The Difference between Technicians and Engineers.

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:44 pm

rayofleamington wrote:

the common use of the word 'Engineer' can mean anything at all

Well, I'm a qualified (3 month residential full time course and 2 years apprenticeship) Sound engineer - does that count? ;)

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 8:49 pm

Of course it does - but what colour coat will you wear?

Post by **eastona** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:23 am

I remember we had different colour collars on our (blue) coats

dark blue = Production engineers

Red = planners

Green = QA

White = Foremen

can't remember any more.

Andrew

Post by **Kevin** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:38 am

I overlooked one, in our paint shop they had multi coloured boiler suits which changed from week to week

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:52 am

i wear a white apron, what does that make me

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:26 am

If its with a blue dress Dennis, then that would be 'Matron'

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:33 am

Post by **millerman** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:30 am

aupickup wrote:i wear a white apron, what does that make me

A craftsman

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:38 am

ah i knew there was something better

Post by dp » Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:42 am

Back when I did my technology degree, two of the engineering graduates in my halls told me how they were basically going straight into banking. At the time, the best engineering positions that were going were in the region of £12K while the banking graduate entry positions were £17-19K.

The banks on the milk round didn't particularly care what your degree was in, just the grade.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:15 pm

They are probably Millionaires by now - sun-bathing in the Caymen Islands!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:18 pm

They are probably Millionaires by now - sun-bathing in the Caymen Islands!

only if they've done a bad job and lost billions.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:37 pm

Bad job for us probably - but good for them!

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:53 pm

aupickup wrote:i wear a white apron, what does that make me

A cook. Or a dinner lady

Post by **youngun** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:31 pm

Well now this is an interesting subject for banter.
Im planning to become an "engineer", and will be doing a masters (MEng) in Motorsport Engineering in a couple of years once i have done my foundation year. This degree will also automatically qualify me for most parts of the IMECH requirements to achieve technician status. I will hopefully be looking to go into powertrain research and development with one of the top F1 teams. So, does this make me an Engineer or a Technician?!!

Post by **Dean** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:02 pm

youngun wrote: So, does this make me an Engineer or a Technician?!!

If you get a job at one of the F1 teams though would you really care? With a fleet of chauffeur driven Minors on the drive being polished by James is something many would be jealous of

. Best of luck and I hope you realise your dream.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:31 pm

If you get a job at one of the F1 teams though would you really care?

You'd probably not get time to be back on the messageboard so we'd never know!

They do expect you to work like crazy, but when you're young you can do it.
I got as far as a shortlist on an F1 design job but I only applied once - after that I took the next job I was offered, which was handy as automotive transmission R&D was a safe & interesting job.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:59 pm

Good luck YG - but not many make it to F1 and many fall by the wayside. At least you can show them your welding skills!

Post by **youngun** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:52 pm

Well, we'll see. Long way to go yet. Even if i end up working for ford ill be happy!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:26 pm

Ahh - working for Ford. A mate of mine tried that when he graduated in Engineering from University - he hated it!