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Armed Forces

Military Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Military Engineer in the UK is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure needed by the Armed Forces. This includes constructing bridges, roads, airfields, and defensive structures, as well as supporting disaster relief and humanitarian missions. Military Engineers use a combination of technical engineering skills and military training to solve complex problems, often in challenging and fast-changing environments. They may also be involved in bomb disposal, water supply, power generation, and ensuring troops can move and operate safely. Training is provided by the Armed Forces and can lead to recognised civilian qualifications. This career suits people who enjoy teamwork, adventure, and practical, hands-on tasks.

Military Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Military Engineers in the UK Armed Forces typically earn between £27,000 and £48,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.

Number of Personnel

The British Army's Royal Engineers has around 10,000 trained personnel, with additional engineers in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Entry Requirements

Most military engineering roles require at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English, and some roles may ask for A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Royal Engineers Officer

Lead teams within the British Army to design, build, and maintain military infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and field fortifications.

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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Engineer

Specialise in safely identifying, defusing, and removing explosive devices and munitions for the armed forces.

Defence Infrastructure Project Manager

Oversee the planning and delivery of construction and maintenance projects on military bases and training areas.

Explore the Role and Requirements

Understand the Role of a Military Engineer

Research what military engineers do and the environments they work in.

Military engineers are responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure to support military operations. This can include working on defensive structures, field fortifications, and supporting disaster relief. Explore resources from the British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy to learn about their engineering branches.

Check Entry Requirements

Review the academic and physical criteria needed to become a military engineer.

Most military engineering roles require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, English, and Science. Some positions may also require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like Maths, Physics, or Engineering. All candidates must also meet certain fitness and medical standards.

Gain Relevant Qualifications and Skills

Study STEM Subjects

Focus on science, technology, engineering, and maths subjects at GCSE and A-level.

Strong performance in STEM subjects will help you meet entry requirements and give you a solid foundation for engineering roles. Consider taking additional courses or attending STEM clubs to deepen your knowledge and demonstrate your commitment.

Develop Physical Fitness

Prepare for the physical demands of a military career.

Military engineers need to be physically fit to handle demanding training and operational environments. Start a regular exercise routine and participate in sports to build endurance and strength. The armed forces provide specific fitness guidelines to help you prepare.

Apply and Train with the Armed Forces

Apply to Join the Armed Forces

Choose a branch (Army, RAF, or Navy) and submit your application.

You can apply online through the official armed forces recruitment websites. You will need to pass selection tests, interviews, and a medical exam. Consider roles such as Royal Engineers (Army), RAF Airfield Engineering, or Royal Navy Engineering Technician.

Complete Basic and Specialist Training

Undergo initial military training, followed by engineering-specific courses.

All recruits complete basic training to learn core military skills and discipline. After this, you will receive specialist engineering training relevant to your chosen branch. This may include classroom instruction, practical projects, and field exercises.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Military Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Military Engineer often involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure such as fortifications, bridges, and technical facilities, which closely aligns with the responsibilities of a Civil Engineer. Both roles require expertise in engineering principles, project management, and working with complex technical systems to support operational needs.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

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