Thinking about a major change in direction.

[Sam]

At the moment I am studying product design at loughborough University with two years left. Over the past few holidays I have been working as a blacksmith/metalworker/fabricator and I LOVE the job.

I have been thinking for a while now and spoken to my boss about quitting uni, getting an aprentiship as a fabricator and welder and eventually getting out onto the rigs (either land or sea). Im just not sure how easy it is to get into and weather quitting uni would be the right choice or I should see out the course.

 Im 21 at the moment, so seeing out uni would push me to 23 where I COULD be 2 and a bit years into an aprenticip scheme with one of the big boys in oil. So.... any thoughts?

[fozziie]

if i were you, i'd just see out the Uni course  At least then you have options, and surely you could go and do the apprenticeship after university no?

[Sam]

if i were you, i'd just see out the Uni course  At least then you have options, and surely you could go and do the apprenticeship after university no?

Yer but im wondering if its worth having a degree at 23 and then taking on the role of a 16 year old?

[emery1990]

You have to think what the chances are of you getting a decent job after uni, specially as the way jobs are going, it might be years after before you start earning good money, dont know how good money is on rigs but I presume pretty good as it's good danger money?

Could always start your own fabricating business as well. Surely you wouldn't be on 16 year old pay thought if you've work with him atm?

[Steve_PD]

Do what you enjoy
I done IT at college with the intentions of going to uni, but 2 years working on computers and I was sick of them.
Got my apprenticeship 5 years ago now doing mechanical fitting and love it. Do a variety of different jobs everyday and with overtime can earn a very good wage.
If you work hard and get your employer/assessor to give you different jobs you can complete a level 3 apprenticeship in 2 years most people finish in 3.

[Steve_PD]

You have to think what the chances are of you getting a decent job after uni, specially as the way jobs are going, it might be years after before you start earning good money, dont know how good money is on rigs but I presume pretty good as it's good danger money?

Could always start your own fabricating business as well. Surely you wouldn't be on 16 year old pay thought if you've work with him atm?

When I was in college it was £40 a week, 1st year on site £7.50, second £9, third £11. tradesman £12.90, advanced tradesman (2years after you finish your apprenticeship) £13.70.

[Sam]

You have to think what the chances are of you getting a decent job after uni, specially as the way jobs are going, it might be years after before you start earning good money, dont know how good money is on rigs but I presume pretty good as it's good danger money?

Could always start your own fabricating business as well. Surely you wouldn't be on 16 year old pay thought if you've work with him atm?

Thats the point, I dont want to be a designer but the course offers me key skills eg. Engineering drawing module, CAD module and a degree. Just wondering if this will help me with were I want to go. And yes, rig money is good.... very very good.

Fabrication buissiness was going to be after rig work, earn my money, travel the world then settle down at aboot 40 and set up.

Do what you enjoy
I done IT at college with the intentions of going to uni, but 2 years working on computers and I was sick of them.
Got my apprenticeship 5 years ago now doing mechanical fitting and love it. Do a variety of different jobs everyday and with overtime can earn a very good wage.
If you work hard and get your employer/assessor to give you different jobs you can complete a level 3 apprenticeship in 2 years most people finish in 3.

Thats the difficulty, all the advice I have been given leads to 'if you ever find a job you love, its the job for you' which is the exact position I am in at the moment.

[Jay]

Then do it. What's the uni degree worth if you're not going to put it to use?

You found a job you love, most people don't

[Sam]

Then do it. What's the uni degree worth if you're not going to put it to use?

You found a job you love, most people don't

Im just wondering if having 'A degree' anyway will give me an advantage over others. If I am seen as pratical, creative and 'proven' academicly would doing my aprentiship and climbing the ladder be quicker/ simpler or more likely.

[Steve_PD]

depends on the company you work for.
My company it wouldn't matter what qualifications you got. If your good on the tools your move up.
If you want to be a manager then do some sort of management course at uni and go straight into it. Otherwise it could take a very long time