Post: #1

I'm working as a mechanical engineer after starting uni at 26, finished with a first class MEng from a UK uni, a couple of years experience in automotive and manufacturing from placements and the past year of work. I enjoy my job but I am thinking long term where I can go as I'm 32 now and most moves will involve a significant pay cut. It is a contract job which doesn't offer much in the way of long term training.

There is this idea that a significant number of engineering grads (and I have seen it with my classmates) in the UK seem to head into finance related fields after graduation (banking, insurance) as the pay there is so much more vs engineering over here, and all power to them.

What I am seeing when I look for jobs in the UK is that engineering pay does seem to max out around £50-60k, I have reached that level already as I am a contractor (and compared to IT contracts this is not a great rate). Coupled with the high cost of living at least in the south-east means it actually doesn't go that far.

Obviously there are ways of reducing your cost of living but that is limited, and I'd prefer the "earn more" strategy.

So I am prepared to move elsewhere for the next step, potentially anywhere in the world, or stay in the UK for the right role where I can improve my skills. The problem with the latter option is I'd likely have to take a big pay cut (~20k ish) to go somewhere with more development/training and I'm 32 now. So it would likely take a 4-5 years+ to get back to my current level of pay.

It sounds like there are much more lucrative engineering jobs overseas as the UK doesn't seem to actually pay engineers that well, I've heard Masters grads moving overseas and getting some good roles off the bat in Aus and would be interested to hear from anyone who's done this, PM if you prefer.

I will keep doing my research in the mean time.

Are there any other members out there who've been in this position and moved elsewhere? Any advice from other engineers also welcome.

Cheers

Post: #2

Have you contacted a recruiter and taken advice off of them? There are many recruitment consultants around the UK who can offer sound advice of salary levels for your industry around the corner and may be worth asking them what direction someone in your position could go.

As a contractor what scheme are you operating under limited co./ sole trader?

If as a subcontractor you are VAT registered it would make you more attractive to contract.

With a small amount of research I could let you know which recruitment agencies to contact. Hays is the most obvious.

Post: #3

I actually wondered this a couple years ago when the wave of Irish guys wanted to work in the Oil sands. Are there any sort of commonwealth agreements for engineers?

Post: #4

Thanks for the replies gents,

(12-17-2016 10:37 AM)Ethan Hunt Wrote:  Have you contacted a recruiter and taken advice off of them? There are many recruitment consultants around the UK who can offer sound advice of salary levels for your industry around the corner and may be worth asking them what direction someone in your position could go.

As a contractor what scheme are you operating under limited co./ sole trader?

If as a subcontractor you are VAT registered it would make you more attractive to contract.

With a small amount of research I could let you know which recruitment agencies to contact. Hays is the most obvious.

Not contacted recruiters yet but from searching the job boards I have a couple that appear to specialise in this area that I'm calling next week.

Yes, Ltd company VAT registered

For some reason I always thought Hays were quite a generic agency rather than specialising in engineering but definitely wouldn't rule them out. What do you mean with a small amount of research you could let me know some specific agencies? PM if you prefer