Uncovering the world of engineers You’ve heard about them and you might even have one in the family. But what exactly do engineers do? Well, lots actually. Think of any area you want – music, cars, the environment, travel – somewhere there will be an engineer designing it or making it better. In fact, no matter what your interests are, you can indulge them as an engineer… and get really well paid at the same time. Sound like a winner? You bet. Naomi works as an Automotive Engineer in the Vehicle Design Group at Arup. She is a Science and Engineering Ambassador and is passionate about promoting careers in car design. “I design, analyse and test the crash structures of cars. I am also involved in investigating road traffic accidents and I am developing an interest in biomechanics. I took a year out before going to university and got involved in the Year in Industry Scheme. While I was there the Potters Bar Rail Crash occurred and I was involved in the crash investigation. I felt privileged to be able to work on the project and provide the survivors and families of those who died with answers to what happened. I’ve been a Science and Engineering Ambassador since I graduated and I really enjoy it. It’s great to spend time with children showing them what engineering is about. Their imaginations never cease to amaze me and encourage me to think out of the box in my own job.” To find out more about Science and Engineering Ambassadors please visit www.stemnet.org.uk
Dan works for GKN – a leading international engineering firm – as a Technology Manager. His role covers management of patents and developing new research links with universities and local companies. “Watching TV shows like Tomorrow’s World was the biggest influence in my career choice. The inventions and ideas on the programme made me think, ‘I could have thought of that,’ and ‘I wish I’d thought of that.’ It got me hooked by showing that simple solutions existed to difficult problems and that finding those solutions was something I would enjoy doing. My advice to anyone considering a career in engineering would be to investigate the different fields of engineering that exist. There are many great opportunities in engineering and there’s lots of scope to grow and develop your skills and your career. Hearing from people already in engineering is an important first step to help you find a career that will inspire and motivate you. That’s why the Role Model Database is a good place to start investigating. Getting work experience is also important so you can appreciate how you can put your skills to use on a day to day basis.”
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About the ‘Role Model’ database Naomi and Dan are two of our 500 ‘role models’ featured on the scenta site. A role model is anyone working, training or studying in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM), and they come from all industries. Quite simply, anyone wishing to inspire more people to take up or continue a career in STEM.
By browsing our database you’ll find leading engineers in all fields. Lewys is a Materials Science student in his third year at Oxford University. He attended a Headstart course in 2002 before choosing to apply to study Materials. He is keen to help more young people see how Material Science is key to everyday life and why it’s worth studying. Lewys is a Materials Science student in his third year at Oxford University. He attended a Headstart course in 2002 before choosing to apply to study Materials. He is keen to help more young people see how Material Science is key to everyday life and why it’s worth studying. “I have been interested in hands-on science since I was young studying Design Technology. It was my AS Physics teacher who suggested that I apply for a Headstart course. I had not heard of then before and I thought why not, if he is suggesting it then I guess it’s worth a try. I will always be grateful to that teacher because after experiencing university life and Materials Science for one week, I knew straight away exactly what I was going to apply for.” “I have been at Oxford for two years now studying Materials and it is great. It allows me to follow my interest in real world, hands-on science and continues to open up new ideas and possibilities to me. Recently I have assisted with both Headstart and Smallpiece courses and I think that helping give the gift of experience to young people is extremely rewarding.” To find out more about Headstart and Smallpiece courses please visit www.headstartcourses.org.uk and www.smallpiecetrust.org.uk
Finding out more The Role Models database is a great way for young people to learn more about what engineers do, how they got to where they are, and the possibilities that exist along the way. Because research has shown that people are more likely to be inspired by, and more likely to believe someone who closely resembles them, our role model programme aims to provide a comprehensive database of people working across the science, technology, engineering and maths spectrum. You can search the database in a number of ways, making sure that you find the type of people you’re looking for. If you would like to hear more from Naomi, Dan, Lewys and our other Role Models, please visit: www.enginuity.org.uk
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What does an engineer do? The word engineering usually makes us think of car mechanics or ‘engineering works’ which delay train journeys and cause traffic hold-ups on the roads. In reality, engineering is a lot wider than this, covering everything from building and transport to cosmetics. Engineers were responsible for designing the Channel Tunnel rail link, and more recently for designing colour-matching technology to determine the best make-up for your skin tone. Engineers work in all kinds of environments. Yes, some jobs do involve getting covered in oil, and wearing protective clothing, but engineering roles can take place in an office, in laboratories, or outdoors, in the air and underground. They influence every aspect of modern life and it’s likely that today alone you will have already depended on the expertise of one or more engineers. Have you taken the Tube? Maybe you’ve listened to an iPod? Or watched television? See, told you so. Here are ten examples you might be interested in: Sound and acoustics engineer Sound systems are everywhere – in theatres, cinemas, train stations and of course at home. Without the impact of technology and the systems to deliver sound information, much of the entertainment business we know now would not exist. Sound and acoustics engineers are an essential part in delivering the creative vision of, for example, singers and songwriters. Acoustics engineers work with bands and artists to make sure that venues sound as good as possible. In theatre, the set, position of actors and the arrangement of the auditorium are all elements for the sound engineer to consider. Aeronautical engineer See the world and get paid to do it! An aeronautical engineer applies scientific and technological principles to research, design, maintain, test and develop the performance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, weapons systems, satellites and space vehicles. Aeronautical engineering offers a wide range of roles. Most engineers specialise in a particular area, such as research, design, testing, manufacture or maintenance. The aerospace industry is well established in the UK, and the steady expansion in air travel means that there are many roles available. But there are also the long hours, varied shifts and being away from home for prolonged periods of time to consider. If you shudder at the thought of a 9-5 job, then perhaps this is something for you! Food engineer You are what you eat, as the old saying goes. If you take into account the amount of money we spend on food, you can see that the food and drinks industry is big business. Finding out which flavours work, and which ingredients work well together is more than a matter of simply good cooking. Engineers are involved in the development and design of the processes and equipment that are used for making flavouring, colouring, packaging and distributing food and drink; all to provide the consumer with a fresh, tasty and good-looking product. Lighting technician Everyone has a favourite movie, or a theatre performance that sent shivers down your spine. But have you ever given any thought as to how a movie leaps from screenplay to screen? Perhaps you recall a theatre performance where the atmosphere and drama came together to create an unforgettable mood. Lighting technicians create that mood; the skill and expertise required in getting the ambiance just right can be as critical to the performance as the acting.
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Bioinformatics engineer What makes a human different to a banana? Quite a lot you might think, but given that we share in the region of 54 per cent of our DNA with bananas, the answer lies in the structure of our DNA. Mapping the DNA structure of bananas and humans has been made possible by the combination of traditional subjects like maths combined with modern computer technology. Because of this, the modelling and processing developed by computers has allowed us to map out what makes us human and design drugs to treat us when things go wrong. Environmental engineer The quality of the land, air and water around us is becoming increasingly important with the onset of climate change. Engineers are at the forefront of preserving our environment and ensuring that modern technology is kind to the environment. Being an environmental engineer might mean that you have a special interest in ecosystems and biology, or other branches of engineering like civil engineering. People who deal in public health matters may also be environmental engineers, helping to ensure that the environment is preserved for people as well as plants and animals. Venture capitalist Venture capitalists like to stick their money where their mouth is. Many start-up companies (or ones that need a cash boost to get themselves back on their feet) will look to venture capitalists to provide that investment which, although often high-risk, can provide above average returns. To do this, you will need to become an experienced financial analyst who can identify trends in the market and evaluate where it would be wise to place money – and where it would probably be a no-no. Understanding the potential of emerging technologies and industries – which engineers do – is a key skill, as is being good at maths to work out the best investment. Marine engineer If those landlubbers get on your nerves, why not escape to somewhere we know even less about than outer space… the oceans? Marine engineers design and develop the parts of the ship that most of us take for granted – the propulsion, drainage, lighting, waste disposal and air-conditioning systems that turn the raw materials into a functioning, safe and comfortable cruise ship. Safety engineer Safety engineers look after us all. They ensure that the buildings we use, the systems we rely on, the transportation we ride and the places we work are safe and not hazardous to our short or long-term health. They interpret risks and foresee problems with existing infrastructure to ensure that modifications and alterations conform to safety standards. If you’re the one who responsibly closes gates after walks in the countryside or tells your younger brother off for dropping those banana skins on the pavement, maybe this one is for you. Special effects Brace yourselves: Gollum isn’t real. The CGI effects and crucial technology that created magical moments in film have all been developed by software engineers. They develop the skills and abilities to make dreams (or nightmares) come alive. Without them, Hollywood today would look more like Laurel and Hardy than Middle Earth.
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Your options explained The diversity of engineering means that whether your interests lie in film, TV, music, gadgets, travel, health, sport, design or the environment, there is probably an engineering role to match. These jobs frequently provide the opportunity to work at the very cutting-edge of thought and innovation, and not only here in the UK. An engineering career may provide a real opportunity to either travel with your job or to permanently relocate abroad. Studying engineering is a great general education and many engineers get snapped up by other professions. It is the third highest earning career (behind lawyers and doctors). The median salary for a Chartered Engineer in 2005 was in the region of £45,500. Unemployment among professional engineers and scientists is among the lowest of any sector in the country. Engineering requires hands on experience as well as an understanding of mathematics, science, design and society. Opportunities exist for engineers at all levels and engineering is one of the few career areas where people can progress with experience and work-based training, as opposed to more traditional qualifications. Engineers gain professional recognition through registration with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK). This is awarded through a professional review undertaken with one of the specialist engineering institutions, for example The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Registration enables engineers to use the titles ‘Engineering Technician’, ‘Chartered Engineer’ or ‘Incorporated Engineer’ (with the coveted EngTech, CEng or IEng letters after their name). The three qualifications below can be used as a guide to possible qualification routes.
Chartered Engineers (CEng) / Incorporated Engineers (IEng) • For entry onto an engineering degree, students usually need: A-levels or equivalent in maths and – depending on the discipline – physics and/or chemistry and design and technology. They also need at least three GCSEs (grades A to C, typically in maths, English, and double/core sciences). Diplomas from 2008. • Graduates with appropriate degrees and experience are encouraged to apply for Chartered and Incorporated registration with the ECUK and if successful gain CEng/IEng letters after their name • Those without appropriate degrees but with enough relevant experience can also apply to become Chartered or Incorporated Engineers through an individual assessment. See the Route Map in this pack and www.engc.org.uk for further information about this and accredited engineering courses.
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• Students can also enter higher education by taking a foundation degree (see www.fdf.ac.uk for details). These modern qualifications are designed and supported by businesses and provide the specialist technical knowledge and skills needed at associate professional and higher technician level.
Engineering Technicians (Eng Tech) • The main training route for engineering technicians is to take advanced apprenticeships (called modern apprenticeships in Scotland and Wales). These can lead to qualifications at NVQ/SVQ levels 3-4 (A level equivalent). Advanced and other apprenticeships allow students to combine studying with working in industry. • For entry into advanced apprenticeships (level 3-4) applicants will generally need a minimum of four to five GCSEs, including English, mathematics and science or technology. Vocational GCSEs and diplomas from 2008 may also be welcomed. Find out more at www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Some technician apprentices enter with full-time level 3 qualifications such as A-levels or Highers, VCEs, BTEC National diplomas, certificates, City & Guilds or equivalent. • On completion of training (which can form part of the advanced apprenticeship), advanced apprentices are encouraged to apply for Engineering Technician registration with the ECUK and if successful gain Eng Tech letters after their name. Find out more at www.engc.org.uk
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Engineering FAQs There are lots of questions people have about engineering and many misconceptions too. In order to answer some of them, we have taken ten of the most frequently asked questions* that careers advisors face. 1. What is Engineering? Engineering is practical problem-solving. Engineers use the knowledge they have in a specific field to make things work and to solve problems. Engineers exist in all walks of life: transport, medicine, entertainment, space exploration, environmental management – you name it, engineers shape it.
2. Do I have to be good at... physics/chemistry/maths? Engineers do need to be good at maths as it can be applied to a number of different engineering issues. The good news is that whatever your interests at school, there is a branch of engineering that will fulfil your desires and interests. For example, a bioengineer working on the engineering of biological systems would need a good understanding of biology. A chemical engineer who manipulates raw materials to create everyday, useful products would need to be interested in chemistry. There are also plenty of routes into engineering – such as apprenticeships and vocational schemes – that focus on your experience of practical problem-solving.
3. Do I need to go to university to earn a good wage? Being a graduate is no guarantee of a higher wage, but in general graduates do go on to earn more throughout their professional life. In engineering the main factors that will shape what you earn are the three levels of professional recognition: Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer. See the Route Map for more information on how to qualify for each level. In addition you can earn while you learn, with many employers offering bursary schemes to help pay for university tuition costs.
4. My Dad’s friend is an engineer. He says it’s a dying industry – is it? Put simply, no. Engineering is often associated with large-scale manufacturing and that sector is perceived as becoming less important to the UK economy. In fact, both these assumptions are incorrect. Engineering applies to all industries – from record producing to the financial services. And if you do choose to become an engineer in the manufacturing, production and construction industries, remember that they represent over a quarter of the UK’s economy and accounted for nearly 60% of the UK’s exports in 2006.
5. Is it a good job? Yes, if you enjoy one or more of the following: problem-solving, working in a team, practical work, office-based work, flexible hours, international travel, site-based work, large civil engineering projects, working for a small company, helping people get the most out of their investments, designing systems to alleviate poverty in developing countries, playing with gadgets, studying nature, building things, knocking things down, helping the environment, researching alternative fuels, digging tunnels, flying planes, designing boats, building roads, forecasting weather, designing roofs, making noises, painting pictures. In engineering, there’s something for everyone.
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6. Are there still apprenticeships in engineering? Yes, there are. Apprentices make up a significant number of the people who go into engineering. Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to engage in work-based learning and to acquire the skills they need through practical experience. Whatever route into engineering you choose, employers are increasingly looking for some degree of work experience to prove you’ve got what it takes. If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship, find out more information about engineering-specific apprenticeship schemes at www.apprentices.co.uk
7. Isn’t it a job for men? Absolutely not! Year-on-year the number of women registering as engineers is increasing, as the range of career options available in design, television, mobile phones, medicine, materials, civil engineering and construction and more expands. Although it is true that the proportion of women in engineering is lower than men, huge strides are being made to ensure that the positive upward trend continues. For more information, please visit the Women in Science, Engineering and Construction website at www.wisecampaign.org.uk
8. Will I get my hands dirty? Only if you want to! Engineering encompasses a whole range of industries that might include on-site visits and practical construction work, or it might mean evaluating safety systems from the comfort of your office. A software engineer – who might work from home – is no more likely to get their hands dirty than a bank manager. If you’re really worried about this one, why not become a chemical engineer and design a new soap to keep those pesky dirt particles at bay?
9. How much money do engineers get? Each industry sector is different, as is each individual engineering job within that industry. Nevertheless, across the board, professional engineers on average can expect to earn more than £10,000 per year over and above the national average salary. The prospects for employment and progression are also positive. A large proportion of engineering and technology (E&T) graduates end up working in E&T careers. Employment rates for E&T graduates in 2006 are increasing annually and stand way above average at 60%; unemployment rates for this same group are below 10%. Research carried out in 2006 showed that 14 per cent of FTSE-100 top executives are qualified engineers.
10. What jobs are there in engineering? Take your pick. There are jobs in a very wide range of specialties and roles at many levels from engineering technician to senior engineer, including management and research. Some are more specialist – for example, non-destructive testing – but many are very multi-disciplinary – for example, robotics or project management. Because technology is always moving on, engineers often change or widen their speciality during their careers, as well as their job roles. This is one of the reasons engineers enjoy their jobs so much! There are hundreds of engineering jobs out there and many can be viewed at www.enginuity.org.uk and www.scenta.co.uk/careers *as provided by the Institute of Careers Guidance
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