career progression advice

Manta400r

Hey folks

So i completed a construction plant fitter apprenticeship in march of this year and the company i done it with didnt keep on their apprentices so I applied for a job in a machine shop and worked there for 3.5 months before moving to a company working on trains where i still am for now.

Ideally if I had my way I would be a permanent employee where i served my time but unfortunately thats not the way things go.

Both jobs ive being in since finishing my time are temporary short term contracts. Ive trawled the job sites all year but most places want more experience etc and recruitment agencies dont understand that my trade is more or less the same as any other type of fitter as ive attended alot of training courses.

What I am asking your opinion on is if you were i my shoes what would you do? Im 27, living with the girlfriend and I just want to get my feet on the ground and live a little.
Do i try go to college and further my qualifications and try get into one of the multinational companies or do i stay trying to find a decent job at my trade or do i look for work abroad? I really dont know....

Maybe someone can shed some light on this for me as im sick thinking about it and worrying!

Cheers

Jimdagym

Manta400r wrote: »

Hey folks

So i completed a construction plant fitter apprenticeship in march of this year and the company i done it with didnt keep on their apprentices so I applied for a job in a machine shop and worked there for 3.5 months before moving to a company working on trains where i still am for now.

Ideally if I had my way I would be a permanent employee where i served my time but unfortunately thats not the way things go.

Both jobs ive being in since finishing my time are temporary short term contracts. Ive trawled the job sites all year but most places want more experience etc and recruitment agencies dont understand that my trade is more or less the same as any other type of fitter as ive attended alot of training courses.

What I am asking your opinion on is if you were i my shoes what would you do? Im 27, living with the girlfriend and I just want to get my feet on the ground and live a little.
Do i try go to college and further my qualifications and try get into one of the multinational companies or do i stay trying to find a decent job at my trade or do i look for work abroad? I really dont know....

Maybe someone can shed some light on this for me as im sick thinking about it and worrying!

Cheers

I would say relax. You are gaining experience in these jobs, and it will eventually stand to you. I dont know too many fitters or even sparks who have been made permanent in the last couple of years. Contract positions are just the way things are.
If you feel you can gain something by going back to college, definately do it. I did. Part time.

Manta400r

Jimdagym wrote: »

I would say relax. You are gaining experience in these jobs, and it will eventually stand to you. I dont know too many fitters or even sparks who have been made permanent in the last couple of years. Contract positions are just the way things are.
If you feel you can gain something by going back to college, definately do it. I did. Part time.

Thanks jimdagym but the only thing us its not great experience to be honest! What im at now you certainly dont need to be a qualified fitter to do it! Suppose it looks good on paper if nothing else.

hof1982

I found myself in a similar situation a few years ago having worked seven years on the tools as an electrician. I went back to college full time and it definitely paid off. Have a think about where you want to be in 10 years or more, would you be happy on the tools for the rest of your days? If not then now is the time to think about college before family/other commitments arise.

Manta400r

hof1982 wrote: »

I found myself in a similar situation a few years ago having worked seven years on the tools as an electrician. I went back to college full time and it definitely paid off. Have a think about where you want to be in 10 years or more, would you be happy on the tools for the rest of your days? If not then now is the time to think about college before family/other commitments arise.

thats exactly how im feeling at the minute. Its too late i suppose to go full time in college now as its already started back! With me being 27 do i qualify for a mature students grant or anything?

That 10 years remark is exactly why im looking into this. I dont want to be still on the tools when im older as it will have a negative effect on health and wellbeing i would imagine. But at the same time ive no problem jumping in somewhere now, working hard for a few year with the possibility of a promotion but this is looking less likely as theres less and less permanent jobs about!

Would love to go to the usa but again visas are hard to get without a job there 1st.

Im full of negativity at the minute lol

Cheers for the replies