trainee program

[Mahgoub]

Iam a structural engineer and I would like to know if there is a way to enroll in a trainee program to practice what I have learned at university,since it is very difficult to land a job without being experienced engineer

 

[JedClampett]

Not many firms have formal trainee programs (CB&I still has one, I understand). Firms that hire new grads have work that new grads can do. As you master these tasks (shop drawings, calculation checking, etc.) you gain experience and can perform other more sophisicated tasks. This is training, whether it is called that or not.
You need to find companies that hire new grads.

 

[archeng59]

In most states, you cannot legally call yourself a "structural engineer" without being licensed. you cannot become licensed without experience. a dilemma for sure, but one that most of us have had to resolve. if you look around as suggested by JedClampett, you should be able to find several firms willing to hire entry level engineer interns. If you are a recent graduate, you will be a helper to senior engineers so don't be surprised if you are not assigned as project engineer for a large project for a while.

 

[bjb]

Some more advice: Try to make sure you work with a firm that has a reputation for doing good work. Some firms that do bad work like to hire new grads because their salary requirements are low. Also, even though in the beginning you will be doing things that may seem menial to you, you want to be working at a firm that takes on projects that have good growth potential for your skills. It can be very tough in the beginning of your career, but hang in there.