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Engineering (general)
What does it involve?
The engineering industry covers a wide range of job areas including motor vehicle, sound, electronics, chemicals and design. Engineers play a very important role in our lives as they produce most of the things we use everyday. Our roads, bridges, MP3 players and televisions were all designed by engineers - not to mention aeroplanes, spacecraft and x-ray machines!
To be an engineer you need to be highly skilled and you need to keep on top of technological changes and developments. You also need to enjoy playing detective - using skills such as problem solving and understanding how things work.
There are other, less highly skilled jobs in the engineering industry where you might be operating machinery or putting things together on an assembly line. Or you might want to learn a skilled trade such as welding, panel beating or electrical installation. Apprenticeships are a good way into this type of job.
Oh, and if you think it's a dirty, greasy job where everyone wears overalls - think again!
What’s happening in the industry?
The industry is declining and there are several reasons for this. A lot of engineering manufacture has moved to South East Asia and Southern Europe because it's cheaper to produce things there. There are skills shortages which means there are fewer people able to do the jobs required - some of these shortages are to do with advances in technology. And finally, not enough young people are choosing a job in engineering and as people retire, there's no one to replace them!
There are now fewer unskilled jobs in the engineering industry. That means that many employers are looking to take on people with a level 3 qualification or above as there aren't enough people qualified to this level.
Skilled people are needed for these jobs:
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However, it isn't all doom and gloom! The industry is particularly moving towards innovation which means people will be needed to develop technology in the areas of robotics, CAD (computer aided design), automated production lines and nanotechnology.
The motor vehicle industry is moving into an exciting period in terms of new technologies with some companies, such as Jaguar Land Rover, recruiting lots of skilled people and offering new training programmes.
Researchers looking at alternative sources of energy will also be needed.
What's happening locally?
How to get into this type of work
Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.
- School or college - study for GCSEs, a diploma, AS / A levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.
- For a PowerPoint presentation about engineering diplomas, scroll down and view below...
- e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.
- Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.
- Work or work with training
Which skills?
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
- Team work
- Problem solving
- Leadership
What else can I do?
- Get some work experience.
- Take things apart and try to put them together again (maybe something that's broken - not your treasured Xbox 360!).
- Brush up on some of your skills such as problem solving and team work.
- Read about engineering work on Jobs4U or look for the online EClips job descriptions in your school or nearest Connexions centre.
- Talk to your Personal Adviser.
Useful links:
Experience a day in the life of a building services engineer by trying out this game.
