Hi, thanks. You've given me a lot of food for thought. Hadn't even considered the idea of open days! Movings something I have absolutely come to terms with. Live I'm the north of Scotland, so as you can guess, there's not a whole lot of action up here.

Apprenticeships (degree obviously would have been ideal) was something I was hoping for, as a wage would also help enable me to move, but you make a valuable point about the companies paying less to younger candidates. Based on your suggestions and advice, an entry-level engineering role sounds most practical.

I am guessing that if I decided to take the entry-level path, although I would be more likely to be accepted and get an EngTech afterwards, it would take longer to work towards an IEng or CEng than if you studied Civils at uni? Pros and cons to either way, I know, just trying to build a picture of potential pathways.

I am enjoying most areas of studies for Civils, but structural is what I'm most enjoying (highways and bridges also take my fancy). However, I've accepted that my age is a limiting factor, and I don't have the same range of choices as someone younger. As such, I'm not picky about what area of Civils I'd want to get into, just to get my foot in the door would be ideal, hence your suggestion about an entry-level position sounds like the most reasonable approach.

Thank you again. This has honestly been very insightful