A Guide to Engineering & Manufacturing Careers
If you’re looking for a career with a big impact - one that tackles the defining issues of our generation - engineering could be for you.
As an engineer, you won’t just build things, you’ll build a better future. Your work will drive real change in the world around you, whilst equipping you with in-demand skills that can take you anywhere you want to go.
Whether you’re choosing your next step after school or studying an engineering degree, this guide contains everything you need to know to put your career in the right gear.
What is engineering?
Engineers use maths, science and creativity to find smart solutions to global challenges like climate change and clean water access. From powering our homes efficiently to designing greener cities and transport, their work improves the way we live, work and connect with others.
Manufacturing, on the other hand, is where these big ideas are brought to life. Operating across sectors like healthcare, food and drink, and transport, UK manufacturers are leading the way in the net-zero transition - creating products that are better for the people and the planet.
With a reputation for job security and generous salaries, these multi-billion pound industries form a vital part of our economy and employ over a quarter of all UK workers.
What types of engineering are there?
Engineering is such a broad industry, you’re bound to find a career that aligns with your interests and passions. You could find yourself working behind-the-scenes in TV as a broadcast engineer, designing life-saving medical devices, or even developing racing cars for an F1 team.
In fact, there are too many different types of engineering to mention, so here’s a shortlist:
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineers develop and build the infrastructures we all rely on; from roads, bridges and railways to iconic skyscrapers, sports stadiums and shopping centres.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Be it designing electric cars and circuits for smartphones, or integrating solar, wind and other renewables into the grid, electrical engineers are powering a sustainable future.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Chemical engineers transform raw materials like oil into everyday essentials - such as fuel, plastic and food - whilst ensuring the safety of consumers and the environment.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineers design and redefine the systems that keep the world moving, whether that’s more fuel-efficient aircraft, nuclear power plants or robotic surgeon assistants.
How do I get into a career in engineering?
Competition for graduate-level jobs has reached a record high - with the average company receiving around 140 applications per role, according to the Institute of Student Employers.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a school leaver or university student, the only way to set yourself apart from other aspiring engineers is to get as much relevant experience on your CV as possible.
Employers tend to prefer hiring students they have already met on an apprenticeship, internship, placement or graduate scheme. So the sooner you start planning your next steps, the better your chances of securing a job in the industry.
Choose your path to find out more:
Civil Engineering Placements
Civil engineers are in demand, so having completed a civil engineering placement before you graduate will help you secure the very best start to your career. Find out how here
Engineering Apprenticeships
A guide to engineering apprenticeships and how to secure one. Find out what qualifications you need and how much you could earn as an apprentice
Engineering Degree Apprenticeships
Engineering degree apprenticeships let you start a career as an engineer without going to university. Find out the qualifications you need and how to apply
Engineering Graduate Schemes
Graduate schemes in the engineering industry aren’t just your standard entry-level jobs. Designed to help you fire up your career in the industry, these structured training programmes will transform you from a fresh graduate into an experienced engineer in just one to three years.
Engineering Internships
How to find, apply for, and make the most of engineering internships with the UK’s best employers for university students
Engineering Placements
An engineering placement is a golden opportunity to get hands-on experience and figure out what you want from your career, before you graduate.
Who are the top employers I could work for?
Thousands of university students and school leavers have rated these engineering and manufacturing employers top of their game for early career opportunities.
Here's what a university student and a school leaver had to say about their work experience in engineering:
ENGINEERING PLACEMENT STUDENT ARCADISI absolutely loved it, cannot recommend enough. Having the opportunity to take a year out of university to complete actual, real life, meaningful work is amazing. While I was only a placement student, I was given increased responsibility in my projects; organising site visits as well as issuing draft reports to clients and presenting at team meetings and events.
LEVEL 3 APPRENTICE ENGINEER JN BENTLEYI have learned countless technical skills, from wiring a panel and completing panel mods, to installing and setting up new instruments. But a big skill that I have developed is my confidence in speaking to new people. I feel like I can comfortably talk to someone who I have never met before, which is something I would have never done prior to joining JN Bentley.
What can I do with engineering work experience?
Your engineering work experience isn’t just a line on your CV - it’s a launchpad. Whether you’ve worked with cutting-edge technology, solved complex problems or streamlined internal processes, you’ve built skills that every employer wants.
So, what’s next? You can sharpen your expertise with further training or dive straight into employment with a full-time job. Either way, you’re in high demand.
If you want to stick with engineering, here are just some of the career paths you could explore:
Aerospace engineer
Biomedical engineer
Manufacturing design engineer
Robotics engineer
Software engineer
Structural engineer
Technical sales engineer
Ready to put your experience to work? Start applying for engineering roles now.
Apply for Engineering Roles
Register Your Interest - Civil Engineer Summer Internship
at Arcadis
- Internship (1 Month+)
- Nationwide
Register Your Interest - Placement Year (Undergraduates UK)
at Babcock International Group
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Nationwide
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