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'Many of my former colleagues have used their technical expertise as well as their extensive networks to launch successful consultancy careers' (Stock image credit: Shutterstock)

Are you stuck in a career rut or planning your next move? Maybe youre a student struggling to decide on an industry? We're putting your burning questions to our panel of seasoned engineers.

In Issue 2, 2021, a reader asked: "What are some career options for the over-fifties? What industries are interested in sourcing experienced and motivated engineers, say five years before retirement?"

"Probably plenty: but aim for one related to your past. I started in a very small cog in a very large company designing and manufacturing papermaking machines, eventually becoming a global troubleshooter and operator trainer. I got tired of the travel, and joined a successful paper mill as their R&D engineer. The mill realised that it was using very old machinery, and by motivating the existing engineers and the board I more than doubled the output and profit before retirement."

Michael Reid

"I think some of the smaller start-up tech companies need to pull on this experienced pool of people. Cash is tight so therefore people with innovative ideas sometimes need people with the skills to turn smart ideas into realistic solutions. One area to look into is the production of low-cost prosthetic limbs. There are lots of ideas, but how do you turn the medical requirement into a viable product for mass production? Medical tech is definitely an area to look into."

Tom Doyle

"Speaking as one of those, overwhelmingly it is in consultancy. Many of my former colleagues have used their technical expertise as well as their extensive networks to launch successful consultancy careers. Anyone who is considering that though does absolutely have to have the networking skills to get the business. I did that for almost 20 years and it was varied, interesting and fulfilling."

Tony Holme

"Be flexible. There is a considerable demand for and appreciation of experience as long as you are willing to explore and stretch yourself. Laid off at 58, I have had three brilliant jobs in the intervening 12 years and am still engineering."

Duncan Saunders

"With that many years of experience I would consider freelance/contracting. A lot of small firms want this level of experience for business performance projects or specific engineering projects but dont necessarily want the commitment of a long-term employee. Flexibility is increasing in the job market and people with the skills and experience can take advantage of this."

Jolyon Lomax

"As an over-50 engineer, I have moved into project management where skills built up over a career, such as maintenance, engineering management, leadership and exposure to the financial and commercial aspects of engineering, can all be brought together."

James Blanchard

"In my experience, such engineers are recognised for being effective in subcontract placements. I was already over 60 when I started a placement with Rolls-Royce that renewed for five years."

James Lee

"It depends on your skill set. It is very easy to become obsolete if you dont work at your skills. Project engineering (such as infrastructure projects) with short-term project teams hired and released would be one area where age (and career progression) would be less relevant."

Martyn Ralph

"Project management and consultancy in an industry you know are always a good bet: they rely more on experience than continuous raw energy, but you still need enthusiasm and focus. Short-term (six-month) contract work can suit over-fifties, often well paid."

Anonymous

"There should be many and various opportunities for engineers in their fifties, but this is hampered by recruiters failing to understand engineering qualifications and managers seeking cheaper and less experienced staff to work for them."

Alexander Wooldridge Smith

"Most employers would be keen for experienced and knowledgeable individuals who can hit the ground running, bring with them a diversity of lessons learnt and cross-industry best practice. Age should not be the driver, but more the drive of the individual that counts."

Mike Cameron-Davies

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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

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Ask the Engineers: 'What are some career options for the over-fifties?' - Professional Engineering