Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Science & Research

Inventor

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Being an inventor means coming up with brand new ideas, products, or ways of doing things that solve a problem or make life better. It's all about creativity and imagination, but also about being determined and practical. You might spot a problem in everyday life and think, 'There must be a better way!' or you might come up with something completely new that no one has ever thought of before. Inventors often spend a lot of time researching, experimenting, and building prototypes (early versions of their invention) to see if their idea works. It can be a long journey from an initial idea to a successful product, involving lots of trial and error. Inventors work in many different fields. Some might invent new gadgets or apps, while others might develop new medicines or eco-friendly technologies. You could work independently, trying to get your invention funded and produced, or you might work for a company in a research and development department, where your job is to come up with new ideas for that company's products. It requires a lot of curiosity, a willingness to learn from mistakes, and the ability to think outside the box. It's a really exciting career for someone who loves to create and make a difference.

Inventor

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Inventor Salary (UK)

Salaries for inventors can vary hugely, as many work on their own projects or for companies. If you're employed in a research and development (R&D) role, which often involves inventing, an average salary could be around 35,000 to 50,000 pounds per year. However, successful independent inventors who create popular products can earn much, much more through royalties and sales, potentially millions.

Number of Patent Applications (UK)

In 2023, the UK Intellectual Property Office received over 15,000 patent applications. This shows how many new ideas and inventions are being protected in the UK each year. Not every application becomes a successful invention, but it highlights the constant flow of innovative thinking.

Innovation Investment (UK)

The UK government and private companies invest billions of pounds each year into research and development. This investment helps create new technologies and supports people who are inventing the future across many different industries, from healthcare to technology.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Product Designer

If you love coming up with new ideas and making them look great, you could design everything from new phones to furniture. You'd think about how people will use things and make them easy and fun.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Robotics Engineer

Fancy building clever machines that can do all sorts of tasks? You could design, build, and programme robots for factories, exploring other planets, or even helping in hospitals.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Renewable Energy Innovator

Do you dream of new ways to power our homes and cars without harming the planet? You could invent new types of solar panels, wind turbines, or clever systems to save energy.

Spark Your Imagination & Learn

Be Curious and Observe

Start by looking at the world around you and noticing problems or things that could be improved. Ask 'Why?' and 'What if?'.

Pay attention to everyday challenges, even small ones. Does something always break? Is there a faster way to do a chore? Can something be made more fun? The best inventions often come from solving common problems. Keep a notebook to jot down all your ideas, no matter how silly they might seem at first.

Learn How Things Work

Understand the basics of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). These subjects are the building blocks for creating new things.

In school, pay attention in your science, D&T (Design and Technology), and maths lessons. Outside of school, you could build LEGO kits, take apart old broken electronics (with adult supervision!), or watch educational videos about how different machines or systems operate. Understanding fundamentals like electricity, mechanics, or coding will be super helpful.

Experiment and Build

Get hands-on! Try out different materials, tools, and ideas. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's how you learn!

Start with simple projects. You could build models, try out simple circuits, or even make things from recycled materials. Many community centres or schools have 'maker spaces' or clubs where you can learn to use tools safely and get help with your projects. Online tutorials are also a great resource for learning new skills like coding or basic electronics.

Develop Your Skills & Ideas

Choose Relevant School Subjects

As you get older, pick subjects that will help you invent, like Design and Technology, Physics, Maths, and Computing.

When you're choosing your GCSEs and A-Levels, think about subjects that really interest you and give you practical skills. Design and Technology teaches you about designing and making products, while Physics and Maths give you the scientific and problem-solving foundations. Computing can help you with programming and creating digital solutions. These subjects will be incredibly useful for turning your ideas into reality.

Join Clubs and Competitions

Get involved in school clubs like robotics, coding, or science clubs. Enter competitions to challenge yourself and share your ideas.

Joining clubs is a fantastic way to meet other young people who share your interests. You can learn from each other, work on projects as a team, and get guidance from teachers or mentors. Competitions like the Big Bang Fair or local science fairs give you a chance to showcase your inventions, get feedback, and even win prizes. It's great practice for presenting your ideas!

Learn to Prototype

Start building simple versions of your ideas (prototypes) to see if they work and how they can be improved.

A prototype is like a rough draft of your invention. It doesn't have to be perfect or even pretty; its purpose is to test your ideas. You can use cardboard, plasticine, LEGO, or even computer software to create virtual prototypes. This step helps you figure out what works, what doesn't, and how to make your invention better before you spend a lot of time and money on the final product.

Pathway to Inventing Career

Further Education or Apprenticeships

Consider going to university to study subjects like Engineering, Product Design, or Computer Science, or explore apprenticeships.

A university degree can give you advanced knowledge and specialist skills in areas like mechanical engineering, electronics, or industrial design. This will open doors to jobs in research and development where you can work on new inventions. Alternatively, an apprenticeship allows you to learn practical skills on the job while working for a company that develops new products or technologies, earning money as you learn.

Networking and Mentorship

Connect with other inventors, engineers, and designers. Find mentors who can guide you and share their experience.

Attending industry events, online forums, or even career fairs can help you meet people already working in innovation. Don't be shy to ask questions! A mentor, someone with more experience, can offer invaluable advice, help you avoid common mistakes, and even introduce you to useful contacts. Building a network of creative and technical people is really important for an inventor.

Protect Your Ideas and Market Your Creations

Learn about patents to protect your inventions and how to share or sell your creations to the world.

Once you have a really good idea or invention, it's important to understand how to protect it legally, usually through something called a patent. This stops other people from copying your idea. You'll also need to think about how you'll make your invention available to others, whether that's by starting your own company, licensing it to an existing company, or sharing it with the world in other ways. Business skills are often just as important as inventing skills!

🎬 Useful Videos

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about how reflection can help us see.
2:14
Expert

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about how reflection can help us see.

almost 2 years ago
Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about reflection.
2:17
Expert

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about reflection.

almost 2 years ago
Scott Barham
2:08
Sponsored

Scott Barham

over 1 year ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for Inventor

Sample Qualifications

An Inventor's primary role often involves conceiving, developing, and refining new products, which closely aligns with the core duties of a Product designer who focuses on the aesthetics, functionality, and usability of products, bringing ideas to fruition through design and prototyping.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could study a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • design
  • product design
  • industrial product design
  • engineering

You could also do a course covering a particular industry, which includes design options, for example automotive engineering and furniture design.

You can improve your job prospects by getting work experience during your studies.

Your university careers service can help you to find suitable placements, internships and year in industry opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 5 years to complete and is a mix of workplace training with academic study at an approved university.

You might also apply to do a Model Making Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. Training includes physical and digital model making, building prototypes and creating mock-ups.

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

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Entering design competitions and exhibitions can be a good way of getting yourself noticed by employers.

You'll need to show employers that you have creative skills, technical knowledge and the ability to work to a design brief. This will usually involve presenting a portfolio of your design work to them.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Designers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information about careers in product design from Neon and the Design Business Association.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.