DS is interested in engineering. We went to a careers fair last night and one of the exhibitors we spoke to suggested that anything DS could so in terms of extracurricular activities would help when he later applied for apprenticeships
or university places. Fair enough. I quite agree.
So we had a look at a website that offered course designed for Yr 9sto give them a taste of the subject, experience working with professionals, working on projects
in a team. All good stuff. So we down-loaded an application form. The cost is £145 which is a bit ouch atm but worthwhile if it helps him longterm. But that is only payable if he is accepted onto the course. They also ask for a list of thing he has done that show his interest and aptitude for the subject to see if he will be an asset to the other applicants 
And the school has to complete a form in support of his application. So what this seems
to be saying is that he has to be involved in clubs and projects already. To have estabished himself in school or elsewhere as a an enthusiast. And if he hasn't done so they could turn him down in theory.
He loves D&T and science and gets good marks, but they don't study 'engineering' in yr 9 and he isn't a joiner in terms of school clubs. He is simply interested and would like to become involved and find out more.
How early do children have to start this informal networking then? Should we have been locking him in the garage with some grease and a mechano set at age 6?
Oh yes and another thing that made me laugh! It was suggested that he could start doing weekend jobs to show his enthusiasm. Who
these days would take a child of 13 on (even unpaid) to help out in an engineering works or a garage?