University degree is useful for AME job?

Got a hot employment or interview tip to help a fellow aviator find a job or looking for a little job advice place your posting here.

Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, North Shore

Post Reply
AMEapprentice0808
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:33 pm

University degree is useful for AME job?

Post by AMEapprentice0808 »

Hello,

I have recently graduated from college in aircraft maintenance program. I am wondering if the mechanical engineering degree is useful to find a job as an AME apprentice. It seems like all of my classmates got a job so far except me. I haven't received anything back yet.

I have heard that too high education might be minus point when looking for a job as a technician.

Anyone has an idea?

thanks,
---------- ADS -----------
 
edmanster
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2017 4:55 pm

Re: University degree is useful for AME job?

Post by edmanster »

There is very little in common between an engineering degree and turning bolts as an AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer). Just because the "E" in AME represents "Engineer" - this does not infer that any designing or analysis is a requirement of the job. The details of the Job tasks today are so heavily detailed (& regulated) (Maintenance manuals, Service Bulletins, Operator fleet specialists, OEM specialists ..) an "engineer-mechanic" should never be in a situation today where he has to modify or deviate from original installation or have to do any "design-Engineering".
>In most cases - a degree usually identifies the employee's intention that he will advance to a 'Design"-type job when a situation presents itself. - The present AME job is just the "opportunity to get the foot into the doorway" .. & the industry.
>Decide to be a either a Mechanic or design-Engineer .. The 4-5 years spent at University translates to about 5x $50k lost income .. that will not be recoverable.
Note that a Licensed Mechanic will average about $90K (annually in YYZ) .. and a Design engineer (less that 10 years experience) about $75K.
Make friends, knock on doors, hang around the hangers, the only sure way to get an apprentice AME job.
>I have seen only rare examples of blanket emails addressed to "whom it may concern" resulting in anything .. even with Masters & Doctorate advanced degrees included !
... BTW .. quick story .. 10 years (or so ago) I was working on a newly Certified aircraft when i noticed an individual critically inspecting the wings .. Asking him "whatz the problem ?"
he replied that he was a Doctorate aerodynamicist - and "this was the first time he got to actually touch & see a wing close-up .." .. some things just make you wonder !! :?
---------- ADS -----------
 
Glasnost
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 76
Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:56 pm
Location: The Workers' Paradise

Re: University degree is useful for AME job?

Post by Glasnost »

If you have an engineering degree, you’re probably further behind than those who don’t know anything about engineering. Pretty much nothing is applicable.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Pacqing
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 232
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:14 pm

Re: University degree is useful for AME job?

Post by Pacqing »

Did the school tell you what tasks an apprentice normally starts out doing? Grease landing gear, did they teach you how to load and use a grease gun? Vacuum interior, bust tires, do per flights,post flights, pull filters, change oil, visually inspect as per the check sheets., Does it sound like you need a degree to carry out these tasks? Try networking, contact the guys from your class and see whats join ton at their airport. If you have any sort of mechanical aptitude you should be able to find a job into days market.
---------- ADS -----------
 
dstechnical
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:10 pm

Re: University degree is useful for AME job?

Post by dstechnical »

If I had to do it call over again I would go to embry riddle type university. They give credit for college courses. Certainly helps in looking for mgmt jobs with manufacturers or airlines.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Post Reply

Return to “Employment Forum”