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Engineer

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Engineers in the UK design, build, and maintain the infrastructure and technology that support modern life. This broad field includes disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. Engineers work on projects ranging from bridges and roads to renewable energy systems and medical devices. Day-to-day tasks often involve problem-solving, project management, and working closely with teams to deliver safe and effective solutions. Many engineers are employed by private companies, government bodies, or consultancies. The career requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly.

Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for graduate engineers in the UK is around £28,000 to £32,000 per year, with experienced engineers earning upwards of £50,000.

Number of Positions

There were over 730,000 people employed as professional engineers across the UK in 2023.

Job Growth

The UK's engineering sector is projected to need 124,000 engineers and technicians annually through to 2030 to meet demand and replace retiring staff.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Mechanical Design Engineer

Focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems and products, often using computer aided design software.

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Civil Structural Engineer

Specialises in designing and analysing the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

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Electrical Systems Engineer

Works on the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems in industries such as power generation, transport, and manufacturing.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete A Levels or Equivalent

Study A Levels in Maths and at least one science subject, such as Physics or Chemistry.

Strong performance in Maths and Science at A Level (or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Level 3 in Engineering) is essential for entry to engineering degree courses or apprenticeships. Some universities may require specific grades in these subjects, so check individual course requirements.

Earn a Relevant Degree or Higher Apprenticeship

Apply for an accredited engineering degree or a higher/degree apprenticeship in engineering.

Undergraduate degrees in engineering (such as BEng or MEng) are usually accredited by professional bodies like the Engineering Council. Alternatively, higher or degree apprenticeships combine working and studying, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning a qualification.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Industrial Placements or Internships

Complete work placements or summer internships with engineering companies.

Many engineering degree programmes include a year in industry or offer placements during the summer. These experiences help you develop practical skills, build your network, and enhance your CV, making you more competitive for graduate roles.

Participate in Engineering Projects

Get involved in university or community engineering projects, clubs, or competitions.

Joining engineering societies, robotics clubs, or participating in competitions like Formula Student provides hands-on experience and demonstrates your commitment and problem-solving skills to future employers.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Roles

Look for entry-level roles or graduate schemes with engineering firms or public sector organisations.

Focus your applications on areas that match your interests and specialisation, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences gained during your studies and placements.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Aim to achieve professional status such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Professional registration is highly respected and can advance your career. It typically involves a period of initial professional development and demonstrating competence through a portfolio and interview. Membership of a professional body, such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), is usually required.

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🎯 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

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Sample Qualifications

Both 'Engineer' and 'Aerospace engineer' require advanced technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and expertise in designing, developing, and testing complex systems. The qualification level and domain-specific skills make 'Aerospace engineer' the most closely aligned career among the options provided.

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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