Hi guys,
I'm looking to start a career in the engineering/manufacturing industry and I'm trying to decide which route to go. I'm in Australia and have a degree in Economics & Finance, but I don't want to work in that industry and would rather build things instead.
After uni I initially tried to go down the route of an apprentice machinist and did a 6 month pre-apprenticeship course, but so far it has been a year of looking for an apprenticeship with zero results. I've applied to probably every shop and machining related business in my city (most in person, resume in hand) but there's nothing. Either they just aren't taking on apprentices or they recruit straight out of school. By law they have to pay older guys like me more so it's not worth it for them. There's nowhere I can really continue training since the vocational school courses are linked with apprenticeships (i.e. I have a Certificate II from my pre-app course, a Certificate III is only if you are currently doing an apprenticeship).
I'm considering going back to uni to study mechanical engineering. My plan is to buy a lathe at home (I've asked regarding this on this forum already and received good advice) and join the Formula SAE team so I can work on my machining skills while studying engineering theory at uni. The major problem is that I'll be 26 by the time I start my course, so I'll be 30-31 by the time I actually start my career. Do you think this is too late? I'm not naturally talented in this field and don't have much experience so it will be one hell of an uphill climb.
I'm particularly interested in the defence & firearms industries, and hope to move to the US eventually.
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
I'm looking to start a career in the engineering/manufacturing industry and I'm trying to decide which route to go. I'm in Australia and have a degree in Economics & Finance, but I don't want to work in that industry and would rather build things instead.
After uni I initially tried to go down the route of an apprentice machinist and did a 6 month pre-apprenticeship course, but so far it has been a year of looking for an apprenticeship with zero results. I've applied to probably every shop and machining related business in my city (most in person, resume in hand) but there's nothing. Either they just aren't taking on apprentices or they recruit straight out of school. By law they have to pay older guys like me more so it's not worth it for them. There's nowhere I can really continue training since the vocational school courses are linked with apprenticeships (i.e. I have a Certificate II from my pre-app course, a Certificate III is only if you are currently doing an apprenticeship).
I'm considering going back to uni to study mechanical engineering. My plan is to buy a lathe at home (I've asked regarding this on this forum already and received good advice) and join the Formula SAE team so I can work on my machining skills while studying engineering theory at uni. The major problem is that I'll be 26 by the time I start my course, so I'll be 30-31 by the time I actually start my career. Do you think this is too late? I'm not naturally talented in this field and don't have much experience so it will be one hell of an uphill climb.
I'm particularly interested in the defence & firearms industries, and hope to move to the US eventually.
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.