11 replies to this topic

[pyrogenius]

hey guys, i was just wondering what sort of pyrotechnical jobs there are out there, i am currently in high school but i am averaging a* in chemistry and physics, what sort of job could i aim for? thanks.

[crystal palace fireworks]

What sort of job would you like to do?

[Arthur Brown]

Lots depend on where you are and what you really want to do. As you are at school you need work near where you live, once you have money you can move to near a fireworks factory. Suggest you talk to your local careers people and see what they can offer. Hopefully you have no convictions so far, work hard to keep it that way! Oh! Also there may be issues with the military, Some pyro work is military will that suit you and your family and will you pass family history checks?

[teaboy]

Call your companies in the industry you want to work in. Offer your services for work experience, or as a 'trainee' free of charge to get a foot in the door. Get to know people. And ASK FOR JOBS! The worst they can say is no, but they may offer you advice on what you need to do for a 'yes'.

Good luck!

[skyrocket]

when i have asked i have always been told that full time jobs are rare in pyro, but anyway good luck in getting something

[Arthur Brown]

Sort out in your head where in the pyro industry it is that you want to work!

Manufacture is a day job in a factory (licensed), Using or firing pyro is a "entertainment hours" and seasonal job you have to work hard when people want to be entertained and that means evenings and weekends largely (in the UK) based round 5th november.

There are very few jobs in manufacture in the UK. there are continuous vacancies for firing assistants as the hours deter all but the most committed -still there are not large numbers of vacancies.

[Asteroid]

I'm in a similar postion, but I've settled to go for a job in defense and have pyro as a hobby, the reason being is that it's just so hard to get into mostly. A job in DSTL or quinetiq is along the same lines, with a similar potential for some nice bangs, with just as much science. Also, being more practical, pyrotechnics doesn't need a degree which, in some ways is a waste of your potential, and might cut you off from the big salaries further down the line.

Places in the MOD include things like Pyrotechnic Countermeasure Specialist, a vacancy which opened up a while ago, and many others.
Have a look at these sites or PM me if you want a little more information, having done my GCSEs and gained my A*s in Chemistry and Physics, and As at AS-level, I've done a lot of th research I expect you'll be doing.
New Scientist Jobs
DSTL
QuinetiQ

Currently 3/4 of the UK's defense research is done by QuinetiQ, and the other 1/4 (mostly the top secret work) is done by the DSTL

Edited by Asteroid, 15 October 2008 - 08:57 PM.

[pyroduck7]

where could you go to find jobs in your local area abbout pyrotecnics. google is not offereing much help

[skyrocket]

where could you go to find jobs in your local area abbout pyrotecnics. google is not offereing much help

i would look around in your telephone directories and things like that or you could see who is doing the shows around where you are and ask them

[wjames]

DSTL
QuinetiQ

I was going to suggest that you lived in malvern, worcs.....untill i saw you were in surry.

I know them as as the prior DERA..........they do lots of good work !

Edited by wjames, 17 October 2008 - 03:20 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

ANY explosives related employer will maintain a VERY low profile. just like firework display companies don't say where their store is, and shops only show you the display stock not the magazine stock!

ANY company with a "defence" orientation will keep quiet or may even lay a false trail, just to stop people wanting to disrupt them, or steal the product or technology.

You really will need to make contacts. DO a course -anything related to energetic materials, make friends, show as a responsible sensible person, and try to make one good contact per course. Names you can ring that have good positions in companies may also have other contacts for you.

[crystal palace fireworks]

Most full-time paying jobs in the pyrotechnics display industries on the whole are rare (mostly self employed with part-time helpers),.............but there are other areas and avenues to consider in the related jobs market:- try contacting defences manufacturers, quarrying companies, mining companies, government testing facilities, firework wholesalers, one the best and most effective ways to get in (so to speak) is too join the various trade associations with the industries mentioned above, you could also try the BPA, EIG, CBI, and look for work at the various government websites, they then may direct to contractors who they procure with.

Its all about networking and selling yourself, plus its worth offering yourself in a work experience capacity on a voluntary basis to see if you like it (but make sure you get cover by some good insurance protection) before you go on the relevent courses that interest you.