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What is engineering?

Engineering is all about problem solving. Engineers use science, maths (and a lot of creative thinking!) to design, test and create machines, structures and processes. They come up with innovative solutions to issues, helping to tackle some of the world's greatest challenges, such as climate change, poverty, cyber security problems and ill health.

There are lots of different types of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical. The different areas are interconnected, meaning you could draw on several types of engineering in a role, or work very closely with engineers from other disciplines.

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Aerospace and aeronautical engineering

design, build and maintain aircrafts such as planes, spacecrafts and satellites. Their role combines aspects of both mechanical and electrical engineering.

Zuzanna: apprentice wing designer. video

Zuzanna's an apprentice wing designer, gaining a degree as part of her apprenticeship.

Zuzanna: apprentice wing designer

Balwant: aircraft engineer

Balwant is an aircraft engineer for British Airways.

Balwant: aircraft engineer

Ben: aerospace engineer

Ben's the co-founder of a company called StratoBooster. They test space launch systems.

Ben: aerospace engineer
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Civil and structural engineering

and engineers design and oversee construction projects, such as bridges and buildings.

Kawsar: civil engineering apprentice. video

Kawsar's a civil engineering apprentice for Transport for London.

Kawsar: civil engineering apprentice

Sally: civil engineer technician

Sally works on a construction site at Manchester Airport.

Sally: civil engineer technician

Zoe: apprentice site engineer. video

Zoe's helping to build a London tube station.

Zoe: apprentice site engineer

Jasmine: apprentice engineer. video

Jasmine is an apprentice engineer on the HS2 rail link.

Jasmine: apprentice engineer

Aine: junior simulation engineer

Aine works to make buildings more energy efficient.

Aine: junior simulation engineer
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Electrical and electronic engineering

(unsurprisingly!) is all about the generation, distribution, application and control of electrical energy. is slightly different, focusing on developing and testing electronic components, devices and systems.

Ben: electrical instrumentation apprentice

Ben's training to be an electrical engineer.

Ben: electrical instrumentation apprentice

Ciaran: ecobuilding technical apprentice

In his job as an ecobuilding technical apprentice, Ciaran fits electrical points and installs software on them.

Ciaran: ecobuilding technical apprentice

Alice: trainee engineer

Alice works as a tendering engineer, putting bids together for engineering projects.

Alice: trainee engineer

Josh: engineer

Josh is an electronic engineer who has set up his own business.

Josh: engineer
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General engineering

General engineering refers to a subject you can choose to study at college or university. Rather than specialising in a certain branch of engineering straight away, it gives you the chance to get a basic introduction to the different areas before deciding which specialism might fit you best.

Jade: engineer

Jade does basic engineering during placements as an apprentice.

Jade: engineer
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Marine engineering

"Marine" means something related to the sea, for example boats or coastguards. therefore work on sea-related projects, designing, building, testing and repairing boats, ships, underwater crafts, offshore platforms and drilling equipment.

Lawrence: naval architect

Lawrence is a freelance naval architect in Bristol.

Lawrence: naval architect
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Materials engineering

research the behaviour of different materials to make them as efficient and effective as possible. Sustainability is a key consideration in the role, making sure we are sourcing, using and reusing materials responsibly.

Alex: apprentice process engineer

Alex is an apprentice at a building materials company.

Alex: apprentice process engineer
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Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering includes anything that moves, including human beings! develop and help improve mechanical components and systems. This can include a wide array of things, from artificial hearts to driverless cars.

Jack: mechanical engineer

Jack's a mechanical engineer in a timber mill.

Jack: mechanical engineer

Amy: Formula 1 engineer

Amy helps develop ways to make racing cars go faster.

Amy: Formula 1 engineer
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Production and manufacturing engineering

Production engineers and manufacturing engineers are linked to the creation of products, aiming to find the most time and cost efficient ways to produce goods, helping reduce the environmental impact of production.

Rachael: apprentice technician. video

Rachael keeps the production line at the Jaffa Cake factory running.

Rachael: apprentice technician
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Software engineering and computing

design, build and test computer programmes, drawing on IT skills and maths.

Ekansh writes code and liaises with people to solve problems with them.

Ekansh: software engineer

Bode: software engineering apprentice

Bode's a software engineering apprentice on a youth engagement project.

Bode: software engineering apprentice

Ben: senior systems engineer. video

Ben is a senior systems engineer at Shop Direct.

Ben: senior systems engineer
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Sound

Sound engineers work with equipment in and to ensure the best possible audio quality.

Tommy: audio engineer. video

Tommy combines a career in a band with a career as an audio engineer.

Tommy: audio engineer

Raphael: sound engineer. video

Raphael works with artists including Stormzy, Hamzaa and Tinie Tempah.

Raphael: sound engineer

Matilda's a sound engineer with the 91热爆 Sound Unit.

Matilda: sound engineer
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What to expect if you want to be an engineer

  • How many people work in the engineering sector?
  • What can you earn in different roles?
  • What routes can you take to get in?
  • Is the demand for engineers expected to grow in the future?

Watch the film to find out the answers to these questions, and much more!

Other resources

  • See what type of engineering role might suit you with the
  • Find out more about the different areas of engineering with this
  • Learn more about roles in engineering with the
  • Discover a practical new way to study via .

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Where next?

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