first step into the industry?

Re: first step into the industry?

Quite simply, it’s not easy. But that’s not to say that some of us wish to change that and if that means banging on doors and shouting at people or shmoozing people, well we do either pretty well. 😉

First thing is that funding for a training period and, the only way that you will learn is by example IMHO, is virtually non-existant as I’ve posted elsewhere but it’s not impossible. What you have to understand in that is that most independent businesses (where you’ll get the best and widest experience) cannot afford to carry “dead-weight” these days as we’re under-funded by both goverment and industry. Years of neglect has led to the position we find ourselves in now, effectively treated as the poor relation to sales.

That’s the reality.

But as I said, we’re trying to change it and offer people, perhaps like yourself, who want an interesting and diverse career in the industry a chance to get started.

In all honesty the business is good in many ways, there’s lots of positives even if you do often only see negatives here. We all love our work, you can see the passion for customer service and grasp the sense of freedom we all share in so many posts within these forums.

I have had a great time in this trade, even if I do get frustrated, angry and a bit down about it at times. It’s usually directed at people, establishments and red tape that stands in the way of what I feel I should be doing and what the industry should enjoy. Selfish? Perhaps, but without people that do care where would we be?

And the career opportunities are actually pretty good if you enjoy hard work, challenge and getting out amongst customers or dealing with them first hand. In the end there’s even the chance that you will end up running your own business as the boss has to retire sometime, you won’t make a fortune but you can make a half-decent living and, above all, it’s an honest living.

I started twenty years ago making the tea and being sent out to help on the odd two-man job (tubs and deliveries) and moved on from there through various parts of the industry including sales, field service, spares distribution, reworks, recons, managerial stuff and just about anything else you can think of.

Do I regret it? Hell no!

It’s been a gas and I still love it, I still have a passion for the business despite being kicked in the teeth more than once and almost every day I face a new and different challenge, there’s not many jobs that you can say that about.

So, if you’re up for it really post up that you’re looking for a job to train and book some driving lessons, you’ll need to be able to drive to get out there and meet the great British public who are always there to entertain you.

And the rest of the engineers out there, regardless of who they work for, will welcome you with open arms in almost every instance.

K.