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.
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. videoZuzanna: apprentice wing designer
Zuzanna's an apprentice wing designer, gaining a degree as part of her apprenticeship.
Balwant: aircraft engineer
Balwant is an aircraft engineer for British Airways.
Ben: aerospace engineer
Ben's the co-founder of a company called StratoBooster. They test space launch systems.
Civil and structural engineering
and engineers design and oversee construction projects, such as bridges and buildings.
Kawsar: civil engineering apprentice. videoKawsar: civil engineering apprentice
Kawsar's a civil engineering apprentice for Transport for London.
Sally: civil engineer technician
Sally works on a construction site at Manchester Airport.
Zoe: apprentice site engineer. videoZoe: apprentice site engineer
Zoe's helping to build a London tube station.
Jasmine: apprentice engineer. videoJasmine: apprentice engineer
Jasmine is an apprentice engineer on the HS2 rail link.
Aine: junior simulation engineer
Aine works to make buildings more energy efficient.
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.
Ciaran: ecobuilding technical apprentice
In his job as an ecobuilding technical apprentice, Ciaran fits electrical points and installs software on them.
Alice: trainee engineer
Alice works as a tendering engineer, putting bids together for engineering projects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amy: Formula 1 engineer
Amy helps develop ways to make racing cars go faster.
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. videoRachael: apprentice technician
Rachael keeps the production line at the Jaffa Cake factory running.
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.
Bode: software engineering apprentice
Bode's a software engineering apprentice on a youth engagement project.
Ben: senior systems engineer. videoBen: senior systems engineer
Ben is a senior systems engineer at Shop Direct.
Sound
Sound engineers work with equipment in and to ensure the best possible audio quality.
Tommy: audio engineer. videoTommy: audio engineer
Tommy combines a career in a band with a career as an audio engineer.
Raphael: sound engineer. videoRaphael: sound engineer
Raphael works with artists including Stormzy, Hamzaa and Tinie Tempah.
Matilda's a sound engineer with the 91热爆 Sound Unit.
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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