How bad is the entry level market at the moment in the UK?

[xllys]

How bad is the entry level market at the moment? More specifically the uk but the world seems pretty split between some people saying a pilot shortage and some saying its way to oversaturated and no one can find entry level jobs. Some have said that the entry level is overflooded but it the experiences pilot that's are in short supply. I am at the point of end of school where I am considering futures careers and pilot or something of that kind appealed to me but it seems to be a real mixed bag on jobs. To be honest the whole job market is overloaded but how bad is pilot compares in the uk? Money is not an issue in terms of learning but what is the chances I can convert it into a job by the end? Or is a usual 1-2year wait for employment? Any answers appreciated!

[MrAverage]

Nobody knows! There's only really one way to find out, jump in and start training. First best step, if you haven't had one yet, is a trial lesson but - if you like it - get a Class I medical before you start spending anything more than you're comfortable pouring down the drain.
Anyway, Happy New Year and feel free to PM when you're able to.

[xllys]

Originally Posted by MrAverage

Nobody knows! There's only really one way to find out, jump in and start training. First best step, if you haven't had one yet, is a trial lesson but - if you like it - get a Class I medical before you start spending anything more than you're comfortable pouring down the drain.
Anyway, Happy New Year and feel free to PM when you're able to.

Thanks a bunch! Do you have any experience or know anyone who has used blackbusche before?

[ETOPS]

These days I’m advising youngsters to train as “multi drone supervisors” as this will be a thing in the future. No need to spend over £100,000 on a course and previous game experience probably counts more than a trial lesson in 60 year old Cessna.

[Less Hair]

I know somebody starting his ATPL from scratch this spring on the continent. No prior experience needed but all intro tests were passed and the highly integrated airline course booked. The interesting bit for me was today these people do their medical only after the learning/academic capabilities and company teamwork tests were passed.

Concerning the drone pilots the heavier drones seem to need at least some CPL ME IR or ATPL. Not sure how much these drone pilots earn compared to actual flying jobs they'd be qualified for as well?

[xllys]

Originally Posted by ETOPS

These days I’m advising youngsters to train as “multi drone supervisors” as this will be a thing in the future. No need to spend over £100,000 on a course and previous game experience probably counts more than a trial lesson in 60 year old Cessna.

This sounds quite interesting, how would you go about training as one?

[ETOPS]

drone pilots the heavier drones seem to need at least some CPL ME IR or ATPL.

I was thinking more about the autonomous eVTOL space where one supervisor would monitor a number of passenger flights from a central control. FAA are working on qualifications at the moment.

[BBK]

Good advice from Mr Average. As far as the market is concerned I think this is as good as it gets with demand for new pilots as strong as I’ve seen it in over thirty years. There’s no guarantee that won’t change. It’s always going to be a gamble.

Re Blackbushe if you’re local get down there and have a trial lesson. Ask questions about what is involved. You’ll need a Class 1 as Mr A said so that is a priority. One last thing. Never, and I mean ever, pay up front for a course. By all means staged payments are ok but too many schools have gone bust owing their students thousands. Hope that helps.

[MarsdenA]

Have you looked at doing a tagged scheme where you have a job lined up at the end?

[abiding oak]

It's been a very good few years for entry level recruitment, but I think it's all going to snap shut quite rapidly, and now that will be accelerated by the Middle East crisis.

From the Telegraph this week (sadly behind a paywall):
easyJet to slow hiring as it warns of higher fares by summer
Carrier says rising fuel prices will hit customers amid plans to leave vacant posts unfilled

[planesandthings]

Originally Posted by abiding oak

It's been a very good few years for entry level recruitment, but I think it's all going to snap shut quite rapidly, and now that will be accelerated by the Middle East crisis.

From the Telegraph this week (sadly behind a paywall):
easyJet to slow hiring as it warns of higher fares by summer
Carrier says rising fuel prices will hit customers amid plans to leave vacant posts unfilled

The real concern will start if the middle eastern carriers start to announce redundancies. Other business sectors in the middle east are already laying people off. Whilst many can say these state owned airlines are less likely to do layoffs, they won't be recruiting either which means vacancies either way in the UK will start to dry up as UK pilots dreaming of a ME3 career pause ambitions.

Personally, I wouldn't want to be in the position of completing training in the coming months. Good luck to those. The cycle will right itself eventually.