If you have been considering a career in mechanical engineering then an apprenticeship is a good way of gaining entry to your ideal job, while learning the new skills required for it at the same time.
The job of a mechanical engineer can incorporate a wide variety of tasks. They are required to interpret drawings, produce components for machines to turn, bore, shape etc. To fit and assemble metal components, operate and maintain machinery and check finished products.
For an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering there does not necessarily need to be any formal entry requirements but ideally you should have a good general education with qualifications in English and maths. Certainly though, you will need to enjoy physical work and have a good level of physical fitness. Attention to detail is a must and you should be able to work as part of a team as well as by yourself.
The benefits of joining an apprenticeship programme is you can more or less enter straight into the field you want, you will be supervised but will be doing the job of your choice and learning about it at the same time. At the end of the programme your current employer will usually keep you on as they have paid for your training and they can be assured of your ability. On completion you will receive a qualification in engineering skills with the option for further training at a higher level should you choose to take it.
During the training you will learn an array of theoretical skills as well as practical ones relevant to mechanical engineering. This can include mechanical maintenance, welding, design on computers and technical drawings, and how to operate the necessary machinery. As opposed to other types of learning, while taking an apprenticeship you will earn money while you are learning, as you are doing an actual job for an employer. There is no defined rate of pay for an apprentice but at least you will be earning and once you have completed your qualification you will be able to earn the regular rate of pay for your occupation. You may find that as your skills increase during the course of the programme that you employer may increase your pay as you become more competent at the job. Another plus is you will be able to receive all the company benefits as a regular employee.
Once you have decided that an apprenticeship is the route you wish to follow then you will need to apply. Performing an internet search for your local area will bring up a wealth of results as well as telephone numbers to call to make further enquiries. You can also try contacting employers within the mechanical engineering industry to see if they offer any.
Apprenticeship opportunities are now frequently advertised in the media, try your local newspaper and take a look in the jobs section as employers and training organisations will often place their advertisements there.
