Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 9 subscribers
  • Views 259 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Advice on training

MrJack96
Hi guys just wanted some advice on career progression and my options. Here is a bit about me. 


I’m 25 served originally a mechanical apprenticeship then completed a HNC in mechanical engineering. I was always curious about the electrical industry and wanted to know more and learn more so I decided to work for a company carrying out maintenance where I then completed an electrical apprenticeship. I am a very inquisitive individual so as you can imagine have many questions on topics I’d like to understand better which at a technician level is not always possible getting the answers off peers. 


My interest is in electrical engineering and am wanting to hopefully study towards a HND/ maybe a degree but wanted advice on what you guys reckon is best. I am currently in full time work. Not sure if it’s best to stay where I am and self fund a HND while I still work (I know it may be hard as I don’t think I will be allocated any time at work to study). Or to potentially find a job with another company which will support my studies? 


thank you for your help in advance guys 


Jack
Parents
  • 0
    As a rough generalisation based on my past experience, for project engineering and commissioning work as an “engineer” or “senior technician” (titles may vary), most employers might have a higher national benchmark in mind.  Those with design responsibility, i.e “consultants” are more likely to set a degree benchmark, with Chartered for more senior roles. However, most employers are pragmatic, even if some HR & recruiters can be more rigid, especially if there are plenty of prospective employees. They will hire on work track record and may be prepared to support a committed employee in further development, although they have to make a call on productivity in the light of their business model. It is for hard to find time for learning if you are “up to your neck in it”, working overtime etc.    

    The skills you refer to are “industrial” and not generally the realm of Electricians focussed on domestic and small commercial work. The HND/Degree that I described was Building Services Engineering on a large scale, which would have included some overlap into process industries, such as pharmaceutical, petrochemical, water, etc.


    Each sector tends to have specialist contractors and consultants as well as the main operating companies themselves. There are some specialist training facilities including supplier run and colleges/universities who specialise in supporting “local” industries.

    I wouldn’t discourage you from considering further formal study, but shop round carefully, specific skills training may add more immediate value. Your primary aim should be “career development” not just “training” or “study”.


    To make progress you need the chance to learn on the job, with increasing responsibility. Whether that responsibility is technical (including more electrical/ C&I) or managerial (potential overview of  MEICA or operations) depends on what motivates you and what opportunities emerge.  If you are well prepared and flexible, then you may be better placed to grasp such opportunities.    

Reply
  • 0
    As a rough generalisation based on my past experience, for project engineering and commissioning work as an “engineer” or “senior technician” (titles may vary), most employers might have a higher national benchmark in mind.  Those with design responsibility, i.e “consultants” are more likely to set a degree benchmark, with Chartered for more senior roles. However, most employers are pragmatic, even if some HR & recruiters can be more rigid, especially if there are plenty of prospective employees. They will hire on work track record and may be prepared to support a committed employee in further development, although they have to make a call on productivity in the light of their business model. It is for hard to find time for learning if you are “up to your neck in it”, working overtime etc.    

    The skills you refer to are “industrial” and not generally the realm of Electricians focussed on domestic and small commercial work. The HND/Degree that I described was Building Services Engineering on a large scale, which would have included some overlap into process industries, such as pharmaceutical, petrochemical, water, etc.


    Each sector tends to have specialist contractors and consultants as well as the main operating companies themselves. There are some specialist training facilities including supplier run and colleges/universities who specialise in supporting “local” industries.

    I wouldn’t discourage you from considering further formal study, but shop round carefully, specific skills training may add more immediate value. Your primary aim should be “career development” not just “training” or “study”.


    To make progress you need the chance to learn on the job, with increasing responsibility. Whether that responsibility is technical (including more electrical/ C&I) or managerial (potential overview of  MEICA or operations) depends on what motivates you and what opportunities emerge.  If you are well prepared and flexible, then you may be better placed to grasp such opportunities.    

Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines