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Engineer

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Engineers are people who use science, maths, and technology to solve problems and create things that help us in our everyday lives. They might design bridges, aeroplanes, computers, or even robots. Engineers often work in teams and use their creativity to invent new solutions and make sure everything is safe and works properly. There are many types of engineers, such as civil engineers who build roads and buildings, mechanical engineers who work with machines, and electrical engineers who work with things like electricity and circuits.

Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Engineers in the UK can earn between £27,000 and £60,000 per year depending on experience and specialism.

Number of Jobs

There are over 1.7 million people working in engineering jobs across the UK.

Job Growth

The UK needs around 124,000 new engineers and technicians every year to meet demand.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Mechanical Engineer

Designs and builds machines like cars, bikes, and engines to help people in their daily lives.

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Civil Engineer

Helps to design and build things like bridges, roads, and schools to make towns and cities better.

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Electrical Engineer

Works with electricity to help create things like lights, computers, and robots.

Get Excited About Science and Maths

Pay Attention in Science and Maths Lessons

Learn as much as you can in science and maths because these subjects are very important for engineers.

Ask questions in class and try to enjoy experiments and problem solving. The better you understand these subjects now, the easier it will be to learn engineering skills later.

Try Fun Engineering Activities

Build things with blocks, kits, or even household items to practise thinking like an engineer.

You can try building towers with LEGO or making simple machines at home. There are also fun science clubs and websites with easy engineering projects for kids.

Learn More in Secondary School

Choose the Right Subjects

Pick subjects like maths, physics, and design technology when you get to secondary school.

These subjects will help you understand how things work and how to solve tricky problems. They are also needed if you want to study engineering further at college or university.

Join STEM Clubs or Competitions

Take part in STEM clubs or competitions to learn more and meet new friends who like engineering too.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Many schools have clubs or you can join national competitions like the First Lego League. These activities look great on applications and help you learn real engineering skills.

Gain Engineering Qualifications

Study Engineering at College or University

When you are older, you can study engineering at college or university to gain the qualifications you need.

You could do A-levels in maths and science, a BTEC in engineering, or even an engineering apprenticeship. Later, you can go to university for a degree in a type of engineering you like, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.

Get Work Experience

Try to get some work experience or a placement in an engineering company.

This will help you learn what real engineers do every day and make it easier to find a job when you finish your studies. You can ask teachers, family, or friends if they know anyone who can help.

🎬 Useful Videos

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Both 'Engineer' and 'Aerospace engineer' require specialised technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and involvement in designing, developing, or testing systems and components. They often work on complex projects within highly regulated environments, making their qualifications and skill sets closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • manufacturing or product engineering
  • physics or applied physics
  • software engineering or mathematics

Postgraduate study

You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

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College

You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

  • maths, physics and design and technology
  • mechanical engineering
  • aeronautical engineering
  • electrical engineering

You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Software Engineer
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer
  • Materials Science Technologist

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

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 might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.

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