ENGINEERING
Every industry and every area of society depends on the precise and efficient work of engineers. Engineers provide technological solutions to the problems, issues and ideas that affect every area of our lives. They design, manufacture and maintain almost everything people and industries use, from computers, spacecraft and boats to corkscrews, buildings and chemical reactors. Technological advances would never happen without engineers. Consequently, the people who work in this sector are massively important in developing the future of our society.
EXPLORE A CAREER IN ENGINEERING
- Job recruitment, selection and promotion
- Promoting career development and training
- Developing employee benefits and wellness programmes
- Enforcing personnel policies
- Induction processes for new employees
- Guidance regarding disciplinary actions
- Primary contact for accidents within the workplace.
- Software engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Development engineer
To find out how to start your career and where a career in engineering can take you, click the tabs below.
ENGINEERING OPERATIVE
Engineering operatives use hand and machine tools to do jobs across different industries.
Average salary (a year) - £14,000 to £25,000
Typical hours (a week) - 42 to 44
How to become an Engineering operative
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for this job. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
- Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
You could also do a qualification aimed at a particular industry, for example a Level 2 Diploma in Introduction to Renewable Energy Engineering.
You may need:
2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 courseApprenticeships
You could start by doing an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
To view apprenticeship vacancies click here.
Direct applicationYou can apply directly for vacancies. It might help if you have a few GCSEs, especially in maths, English or design and technology. You'll usually work alongside an experienced member of staff to learn the skills to do the job.
Ideally you'll need knowledge or experience in the following:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- maths knowledge
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
-
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- building up components and sub-assemblies into finished electrical or mechanical products
- fitting parts to machinery and equipment
- cutting and shaping parts and tools
- operating machine tools, like lathes, grinders and borers
- using moulding machines
- setting and operating hand-controlled or computer-controlled machines
- applying finishes and surface coatings to products
- moving raw materials and finished products around the workplace
- using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys.
-
You could work in a factory, on a construction site or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be dusty, hot and physically demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Progression / Related Careers
With further training, you could progress to a skilled craft-level job, and then on to technician level.
- Skilled Craftworker
- Technician
In Job Training
There are many training courses within the industry to help you build your career.
Download our Training Road Map
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION CRAFT WORKER
Engineering construction craft workers fit and repair machinery and equipment on structures ranging from oil rigs to sports stadiums.
Average salary (a year) - £18,000 to £30,000
Typical hours (a week) - 42 to 44
How to become an Engineering construction craft worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. This may help you to find a trainee craft position with a company once you finish. Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
- Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
- Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Practice
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course
Apprenticeships
You could start by doing an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship you do will depend on your area of work. Examples are:
- welding
- pipefitting
- mechanical fitting
- electrical installation
Direct application
You could apply directly for craft jobs if you've got experience and qualifications from other areas of engineering, construction or the armed forces
Ideally you'll need knowledge or experience in the following:
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with your hands
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- steel erecting - putting up and fixing the girders and sections that make up a structure
- pipefitting - positioning, shaping and fixing pipework
- welding - cutting, shaping and joining metal plates and pipework
- plating - cutting, shaping, assembling and inspecting sheets of metal
- mechanical fitting - assembling, installing and repairing machinery
- electrotechnical installation - fitting, testing and repairing control panels, motors, valves and pumps.
-
You could work in a factory, on a construction site or in a workshop. Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.
Career Progression / Related Careers
- Engineering manager
- Maintenance Manager
- Chargehand
- Supervisor
In Job Training
There are many training courses within the industry to help you build your career.
Download our Training Road Map
LISTEN TO THEIR STORY
'When I first turned up for the interview, and walked through a builders yard. Then interviewed by three burley old school veterans of the industry, I did wonder what was I letting myself in for. I very quickly realised it is a very forward thinking industry'. - Gwen Bergius
FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- A career in engineering can take you down many routes. But it is a great career for those who like to be creative and are up for a challenge. If you are curious about how things work and like to be a problem solver, this is the job for you.
- You can get in to this career by doing an apprenticeship. This is the route most people take at the moment. But you can also go to university to get a degree. Learning engineering in the building materials industry can lead to you learning the transferable skills needed for any industry.
- Starting salaries in engineering start around £27,000 per annum. The average salary for those working as engineers in the UK can earn £40,000.
- There are many ways that you can progress. This will be based on your experience, knowledge and your willingness to learn more. You can become a trainer, manager or advisor.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS TO YOUR NEW START
