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Is engineering for you?

Perhaps you’re interested in new technology or using maths, science and communication skills to solve problems in design development. If so engineering could be for you. Engineering offers a fast moving and competitive industry with opportunities to learn new skills.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the engineering industry:

Karen Sanders, Engineering and Maintenance Fitter

"I enjoy being responsible for the quality of my own work."

Shona Wright, Design Engineer

"I love coming up with ideas and solutions which take my work from a piece of paper to a finished product."

Engineering: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it’s always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts:

• "Engineering is very hard for women to get into" - not true, many employers are disappointed at the low numbers of women applying for engineering jobs, especially for craft and technician levels
• "It’s hot, dirty and dusty working in engineering" - actually, a clean environment is really important and a lot of machinery is computer operated - where needed, people are given protective clothing to make working as comfortable as possible
• "There is no future for engineering in the UK, everything is being made in other countries" - there are a lot of competitive companies in the UK; developing new products is key to their success and many employers need people to operate machinery and technicians to manage projects

Advantages of working in the engineering industry

There are many advantages to working in engineering including:

• excellent opportunities for men and women - many employers are encouraging more women to apply for engineering jobs
• varied working conditions - on site discussing design with construction contractors or in an office or factory
• good prospects - Apprenticeships are a great way to get started

Real-life example

Holly Moss, Technical Support Engineer

"I work as a technical support engineer, helping to make sure the technology that lets the operators make their calls is working correctly. I did computer science at university, and this is my first job after graduating. I love it! I earn £20,000 a year."

Careers advice and job profiles

You can find more information about specific job roles within engineering by using the careers advice and job profiles link below:

• Manufacturing and engineering job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the engineering industry by visiting the websites below:

• The Institution of Engineering and Technology Opens new window

• Royal Aeronautical Society Opens new window

• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology Opens new window

• The Institute of Physics Opens new window

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. You can also talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job

• Contact Jobcentre Plus