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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 components used in a variety of industries. This includes working on power generation and distribution, renewable energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic devices. Day-to-day tasks often involve creating technical drawings, overseeing the installation of equipment, testing systems, and ensuring projects comply with safety standards and regulations. Electrical engineers work in teams alongside other engineers and professionals, both in offices and on-site. A degree in electrical or electronic engineering is usually required, and some roles may require professional registration with the Engineering Council.

Electrical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Electrical engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There are over 40,000 people employed as electrical engineers in the UK, with continued demand in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and construction.

Graduate Prospects

Over 80 percent of electrical engineering graduates in the UK find employment or further study within six months of completing their degree.

🚀 Careers in this path

Power Systems Engineer

Focuses on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of power networks.

Electrical Design Engineer

Specialises in designing electrical systems for buildings, machinery, or vehicles, including circuit layouts and safety features.

Control Systems Engineer

Works on designing and maintaining automated systems and control mechanisms for manufacturing processes, transport, or robotics.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Choose Relevant GCSEs

Select GCSE subjects such as mathematics, physics, and design and technology.

Strong performance in mathematics and physics is crucial, as these subjects provide the fundamental knowledge required for further study in engineering. Design and technology can also be helpful for developing practical skills. Aim for high grades to keep your options open for A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Take A-levels or Equivalent

Study A-levels in mathematics and physics, and consider further science or technology subjects.

Most university engineering programmes require A-levels in mathematics and physics. Additional subjects such as further mathematics, electronics, or computer science are beneficial and may give you an advantage when applying to competitive courses.

Gain Higher Education and Practical Experience

Earn a Degree in Electrical Engineering

Apply for and complete a university degree accredited by the Engineering Council.

Look for BEng or MEng courses in electrical or electronic engineering. Accredited programmes are recognised by employers and are an important step towards professional registration. Some universities offer sandwich courses with an industrial placement year, which provides valuable work experience.

Participate in Work Experience or Internships

Gain hands-on experience through placements, internships, or summer jobs in engineering.

Practical experience is highly valued by employers. Many companies offer structured internship programmes for engineering students. These experiences help you develop skills, build a professional network, and may even lead to job offers after graduation.

Start Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Engineer Roles

Seek entry-level positions with engineering firms or in industries such as energy, manufacturing, or telecommunications.

Graduate programmes often provide structured training and mentorship, helping you transition from university to the workplace. You may work on real projects, receive professional development, and begin specialising in areas that interest you.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Pursue professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Professional registration demonstrates your competence and commitment to your career. It can be achieved by gaining relevant work experience and meeting the standards set by professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Registration can open up more advanced roles and higher 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

The job title 'Electrical Engineer' most closely matches 'Electrical engineer' as both roles typically require similar qualifications in electrical systems, circuitry, and design. They involve developing, testing, and maintaining electrical equipment, making them closely aligned in industry focus and technical expertise.

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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