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Engineering

Electrical Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Electrical engineers in the UK design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. This career involves working with anything from power grids and renewable energy sources to electronic devices and control systems. Electrical engineers often work in teams, solving complex problems and ensuring that electrical systems are safe, reliable, and efficient. Day-to-day tasks might include designing circuits, testing equipment, overseeing installations, and collaborating with other engineers or clients. They may work in industries such as energy, construction, manufacturing, or telecommunications. Most electrical engineers have a degree in electrical or electronic engineering and may choose to become chartered for career advancement.

Electrical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an electrical engineer in the UK is between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.

Job Openings

There are over 20,000 electrical engineering roles advertised annually across the UK.

Industry Demand

Electrical engineers are in high demand in the UK, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and transport sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

Power Systems Engineer

Works on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, ensuring reliable power supply for homes and businesses.

Control Systems Engineer

Designs and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing and transport.

Electronics Design Engineer

Creates and tests electronic circuits and devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and medical equipment.

Develop Strong Foundations in Maths and Science

Study Maths and Science Subjects

Focus on achieving high grades in Maths, Physics, and other relevant GCSEs.

Most electrical engineering courses and apprenticeships require good GCSEs, particularly in Maths and Physics. Chemistry, Computer Science, and Design and Technology can also be helpful. These subjects will give you the analytical and problem-solving skills needed in engineering.

Explore Engineering Clubs and Activities

Join STEM clubs or participate in engineering-focused extracurricular activities.

Many schools offer clubs or competitions such as robotics, coding, or electronics, which provide hands-on experience and help you decide if engineering is for you. These activities also look good on your CV or university application.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Choose A Levels or Equivalent

Select A Levels in Maths and Physics, and consider Further Maths or Electronics.

A Levels in Maths and Physics are essential for most electrical engineering degrees. Some colleges offer BTECs in Engineering, which can also be a route into university or a higher-level apprenticeship. Check entry requirements for courses you are interested in.

Complete a Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a university degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or an engineering apprenticeship.

Many electrical engineers have a BEng or MEng in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, accredited by professional bodies such as the IET. Alternatively, higher or degree apprenticeships combine work and study, offering practical experience and a wage.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Work Experience or Placements

Seek work experience, internships, or industrial placements with engineering companies.

Many employers offer work experience programmes for young people interested in engineering. University degrees often include a year in industry, which is highly valued by employers. Real-world experience helps you develop practical skills and build professional contacts.

Join Professional Bodies

Become a student member of institutions like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Membership offers access to resources, events, and networking opportunities. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession, which can help when applying for jobs or further study.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Jobs or Apprenticeships

Look for entry-level roles in industries such as power, electronics, or telecommunications.

Graduate schemes and apprenticeships provide training and support as you begin your career. Look out for roles with rotation opportunities, where you can try different areas of engineering.

Work Towards Chartered Status

Gain experience and work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Chartered status shows a high level of professionalism and expertise. You will need to demonstrate your experience, complete a professional review, and undertake continuing professional development (CPD). This can increase your career prospects and earning potential.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

Both roles require specialised knowledge of electrical systems, circuit design, and electrical theory. They typically involve designing, testing, and maintaining electrical equipment, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and skill sets.

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 can do a foundation degree or degree in electrical or electronic engineering. You may also be able to get into this career with a degree in:

  • electromechanical engineering
  • building services engineering
  • applied physics
  • aeronautical engineering
  • mechatronics

Look out for courses that offer work experience opportunities during your studies, such as:

  • internships
  • sandwich course placements
  • Easter and summer vacation schemes

These can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or graduate training schemes. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

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College

You could do a higher national certificate or diploma in electrical and electronic engineering at college before looking for a trainee engineer position with a company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship, which can lead to professional certification

These apprenticeships take up to 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 degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as an electrical engineering technician and do training on the job to become an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs if you've got qualifications and several years' experience in a related area of engineering, for example electronics or power generation.

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Career tips

Many courses and apprenticeships aimed at specific industries, such as aerospace, energy and defence, include electrical engineering as part of their training. It's worth looking into these as another route to becoming a qualified electrical engineer.

Further information

You can find more details about careers in the electrical industry from The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Electrical Careers.

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