An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
Apr 20th 2014, 9:13 am
#16
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
i don't think it's quite as advanced as the UK system, but yes there are apprenticeship schemes in Canada
My work has 9 apprentices right now, although in my eyes the program they're doing isn't very good
I also know a couple of apprentice plumbers and an apprentice car mechanic
My work has 9 apprentices right now, although in my eyes the program they're doing isn't very good
I also know a couple of apprentice plumbers and an apprentice car mechanic
They do have vocational qualification here Beckiwoo or journeyman status anyway. It's just foreign vocational quals that are not really recognized. You're work experience may be though and you just need to take the appropriate steps to get journeyman status.
Apr 20th 2014, 9:46 am
#17
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
I personally am glad that I chose an apprenticeship over a degree. However I came straight out of school and done it, as opposed to starting later on as a new career.
Had I gone to University, I'd have come out with a degree and no work experience probably. I'd also have had student debt and no guarantee of a job afterwards.
As it stands, I have an SVQ3 in Aeronautical Engine Overhaul and Test, and an HND in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering. The credits that I have from those courses would allow me to skip the first 2 years of a BEng, so I'd have a degree in 2 years if i wanted to.
Also while all my schoolmates were in university I was out working, gaining hands on experience and getting paid for it, I know some of them who came out with Honours and Masters degrees who couldn't get jobs in their fields for love nor money.
I wasn't guaranteed a job at the end of my apprenticeship, not many people are, but its pretty normal that you are and I was earning tradesmans money at 21 years old.
I may still go back to University eventually and get my degree, but at the moment I don't see it as essential, I've only been "on the tools" for 7 years, and at my old place back home, it was kind of accepted that the 10 year area was when you moved into the desk jobs if you wanted to.
That's just my view, I'm sure there will be other people who have gone the other way and had it work out for them, however I don't think i'd have gotten to Canada if i'd only had a degree and no work experience!
Had I gone to University, I'd have come out with a degree and no work experience probably. I'd also have had student debt and no guarantee of a job afterwards.
As it stands, I have an SVQ3 in Aeronautical Engine Overhaul and Test, and an HND in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering. The credits that I have from those courses would allow me to skip the first 2 years of a BEng, so I'd have a degree in 2 years if i wanted to.
Also while all my schoolmates were in university I was out working, gaining hands on experience and getting paid for it, I know some of them who came out with Honours and Masters degrees who couldn't get jobs in their fields for love nor money.
I wasn't guaranteed a job at the end of my apprenticeship, not many people are, but its pretty normal that you are and I was earning tradesmans money at 21 years old.
I may still go back to University eventually and get my degree, but at the moment I don't see it as essential, I've only been "on the tools" for 7 years, and at my old place back home, it was kind of accepted that the 10 year area was when you moved into the desk jobs if you wanted to.
That's just my view, I'm sure there will be other people who have gone the other way and had it work out for them, however I don't think i'd have gotten to Canada if i'd only had a degree and no work experience!
I'm still unsure though, I've already got an airy-fairy degree but am much more focus this time round with a more specific subject and direction.
How do you find your industry in Canada? and the salary if you don't mind me asking. Aeronautics was an area I was looking into too
Last edited by tee1; Apr 20th 2014 at 9:48 am.
Apr 20th 2014, 10:22 am
#18
Bex in the city
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Location: Vancouver, BC
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
On the plus side apprenticeships here are not limited to those under 21 or whatever the age is in the UK due to funding and most pay a decent wage from the getgo.
They do have vocational qualification here Beckiwoo or journeyman status anyway. It's just foreign vocational quals that are not really recognized. You're work experience may be though and you just need to take the appropriate steps to get journeyman status.
They do have vocational qualification here Beckiwoo or journeyman status anyway. It's just foreign vocational quals that are not really recognized. You're work experience may be though and you just need to take the appropriate steps to get journeyman status.
I've got an NVQ3 in children and youth care (social care). So it won't be relevant to that area.
I used to think degrees were the best way forward but after speaking to friends who did apprenticeships and seeing how much further they went up the career ladder compared to those who just went to uni. I think it is the best way forward.
Apr 20th 2014, 11:28 am
#19
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Group
Why on earth they think somebody with a 2:1 degree from one of those would be happy with a receptionists job is beyond me!
Why on earth they think somebody with a 2:1 degree from one of those would be happy with a receptionists job is beyond me!
Seems there is a degree or certificate for just about everything these days.
Apr 21st 2014, 12:14 am
#21
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Location: Back in Scotland after 4 years in Calgary
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
From what i've been told, the aero industry here at technical level is pretty poor for pay...i don't know how poor or why it's poor though.
I've only worked for the one company here in Calgary so far, so I don't have a lot of experience of what the rest of my specific industry is like, but O&G as a whole is obviously booming...i notice a lot of adverts for Pipeline technicians in my general perusing of the classifieds!
Apr 21st 2014, 12:16 am
#22
"In cruce vincam"
Joined: May 2010
Location: Mill Bay, Vancouver Island
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Re: An Apprenticeship or a Degree??
[QUOTE=Jsmth321;11226541]Hotels are getting the same way, more and more want degrees for all sorts of entry level customer service jobs. But the degree will get you further ahead in the large corporate owned chains, they generally wont consider promotions without a degree of some sort, any degree generally will work, they are not overly picky.
Seems there is a degree or certificate for just about everything these days.[/QUOTE]
This is certainly my perception too. I've employed people with "degrees" who were as thick as custard.
Seems there is a degree or certificate for just about everything these days.[/QUOTE]
This is certainly my perception too. I've employed people with "degrees" who were as thick as custard.
