Engineering Britain’s Future!
Engineering is far from fixing cars. This sector covers everything from food and drink to nuclear.
- Automotive
- Biotechnology
- Chemical
- Electrical and electronics.
- Food and drink
- Metals, minerals and materials
- Marine
- Nuclear
- Oil and gas
- Pharmaceutical
There’s a skills shortage in this sector!
Engineering is a huge industry and just think of the difference it has made to the lives we have today! Talk about a creative and fast paced sector to work in. Even though there were more full time positions reported in last months Labour Market Stats from the REC. There is a really worrying skills shortage and also lack of women working in this sector. So time to dust down the science and maths skills and work out that engineering + career = success!
Key Facts
- The UK engineering sector turned over £1.1 trillion in the year ending March 2012
- In 2014, 4 million were employed in the sector across 565,320 Engineering Companies
- Engineering Companies are predicted to need 1.86 million people with engineering skills in 2010-2020 that means we need to double the amount of engineer related apprentices and numbers of graduates with related degrees!
- Only 1 5th of A’Level students studying Physics in 2013 were females
Data from http://www.engineeringuk.com/ with thanks!
Getting into Engineering!
Apprenticeships are a great route for learners who prefer a hands-on approach and want to gain their qualifications whilst they earn. Levels of Apprenticeship available for learners:
- Intermediate – equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
- Advanced – equivalent to 2 A level passes
- Higher – can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree
These under your belt you can progress to university. Or continue on an apprenticeship route and work towards level 6 which equates to degree level.
University degree’s are a great route for learners who like to concentrate solely on learning the subject before undertaking work based learning. Considering which degree plus choosing the course and university where there is a clear demand for graduates. With the skills and knowledge that you will you will acquire is really important. Make sure you find out the employer links your university of choice has. Maybe you could even look at a sponsored degree with some engineering firms?!
To study at any above level 1 you must be able to demonstrate your skills in:
- Maths
- English
- Science
- C or above grades in these three subjects will set you up for your post 16 options
- IT or Design and Technology if you are considering being a technical IT role
Hot TIP!
If you know the discipline you want to get into, get in touch with engineering firms and ask which route they advise you to take. While you are in call, remember ask if you can spend a day work shadowing. Get advice from those in the know!
Still in secondary school and know you want to go into engineering? Take a look at short courses, volunteering or projects that you can get involved with. That will help boost your skills and experiences. Even better, if you can find some work experience within an engineering company during the holidays!
Careers in Engineering
Aeronautical Engineer
An aeronautical, or aerospace, engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. Starting salary is £20,000-£25,000.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and materials technology to healthcare. This can include researching, designing and developing medical products, such as joint replacements or robotic surgical instruments, designing or modifying equipment for clients with special needs. Starting salary is £21,176 – £27,625
Communications Engineer
Communications engineers work within a number of industries, including internet and computing technologies, networking and telecommunications, and radio. Some engineers concentrate on applying technical knowledge, whilst others focus on managerial activities. Starting salaries is £22,000 – £27,000
Drilling Engineer
A drilling engineer develops, plans, costs and supervises the operations necessary for drilling oil and gas wells. They are involved from initial well design to testing, completion and abandonment. Starting salaries is £25,000 – £35,000
Energy Engineer
An energy engineer is involved with the production of energy through natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power. Starting salary is £20,000 to £30,000.
Food technologist
Food technologists ensure food products are produced safely, legally and are of the quality claimed. The role is varied and dependent on what area of the industry you enter. Range of typical starting salaries: £18,000-£26,000.
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
Manufacturing systems engineers work as part of a team to design, install, monitor and develop all systems affecting the manufacturing cycle of a product, for example manufacturing equipment and assembly lines. They may also be involved in the design and building of new manufacturing plants. Starting salary is £24,000 – £27,500
Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer is involved in nearly all of the stages of oil and gas field evaluation, development and production. The aim of their work is to maximise hydrocarbon recovery at minimum cost while maintaining a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact. Starting salary is £27,000 – £36,500.
-
- Salaries are just a guide and will vary
