getting a job as a graduate

[flaminco]

Wondered if I could get pearls of wisdom on here of how to help my DS get a job next year.

Applying for Engineering graduate schemes and getting nowhere - has potentially a very good degree/masters.

Have been told, may need work experience before you get on good graduate schemes but it seems so hard to get. Seems to be at disadvantage that he didn't do a Year in industry.

Where can he start? Tips most welcome.

There are quite a lot of companies out there looking for graduate engineers its just a case of searching companies using google and then looking at their websites ....not sure where you are based but there is a company in my area who have set up an academy www.the-atg.com/careers/graduates/

Many thanks. Bae won't allow graduate interns. He's just been rejected from rolls Royce grad scheme. Will look for internships. Elsewhere too.
Good tip on institutions. Will tell him.

Have a look at the Big Bang science fairs and etrust who run engineering schemes. Apply as a volunteer- great experience and confidence builder.

Fab sandwich thanks for that.
yes one teen - good point. We have a big aero college opening in our area near our local airport - so hoping might bring contacts/business to area. He will however go anywhere for the first job.
Yes chemenger- careers dept have been good but he can access them more after this current batch of exams. Degree first! Thanks for reminding.
Any other mums helping their kids with this?

Also look at the institute of mechanical engineers - they have local branches/ student membership etc. Is he on linked in? Vital.
Rail is worth looking at too- rolls Royce are cutting back a lot but there is quite a lot of work in Rail- hitachi, Siemens, bombardier, etc. And engineer8ng consultancies. Atkins, etc.

Thank you. Atkins have just replied they were overwhelmed with apps and bombardier didn't seem to be recruiting. Will look into others. Maybe internship would be good if they accept post graduation.
Your posts are so helpful.

Thanks all.

Will look into rail

This may out me, but try Lockheed Martin

thank you. will.

I think unfortunately that Brexit means that companies are reluctant to take on graduates at the moment. It is really tough in the jobs market at the moment for everyone. At least take some comfort from the fact that your DC is not applying with a degree such as English or history, which makes life even tougher.

Brexit is my worry. Have DC applying too. Hoping it will all settle soon and there will be jobs.

Some useful ideas on this thread.

Interesting thread. Just wondering about careers search in general for final year students, not just engineering? If those big company grad schemes are all so over subscribed how do they find smaller companies? It's hard to do a speculative application unless you already have experience.
DD went to careers fairs but found they were dominated by the big companies.

Trawl through any company with a web site! Google the area of work and go from there.

Unfortunately we know lots of grads won’t get on grad schemes in larger companies or indeed on grad schemes at all. However there are smaller companies that need intelligent staff and will train a young person.

In Engineering, look at companies who are up for prizes. Small company of the year type of thing. Look at every technical publication for who is doing what. They won’t all be Rolls Royce or BAe.

Agree startedearly it's quite hard to find smaller companies.
Bublesbuddy we certainly have not just applied to bae/RR type jobs - but finding companies is hard. As uni is big on engineering am hoping his careers dept may have lists of companies or recent graduate destinations. Once exams are over can be pursued.
Hmm brexit. Think aero industry is definitely holding back at no. But DS is flexible.
Just want him to get into an e engineering company doing anything to see what kind of work is available.
Was pleased to hear chemenger most students on eng degrees find jobs in a year. Think my DS will be persistent.
Lists of eng. companies - anyone know where we might find?

any other DC graduating this year? What are the plans?

He should look at KTP schemes through UK universities - these jobs are frequently in Engineering fields, won't require experience and are a great start to a graduate's career.

thank you
What is KTP?
I'll google

Knowledge transfer partnerships

Yes - knowledge transfer partnerships. Scheme where companies work with universities and employ graduates to work in a company, usually on a two year project. 70-80% of the graduates will be offered permanent employment at the end of the project, often at a fast tracked, much more senior role than would be the case through other graduate employment schemes as they've been exposed to senior management through working on an important, strategic project. It's a fantastic opportunity for a graduate, particularly in a decent company.

Not exactly job hunting but a dc of a friend joined a professional institute (science) as a student member because they loved that particular subject. Attended talks and even social events. Got to know loads of people who were impressed with their interest/dedication and now applying for university and let’s just say they won’t have to worry about tricky offers. This approach may also work for getting job interviews.

Like the sound of ktp. Can you apply via unis back home as well as your uni of study?

Networking blessthekids! My DS certainly needs to work at that. But joining organisations and getting involved is a good idea.

What else do graduates do?
Whose kids are in work a year on?

Try Qinetiq and DSTL - both have excellent scheme but entry is competitive. He'll need to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and aptitude for his field but the opportunities with them are fantastic

Engineer DH who is v familiar with aero, after he suggested moving to Germany! says have a look at companies that are working on satellites - a lot of investment and potential for growth here compared to aero. And less obvious than the big name companies.

I work for a big engineering company with a different specialism, and we’ve scaled right back on graduate recruitment and are focusing on apprenticeships instead.

@Flaminco you don't have to be a graduate of the university the KTP is with to apply for a job. Google it and you should find a website where all the posts are throughout the UK.

Have tried khalessi. Haven't heard back yet.
Yes we thought satellite companies but where do you find them.
Hmm. Apprenticeships. Maybe he can still be an intern.
Thank you.
Keep ideas coming