After a bit of serious career advice - Engineering

**BASS-TREBLE** · 13th October 2009, 23:09

Sitting here having a bit of a ponder about what to do when I finish school and was after some stories about you or what you'd recommend?

I'm 16, 6th form atm,will do next year too. Original plans were to do mechanical engineering at uni blah blah blah but come to think of it, the theory/office side of it isn't me.

I love mechanical stuff, not just bikes, I like people that think outside the box and try stuff. I spend my weekends/afternoons etc in the garage where I always find something to do.
Took my written off GN apart the other weekend, already found a use for the engine.
Do something to the FZR, think of what to change on the barstool racer that I built, try shit, just to see if it works. I have some electrical interest too, making LED lights for interiors in cars. Pretty much give anything a go if I have resources and teach myself.

Reflecting on that I was thinking maybe getting an apprenticeship with an engineering firm, no specifics. I just think that the hands on is what I do and like.

So here's me asking, is it hard to get into an apprenticeship? Worth it? Any advice/things to consider?

Cheers.

**ital916** · 14th October 2009, 07:23

Gday bud.

I'm in my final year of mechanical engineering. It is heavily theory based in the forst few years and is not what most people think "engineering" is. Engineering isnt only a mechanical hands on discipline, engineering covers many things from mathematical modelling of systems, to electrical circuitry, computer programming all the way to the hands on stuff.

I'm doing mechanical engineering and in my final year have really started to appreciate what its about. The degree is designed to push your learning curve and make you want to quit. If you stick it out and get to the fourth year then you get to do what you want.

The uni also has a race team (auckland uni) if you wanna get real hands on experience, so you can join them for your duration. Its very very cool stuff (I was on the aerodynamics section of the team in year 2).

Next year Im hoping to do some great industry projects. Anyway, You can give uni a go and see if you like it. Nothing wrong with apprenticeships though. If you wanna work on bikes, do a modern bikes course that teaches you the electronic side of things.

**Pussy** · 14th October 2009, 07:27

For hands on rewarding work.... aircraft engineer

**marty** · 14th October 2009, 08:09

I'd agree. I'm an Aircraft Engineer. The biggest problem is that to work on big jets and for an airline, you'll be on shift work for life. Planes fly all day, and are fixed all night - it's just the way it is. It takes 5 years in the industry to get the CAA qualification (legal requirement)

OK money (we get more than most turboprop captains) and worldwide opportunities. I am just considering a position contracting to the UN in a 's$tan country that pays US$1300 a day, and from all accounts is pretty secure (they don't like their planes being blown up).

If you like big projects though, bridges and buildings are for you.

If you like technical stuff that makes an immediate and real difference if you don't get it right, Aircraft Engineering is for you. Most hangars have bikes in the corner having homers done on them too

**Naki Rat** · 14th October 2009, 08:11

My step son is in his second year at Canterbury doing engineering. The first year is generic broadbrush engineering which weeds out the 'wanna bees' before specialising into more focussed engineering disciplines such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, etc in the following years. Our lad is doing the chemical thing with opportunities in food processing, petrochem, metallurgy, plastics and much more available to him if he gets through it.

Engineering is a huge field and I know from experience that the offshore oil and construction industries are very short of young engineers. If you are bright and capable enough there is serious money to be made in these industries, often with international travel opportunities.

**KiwiGs** · 14th October 2009, 08:29

Mate,
I wanted to be an electrical engineer when I was at school, but I really liked the hands on stuff and thought that an office job was not for me.
I got a lecky apprenticeship but got bored with it real quick. So I did NZCE electrical part time while I was working; now I am half way through a BSc in Energy management.
The lesson I have learnt is that it is far easier to study and learn stuff when you are young. If you think you want to be a degree qualified mech engineer then do it now, it will never be easier. Ask around the engineering shops in your area and see if they need a trade assistant during uni breaks. That way you will get some hands on experience and some cash as well.
Good luck

**CookMySock** · 14th October 2009, 10:05

Originally Posted by BASS-TREBLE

Reflecting on that I was thinking maybe getting an apprenticeship with an engineering firm, no specifics. I just think that the hands on is what I do and like.

Well what sort of things do you want to get your hands ON exactly? Think carefully now.

It looks like a barrel of laughs playing with new toys at the moment, but you will discover a very harsh lesson in about 15 years time (watchout! not very far away!) that you are still working someone ELSES on broken crap from the 90's, 00's, etc when really you would rather be working on some modern gear, engineering something new and useful, instead of fixing someone elses broken crap on minimum wage.

So tempted by toys to enter the workforce right away, you will be your own demise before long, and there will be fuck all you will be able to do about it.

So I say DONT DO IT. Get your engineering degree.

Steve

**chef** · 14th October 2009, 10:14

apprentice chef DO IT

**Blackbird** · 14th October 2009, 10:55

Originally Posted by ital916

I'm in my final year of mechanical engineering.

Major green bling for you Dushy when most young people are going for Law or IT

. I'm a Mech Eng too, or was until I retired.

**bikerboy011** · 14th October 2009, 11:15

I was studying mechanical engineering until i decided to change my major to production, am in my 2nd year so far its ok.

**ital916** · 14th October 2009, 13:52

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Major green bling for you Dushy when most young people are going for Law or IT

. I'm a Mech Eng too, or was until I retired.

We are under appreciated. No glamour in mech eng (well really there is as we build the best stuff!). The world wouldnt work without us haha.

**phred** · 14th October 2009, 16:25

Learn how to make money NOT things! Play with engines and fix things for relaxation.

**Ocean1** · 14th October 2009, 16:58

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

So I say DONT DO IT. Get your engineering degree.

The best engineerts I know started as hairy arsed fitters, or similar, then added terciary quals. Dont matter how clever you are if you don't get the feel for materials and tecniques you'll never design shit worth anything.

**retro asian** · 14th October 2009, 17:01

Originally Posted by BASS-TREBLE

Original plans were to do mechanical engineering at uni blah blah blah but come to think of it, the theory/office side of it isn't me.

Like Dushy said, a University Engineering Degree is very full on with Theory.
(Good for building character however)
If you find awesome summer jobs, then you'll get more hands on experience -but I don't think Universities help you out much with that.

A more practical course would be found in a tech school (like AUT for example).

**Blackbird** · 14th October 2009, 17:10

Originally Posted by Ocean1

The best engineerts I know started as hairy arsed fitters, or similar, then added terciary quals. Dont matter how clever you are if you don't get the feel for materials and tecniques you'll never design shit worth anything.

Gotta agree - that's the way I did it