Engineering Your Future
Engineering is the practical application of science. Engineers are involved in the research and development, design, manufacturing and production of the machinery, products and systems of everyday life - from cars to hospital equipment; from computers to drilling rigs; from alternative energy to communication systems.
There are various branches of engineering, including:
• aerospace and defence - working with aircraft and space technology
• automotive - cars, trucks and the systems they rely on
• chemical and materials engineering - using our basic natural resources, such as petroleum, natural gas and minerals, and converting them to products ranging from microchips to food products
• electrical, electronics, telecommunications and power engineering - from nuclear power to television, and from computer systems to communication networks
• manufacturing - systems in factories, including automated and computer-controlled machines
• marine engineering and shipbuilding - ships, offshore platforms, other marine structures and the equipment installed on them
• mechanical - designing components, machines and systems that involve the conversion and use of mechanical energy
• petroleum - working on the exploration and production of oil and gas.
People work in engineering at all levels, ranging from operators who operate machinery and carry out assembly work, to professional engineers who use their experience to manage projects.
Working hours depend on the job, but are usually around 38 hours a week. Depending on the nature of the work, shift work may be required. Jobs may be indoors, in an office or factory, or outdoors.
Around 1.5 million people work in engineering-related jobs for large and small-scale manufacturing companies, specialist engineering workshops, public utilities such as electricity companies, and product design and development companies. Skilled people are highly sought after and opportunities, especially for those with flexible skills or a strong grasp of new technology, are growing. Engineering jobs exist throughout the UK and abroad.
Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) say around 20 per cent of engineering employees are female, but only six per cent of professional engineers are female. Along with other organisations, they are working to encourage more women into engineering.
Engineering jobs require people who like maths and science, enjoy finding solutions to challenging problems, are practical and good communicators.
Entry is possible through a number of different entry routes. Training can begin straight from school with either academic or vocational qualifications. Apprenticeships combine work and study, and can lead to craft and technician jobs. Alternatively, taking a degree can open up opportunities for graduate entry.
Engineering work usually offers excellent training and development prospects. With further study and qualifications it is possible to progress into a supervisory or a technical role, to the role of engineering technician, and to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer
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