Attention engineers, a little help if you don't mind
 

I have been on a quest to get an apprenticeship for nearly 18 months since finishing high school, and not yet have I been able to speak to an engineer face to face. It has always been some receptionist or assistant manager or marketing director who always gives me the same answer. I go about things quite calmly and I am always polite, but is there a time when you can just say look hey i want to speak to an engineer? Put all the bull!!!! away and have a one on one conversation!

Any pointers would be very much appreciated.

Try www.airmech.co.uk, its a web site dedicated to aviation engineers and you will find that there is forum for Oz an NZ you probably will find some folks from Oz who can give you some tips how to start your career.

We desperately need more Engineers in the industry.

Are u only looking for jobs in major cities, or would region centres be an option for u?

I so, find some country centres that have a maintenance shop. They are generally crying out for keen young AMES.

Pete

Wadey, where exactly are these engineers required cos in my neck of the woods jobs are like hens teeth!!:(

Hi Jedi-pilot ,
In Western Australia the majority of apprenticeships go to students enroled in the local TAFE colleges preapprentice ship course usually after the end of their first year of full time studies.

The Head lecturer on these courses also know which organisations hire apprentices on a regular basis.Address CV to the Chief Engineer or Engineering Manager and follow up with a phone call a week or so later (Never at smoko or lunch time !!!!)

It can also be a good idea to hide any pilot tendancies some times as some will think you will shoot through flying as soon they have finished training you (Other rural operators can see this as a big plus )

Most important of all PERSISTANCE!!
Brendon

All the aviation teaching for apprentice AME's is done in Sydney (and NSW) at Padstow TAFE.

I'm not sure if they do pre apprenticeship courses but these courses do exist and they will know where to find them.

I suggest you get on to Qantas and submit a resume. They are the largest hirers of apprentices in Sydney. Find out when their next intake of apprentices is and keep hassling them.

Buy the Australian newspaper on Fridays as they have an aviation section with jobs(although rare to see any for apprentices). It should keep you up to date with industry news which will hold you in good stead in an interview.

General aviation is pretty dead. Jobs are hard to come by and pay is poor.Stick with the airlines.

Give someone from Padstow TAFE a call. Maybe they have a careers adviser who can steer you in the right direction.

Good luck

Thank you all very much for your help and advice,

Much appreciated

Mate try http://www.aviationaustralia.net.au/home/default.asp Red head pete has pumped a lot of money into avaition in Brisy and it would be woth giving them a go.