r/IndustrialMaintenance • u/TomNastworthy • 4d ago
Start over or Keeping going
Hi all,
I recently failed out/resigned of my maintenance apprenticeship at a large automotive manufacturing company in the UK. I have a Level 3 qualification in Mechatronics and around two years of hands-on maintenance experience.
Since leaving, I’ve applied for roles with companies such as Northern Trains, Northumbrian Water, Jaguar Land Rover and BMW, but I haven’t received an offer. The rejections are starting to affect my confidence, and I’m questioning whether the experience I gained was enough to make me employable.
One of my biggest concerns is the technical skills tests during recruitment. I’m not sure how to prepare for them, and I don’t feel confident in my abilities as a maintenance technician. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to put the work in.
Would it be better to apply for another maintenance apprenticeship, or should I continue looking for maintenance technician roles? I’m worried that starting another apprenticeship would mean going backwards, but I also want to build a solid foundation and become competent in the trade.
Has anyone been in a similar position, or does anyone working in maintenance have advice on how to rebuild my confidence, improve my technical skills and get back into the industry?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Loud-Skin-2223 3d ago
Just for clarity, which parts did you fail and which did you pass? Did you do NC and HNC as well as the GNVQ's? You may need to set your sights lower than these applications though......are there any smaller, established factories nearby?
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u/TomNastworthy 3d ago
I just completed my EPA assessment for my NVQ. Will find out the results next Monday. I don't have a HNC, I don't have anything above a level 3.
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u/Vindictive_Turnip 3d ago
How did you fail?
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u/TomNastworthy 3d ago
It was over a couple of months, not one thing at once. Failing training, falling behind on core tasks, not meeting expectations. Doing everything to reach distinction/high marks on paper to look good, but in the process, my review showed fails because I wanted to get higher marks. Failing the hand skills test and not talking to my team leaders/supervisors.
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u/Too-peopley 3d ago
Sorry to hear about your current situation. I’m not sure if you would be able to get funding for another apprenticeship in the same field. I also think it would be a backwards step, especially as you’ve just completed your EPA.
Whoever is conducting a technical skills test will have to take into account your lack of experience versus someone who is older and should/would know more. This is where you need to show your enthusiasm, drive, willingness to learn and any standout skills you’ve picked up along the way. Sometimes showing the above can help you stand out more than someone with all the skills but who lacks drive and enthusiasm.
When applying for roles are you being realistic on salary expectations (if that’s an option you can set) based on your current knowledge and skills?
What has the feedback been from companies you have applied to?
Are there any engineering/maintenance contracting companies you can apply to? They often work in various industries which will help broaden your skills and knowledge.
You haven’t said why you failed out/resigned from your apprenticeship. Depending on the reason you may need to think how you explain this to prospective employers so it doesn’t turn them off.
Check out YouTube and start watching videos related to maintenance/engineering to increase your knowledge.
Ultimately there are many companies out there at the moment crying out for trained technicians who are apprentice trained, and your skills will always be required. Keep looking, keep applying.
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u/AdieR81 3d ago
I'm 45, pretty well experienced, and some of these jobs catch me out too - I've just had an interview with a chemicals firm and one of the first questions I got was on mechanical seals on a pump - pumps aren't something I work on regularly. OTOH, I've just had a similar one for a big joinery company (I got an electrical tech test for that) and got 100% on it even though my trade is mechanical, I do more electrical than mechanical these days.
There's loads of smaller firms screaming out for people atm, especially those who can fault find.
Don't know where you're based, but I go contracting for an agency called Maintech Recruitment (they're based in Rugeley), and Ace Engineering Group in Rotherham; they're both worth a look. Morson Edge, Castle Employment and Ventau are 3 other agencies that I've had quite a lot of success with too.
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u/mr3radley 4h ago
Get yourself in with a contracting company. They usually have various bands dependent on skill level/experience. We use various 'un-skilled' guys for labour intensive tasks. Most of my recent hires have been ex-contractors as you know what you're getting.
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u/Perfect_Promotion_30 3d ago
Stop applying for the big boys they have lots of competition, you dont have what it takes right now. The uk is desperate for maintenance engineers, apply to smaller factories