Hi! I'm new here and looking for work.

I'm a young, time-served, skilled toolmaker from the Wirral with 3 years post-qualification experience and 3 years related experience. I'm familiar with FANUC CNC programming and able to use CAD/CAM programmes for manufacturing.

I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Thanks everybody.

Hi I was in a similar position to you when I got made redundant from Lairds 10 years ago just after I come out of my time. What I did is drove round a lot of industrial estates in the area from all round Wirral, Liverpool and Deeside. I then sent a cv and covering letter of to any firms I thought might be interested. Out of this I got 6-7 interviews and was offered 3 jobs Have you tried Lairds coincidentally as they must be one of the biggest engineering firms around here. Good luck anyway

Hi, I work for a Recruitment Firm specialising in CNC operator roles in the North West. Can you send a CV to:

[email protected]

Many thanks

@ paulieg: I know, mate. You work hard on multi-million pound press tools, while you go to college for 5+ years, you graduate, then find out you'll be out on your butt in a couple of months (place was closing down). It's terrible the way this country treats its tradespeople. But I digress. I'm just frustrated and I feel let down by my country. I know I'm not alone.

Looking on the bright side, at least Cammell Laird gave you a trade. That's better that nowt. (I actually applied for Lairds when I was 17). I'm glad I didn't, because I'd have been out in 4 years!

Anyway, thanks for your help, paulieg, I'll try Lairds now that I'm skilled and have engineering/heavy engineering experience with more qualifications than you can shake a stick at!

Haven't Lairds just got a big contract for wind generators. Best of luck.

I think they have, mate. I'm currently writing out a speculative letter including a copied CV to Cammell Laird (for some reason they don't allow online applications - only written ones). I used to make things for Cammell Laird in 2008. It was called Northwestern Ship Repair back then. In fact, it probably still is. I don't know.

Have you tried airbus in broughton. They're always looking for skilled tradesmen. They're taking on at the moment through blue arrow. Send in a cv and copies of your qualifications

Yeah, I've had dealings with Blue Arrow via Toyota Manufacturing UK in Deeside. Unfortunately, that was contract work, which was a lot like Vauxhall Motors and Adecco. Both were contracted work, which was a shame because I made quite a few good mates while working in both one after the other. Nevertheless, I'm always game for more opportunities.

@ Deanobirko: I've sent my CV to the email address you've requested. Many thanks for replying.

Regarding the 'job search': I haven't had any replies yet, but I'm still plugging away at the usual channels. I've been thinking about walking around Birkenhead and Prenton Industrial Estate with a "Job Wanted" sandwich board selling myself.