 months..., followed by short trips to Europe on huge quantities of cash/hour.
I have one module left to get too, given that I was a numpty and failed it.... a few times.... Oddly I'm teaching within one of those academy's now while the industry settles itself.
My personal experience was that the RAF's BTEC was utter garbage as was the experience (in the CAA's eyes) and I had to take 2 years out of my life and go through an academy to get anywhere near the ladder. I got a contract straight after the course working at BA Glasgow and just kept on connying. Good giggle - I learned more after the course while working than I did in the RAF, plus I got to play with a certain Lancaster for 6 months...
, followed by short trips to Europe on huge quantities of cash/hour.I have one module left to get too, given that I was a numpty and failed it.... a few times.... Oddly I'm teaching within one of those academy's now while the industry settles itself.
