Advice for getting into the Engineering profession.

[TheFabricator]

Hi all,

I am after some advice and insight about the engineering profession. I am 20 and I have just finished an apprenticeship in the engineering fabrication industry. I left school at 16 to peruse my apprenticeship, and did not complete my final years of schooling. I have become bored with the fabrication side of engineering (I build structural steel components), and have always been interested in the design of mechanics of how things work. From my research on the internet I have come to the conclusion the mechanical engineering is for me. I would like to know what skills I need to be proficient in for me to be successful in an engineering course at university, and what kind of duties I would undertake everyday in a mechanical engineering job.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Reguards
Stefan

 

[Airforce2]

Hi Stefan;

Your story sounds a lot like mine! I also completed an apprenticeship in the Engineering Industry in sunny Brisbane, QLD. It was a hard 4 years, but worth it. I feel I received a very practical grounding in Engineering with the hands on experience. What ever I design nowadays, is designed from a "buildable" perspective. During my apprenticeship, I quickly realized it was not for me and found myself more interested in the actual design of the projects. I completed several distant courses at night via TAFE. I received several qualifications and was on the road to the job I really wanted.

I started my own home based mechanical design business and I grew even more skills with handling designs and projects and Clients.

Stepping forward 10 years now (so hard to believe it has been 10 years), I am a Mechanical Designer. I live and work in the USA now (as well as still run my business in Australia). I am also a member of Engineers Australia. I basically handle my own projects with the occasional oversight from a PE (who reviews and signs the drawings). All in all I have been told my work is good and Clients are happy. Most of all, I love what I do and the challenges that come my way.

Basically, the sky is the limit for you! If Engineering is what you want to do, I very much recommend that you get some more study under your belt. Go for the University courses if you can. I regret not finishing off my qualifications before having kids. It is just too hard now to go back and finish my study, I have tried... I may look at this again at a later phase in my life when the kids are gone from home. Or there may be another route I can take with years of experience, not sure yet.

All the best!

 

[rbulsara]

the fabricator:
You are 20! Finish the school!

Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[hokie66]

Stefan,

I think you will have to complete your high school education, or whatever it is called for mature aged students, before you can be admitted into a university engineering degree program. That being the case, just get as much mathematics and science as your local school provides. Check with the universities for admission requirements.