Originally Posted by haggis88 (Post 11226285)

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

Originally Posted by haggis88 (Post 11225933)

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!

Originally Posted by tee1 (Post 11226442)

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.

Originally Posted by christmasoompa (Post 11226347)

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! :lol:

Originally Posted by Oink (Post 11225942)

You implied it, so why would you bother to do one now?

Originally Posted by tee1 (Post 11226461)

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 :)