Education: What A Levels and Degree (if any)?!(Apr '09)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK, Paris, Peckham, New York
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if I knew then what I knew now I would'nt of gone to university. I would have applied to all 3 services when the going was good and they wanted pilots instead of now, if not I would of gone striaght out and got a job and paid for training myself. Get a trade as a builder and you can earn as much as an airline pilot and fund your own training. Bon't spend 3 yrs at uni only to come out with a average salary. I would of only gone to uni if i was to study at one of the best (which i did'nt). having said that I had an ace time!
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northern Ireland, UK
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MEng - Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering
I am currently studying for my masters (possibly bachelors if my average mark is below 60% this year) at Queens University Belfast (5th in the UK for Aerospace research).
How useful is this when it comes to me getting hired by an airline if i do ATPL training. Has anyone else got similar qualifications before doing training?
How useful is this when it comes to me getting hired by an airline if i do ATPL training. Has anyone else got similar qualifications before doing training?
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northern Ireland, UK
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
P.S. to the admin - please dont move this topic to the engineering section as the message is more to do with pilot training and i want to hear from other wannabes who may have similar qualifications and people familiar with airline hiring policies.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Age: 44
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From Flight International 2006;
Survey slams UK graduates
Employers in the UK are facing problems finding enough graduates with good communications and team-working skills, says a survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).
The survey included data from 222 AGR members, including Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Smiths Aerospace.
It found that, although graduate vacancies were predicted to rise for the third year running, around half the employers surveyed expect to find the vacancies hard to fill.
They cited insufficient applicants with the right skills and graduates having a skewed perception of the industry as the most common reasons for this anticipated shortfall.
AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard says: “For the third year running, vacancies for graduates are predicted to rise, which is great news for the ‘Class of 2006’. Starting salaries are also set to increase, with the graduate recruitment market remaining buoyant and employers continuing to acknowledge the additional contribution to the bottom line that graduates bring.
“Final-year students should be aware that nearly half of recruiters expect to face difficulties fulfilling recruitment objectives – with the largest factor being a lack of applicants with the right skills. Employers are likely to be looking to graduates who can demonstrate team-working, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills.
link to article here
Now whilst this applies to 'industry' it too would be applicable to the airlines.
So whilst having a degree may 'look good on the CV' (only if youve got a 2.1 or higher), all employers (airlines etc) care about is do you have any transferable skills that you may have learnt/practiced in your degree course like, teamwork, leadership, communication - all of which the airlines look for.
Survey slams UK graduates
Employers in the UK are facing problems finding enough graduates with good communications and team-working skills, says a survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).
The survey included data from 222 AGR members, including Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Smiths Aerospace.
It found that, although graduate vacancies were predicted to rise for the third year running, around half the employers surveyed expect to find the vacancies hard to fill.
They cited insufficient applicants with the right skills and graduates having a skewed perception of the industry as the most common reasons for this anticipated shortfall.
AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard says: “For the third year running, vacancies for graduates are predicted to rise, which is great news for the ‘Class of 2006’. Starting salaries are also set to increase, with the graduate recruitment market remaining buoyant and employers continuing to acknowledge the additional contribution to the bottom line that graduates bring.
“Final-year students should be aware that nearly half of recruiters expect to face difficulties fulfilling recruitment objectives – with the largest factor being a lack of applicants with the right skills. Employers are likely to be looking to graduates who can demonstrate team-working, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills.
link to article here
Now whilst this applies to 'industry' it too would be applicable to the airlines.
So whilst having a degree may 'look good on the CV' (only if youve got a 2.1 or higher), all employers (airlines etc) care about is do you have any transferable skills that you may have learnt/practiced in your degree course like, teamwork, leadership, communication - all of which the airlines look for.
Educated Hillbilly
I am an aeronautical engineering graduate (BEng), obtained my fATPL in August 2004. I have had one interview since then, I know in that instance the aero degree is why I was short listed for the interview (didn't get the job). But other than that, it doesn't seem to have made much difference in obtaining a flying job.
That's my experience anyway.
That's my experience anyway.
Last edited by portsharbourflyer; 1st Apr 2006 at 21:53.
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Suffolk UK
Posts: 4,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Airlines hire pilots to fly their aeroplanes, not engineers. The vast majority of UK commercial pilots do not have degrees, let alone engineering degrees. The only reason for a wannabe pilot to do an aerospace engineering degree is because that's what interests you.
This subject has been covered several times. I suggest you read the sticky thread at the top of the forum to find links to some of the previous discussions, and try a search to find the others.
Scroggs
This subject has been covered several times. I suggest you read the sticky thread at the top of the forum to find links to some of the previous discussions, and try a search to find the others.
Scroggs
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what about about Beng Avionics
Hey guyz , I know that aeronautical / aerospace eng has very little to do with the ATPL theory but what about Avionics degrees??? I may my self have ambition to go to Liverpool university and do a Beng in Avionics and pilot studies(and i am very interested in that area and capable with high maths/physics grades a-level so i am not just doin it because i want 2 become a pilot) and not to mention specialised degrees for people who want to become pilots for example their are lots of engineering degrees that have "with pilot studies" allowing you to gain JAA PPL , IMC, MEP etc and not to mention City university, Buckinghamshire chilterns university and London Met. that have degrees that allow you to gain an ATPL while studying. What is your opinions on them??? i personally think that with a class of degree in those fiels and PPL gained with in , you'd have a good chance of gettin cadetship with CTC.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by C-17 GLOBEMASTER III
i personally think that with a class of degree in those fiels and PPL gained with in , you'd have a good chance of gettin cadetship with CTC.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Way up North!
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
university degree
Hi all,
One degree that may well help (in the future that is) for an aviation career is the aviation technology degree currently undertaken by Leeds University. It covers at present most ATPL subjects although i'm not sure as to what depth, and a PPL to boot, but what is interesting is that it is hoped that eventually one will be able to take the ATPL ground exams at the end of it, two birds with one stone spring to mind. Might be some time off though.
Didn't go to uni myself, and am currently in the BACon holding pool so you definatley don't need a degree to get into the airlines. I do however know plenty of students and am sure that university can be a positive experience but at the end of the day its down to the individual and whether you want to spend three years studying before starting your commercial training and gaining some life experience or whether you want to get there as quick as possible and maybe miss out on the uni lifestyle. I'm happy the way I went, modular and then instructing so maybe i've got alittle aviation and life experience from the way i've done it.
One degree that may well help (in the future that is) for an aviation career is the aviation technology degree currently undertaken by Leeds University. It covers at present most ATPL subjects although i'm not sure as to what depth, and a PPL to boot, but what is interesting is that it is hoped that eventually one will be able to take the ATPL ground exams at the end of it, two birds with one stone spring to mind. Might be some time off though.
Didn't go to uni myself, and am currently in the BACon holding pool so you definatley don't need a degree to get into the airlines. I do however know plenty of students and am sure that university can be a positive experience but at the end of the day its down to the individual and whether you want to spend three years studying before starting your commercial training and gaining some life experience or whether you want to get there as quick as possible and maybe miss out on the uni lifestyle. I'm happy the way I went, modular and then instructing so maybe i've got alittle aviation and life experience from the way i've done it.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm coming up to the end of my first year doing Engineering at Leeds uni, and i really havn't enjoyed it. Add to that the fact that i'm not about £6k in debt because of it, i'm begining to wonder if it is really worth carrying on when all i want to do is fly. It may work against me in many ways, including making me look like i can't hack hard work, or that i'm not a "stayer" or just drop out. That would be a harsh conclusion though, as many, many people go to university only to find that it is not for them, and leave to pursue other options.
I suppose i could turn it around and say that in that year, i found out the best way to study, and what i really wanted to do with my life, aswell as meeting loads of new people and the usual university social aspects.
Theres also the financial side of things, considering i'll probably end up getting a loan of around £60k to become a pilot with no guarantees, is it worth making my student loan increase?
Not only that, but due to job cuts it's very possible my mum may be out of a job this summer, my dad has been out of work a few years, and this would probably mean that i wouldn't be able to afford to stay in Leeds anyway, as the student loan does not cover rent, tuition fees and the cost of living.
So my point is, that a degree is not listed as a requirement for pilots, but using it against you if you don't have one would be harsh, as even if i do drop out by choice, there's a chance i may be forced to drop out through a financial aspect, and that's no fault of me or my family.
I suppose i could turn it around and say that in that year, i found out the best way to study, and what i really wanted to do with my life, aswell as meeting loads of new people and the usual university social aspects.
Theres also the financial side of things, considering i'll probably end up getting a loan of around £60k to become a pilot with no guarantees, is it worth making my student loan increase?
Not only that, but due to job cuts it's very possible my mum may be out of a job this summer, my dad has been out of work a few years, and this would probably mean that i wouldn't be able to afford to stay in Leeds anyway, as the student loan does not cover rent, tuition fees and the cost of living.
So my point is, that a degree is not listed as a requirement for pilots, but using it against you if you don't have one would be harsh, as even if i do drop out by choice, there's a chance i may be forced to drop out through a financial aspect, and that's no fault of me or my family.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: W. Yorkshire
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am just about to complete a law degree and on track for a 2:1 and now suddenly hit a hurdle. I know the degree is rather disconnected from the mathematical, aeronautical and engineering disciplines mentioned previously, but my two choices of career throughout my life have been a pilot or lawyer. I subsequently decided to do a degree in law, never wavering from my love of aviation, simply because I believed possessing a degree in law would be an extremely useful credential if anything went wrong with my prospective 'career' in aviation. I think my, possibly naive, belief was to obtain a career in law and slowly fund myself throughout the licences once completed, with the salary a professional job can provide; this was, however, ignoring the time it takes to become a lawyer (3 years uni, 3 years training) and the demands on one's time once qualified.
The reason I've hit a hurdle is because after three years of university I'm suddenly hit with a life choice. I have been accepted into law college, at a cost of just under £10,000 for the study for a year. Although law is a career I'd be happy in, I know it doesn't rank above my dream of being a pilot. I'm still young(ish) (21) and due to seeking employment in the summer periods of uni I'll come out of uni with no debt. Heck, I don't know why I'm posting this laborious post other than really for advice; would it be plausible for someone of my age with zilch (unfortunately) flying experience at this time to still be competitive within this industry? Would deferring entry from law college for at least a year and starting with the PPL be a better option, applying for CTC etc, or continue with the law college, get a career in law and fund it that way from 24 years old onwards? I'm trying to get as much info on the options available to me as possible, as well as revising (!
), before I pass the point of no return with law college, but I was merely wondering what some of you guys would suggest, it's just rather daunting to be at this position.
The reason I've hit a hurdle is because after three years of university I'm suddenly hit with a life choice. I have been accepted into law college, at a cost of just under £10,000 for the study for a year. Although law is a career I'd be happy in, I know it doesn't rank above my dream of being a pilot. I'm still young(ish) (21) and due to seeking employment in the summer periods of uni I'll come out of uni with no debt. Heck, I don't know why I'm posting this laborious post other than really for advice; would it be plausible for someone of my age with zilch (unfortunately) flying experience at this time to still be competitive within this industry? Would deferring entry from law college for at least a year and starting with the PPL be a better option, applying for CTC etc, or continue with the law college, get a career in law and fund it that way from 24 years old onwards? I'm trying to get as much info on the options available to me as possible, as well as revising (!
), before I pass the point of no return with law college, but I was merely wondering what some of you guys would suggest, it's just rather daunting to be at this position.
Just thought I would add some data to this discussion.
There is a new airline starting operations in Cyprus in July flying Avro RJ100s and they recently advertised for FOs. There were 122 applicants, 32 called for interviews and 8 selected - ALL 8 had degrees.
Okay, it's not the UK.
There is a new airline starting operations in Cyprus in July flying Avro RJ100s and they recently advertised for FOs. There were 122 applicants, 32 called for interviews and 8 selected - ALL 8 had degrees.
Okay, it's not the UK.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: dodging...
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A 'post flight school' correspondance degree?
as someone who has already joined the fraternity of professional pilots, i lately find myself wondering: should i have listened to my mother and gone to uni?
any ideas on who offers quality distance learning courses, and possibly which courses to consider? i don't want to end up studying the ATP syllabis for 4 more years.
would a degree open more doors in an airline/IFALPA in the future?
scroggs, if this has been covered before, sorry. i couldn't find it.
patches
any ideas on who offers quality distance learning courses, and possibly which courses to consider? i don't want to end up studying the ATP syllabis for 4 more years.
would a degree open more doors in an airline/IFALPA in the future?
scroggs, if this has been covered before, sorry. i couldn't find it.
patches
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Suffolk UK
Posts: 4,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think it has, at least not in the context that you describe. It would be helpful to know where you are; facilities for distance-learning degrees are very different in different countries.
However, the value of a degree has been covered several times.
Scroggs
However, the value of a degree has been covered several times.
Scroggs
Join Date: May 2006
Location: dodging...
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i read most of the discussions on the value of a degree. in any event, i am considering it more for my personal benifit and interest (and to make mom proud) than to boost my career.
i had a look at some of embry riddle's online courses (florida based), and it doesn't really seem to matter where in the world you are, even africa, as long as you can at least get to an embassy/school to write exams.
was wondering if anyone knows of another 'non-US' option with good online correspondence courses. once again, i'm not keen on spending 4 years of hard graft covering the ATP syllabus.
i had a look at some of embry riddle's online courses (florida based), and it doesn't really seem to matter where in the world you are, even africa, as long as you can at least get to an embassy/school to write exams.
was wondering if anyone knows of another 'non-US' option with good online correspondence courses. once again, i'm not keen on spending 4 years of hard graft covering the ATP syllabus.
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you had a look at
http://www.open.ac.uk/
They do all sorts of subjects and mix and match which leads onto a general degree.
I have always had an interest in geology and fossils and the like and have just signed up for the "starter" course in fossils. Which in reflection and reading the book with my spelling ability is going to to be fun (everything is called something with about 9 letters).
Myself I don't know if I will complete until graduation. But the courses are extremely well written and easy to use.
MJ
http://www.open.ac.uk/
They do all sorts of subjects and mix and match which leads onto a general degree.
I have always had an interest in geology and fossils and the like and have just signed up for the "starter" course in fossils. Which in reflection and reading the book with my spelling ability is going to to be fun (everything is called something with about 9 letters).
Myself I don't know if I will complete until graduation. But the courses are extremely well written and easy to use.
MJ