Help getting into engineering? :)?

Question

I really want to get into engineering, more specifically automotive engineering. I really love cars and learning how they work and what I would most like to do when I finish college is get an apprenticeship with a car maunfacturer, like Bentley or Land Rover/Jaguar as they are the nearest to me. I need to be able to demonstrate in my application that I have hobbies or interests realated to my application but I really don't know what to do. I am going to apply next year so I have plenty of time to try and make my application as good as possible.

If it helps at school I got 7A*'s 7A's 3B's 1C and 1D, I just completed my A levels (Psychology, Photography, Textiles, Critical Thinking) and I'm predicted 2A's and 2B's and in September I am going to do an Engineering BTEC level 3 subsiduary course.

Any suggestions as to what else I can do to better my chances would be brilliant :)

thanks in advance :)

Gary H · Accepted Answer

The internet is a wonderful thing...

Contact some colleges and university that offer engineering degrees, check out their websites.  You may not find a degree program specifically in Automotive Engineering but Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Metallurgical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, and many other engineers get jobs with automotive companies.  The college websites probably list the basic requirements for earning degrees in each area.

You might also go the websites of some auto companies, search for job openings and see if they list engineering positions.  If so, there will probably be requirements and job descriptions so you can get an idea of what those engineering positions involve.

Good luck

Whatsupdoc · Answer

Engineering is a wide subject and has many possibilities, from assembly, toolmaking, experimenting, to design and testing. 
You have set you sights high, and may find it difficult to even get an interview, as the car industry is very competitive in recruiting and it will pick the candidaters bet suited for the position. That means you could be outgunned by someone with superior experience.
It is an industry that pays well in good times but depends upon the financial climate. In bad times factory closures are common, and you will need those practical skills to go elsewhere when you are made redundant. 
You might find general engineering a better bet for continuous employment and to get started in the industry. I think you will find the employer will expect you to have some manual skills on offer unless you are straight from school when he will expect you to become an apprentice or take a technical course such as the one you mentioned, provided it has plenty of practical work in it. It also pays to photograph your successful work to use as evidence. 
If you want to design, which is even more competitive, you would need to start as a detail draughtsman before working your way up to design. You will need to learn draughting skills and the use of CAD using your practical knowledge. A theoretical man with no practical experience often designs parts which are difficult, costly, or impossible to make. Ability to design in pencil is also an advantage.
I have been an employer and I preferred an HND man to a degree man any time.

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Help getting into engineering? :)?

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