Jobs and Careers Summer 2021 - 72

ENGINEERING
The sector was hit by the pandemic like most others, often
because businesses struggled to export their goods and
access essential materials. But this crucial industry has
shown positive signs of bouncing back, growing its output
in February 2021, and is still committed to investment in
apprenticeships and encouragement for young people to
study STEM subjects with a view to entering the sector.
There are many interesting, varied and well-paid careers
available to those who dedicate themselves to engineering.
as much maths and physics as possible if this is an industry you
want to join, and you can study for a degree in manufacturing
systems engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, and
production engineering. It's also possible to enter at trainee
level with an HND, or take a degree-level apprenticeship.
How much can I earn? A graduate engineer can expect to
start with a salary of around £26,000, although with experience
and responsibility this will rise - aerospace manufacturing
engineers receive an average base salary of £40,000.
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Civil engineers help to plan and manage construction
projects, notably public infrastructure schemes to improve
road, rail, water and energy networks but also private
building tasks, like flats and offices. The job of structural
engineers, meanwhile, is to ensure buildings are constructed
in a safe and responsible way. Both roles involve drawing
and understanding blueprints, and communicating
problems and solutions to others involved in a project.
What qualifications do I need? To become a chartered
structural or civil engineer, you would normally need an
engineering degree followed by a significant period of industry
experience and professional training. It's also possible to get
into the sector via apprenticeships and other training courses.
How much can I earn? Starting salaries are around
£20,000, but chartered status and senior roles can raise
that to £80,000 - or more if you work overseas.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Software engineers design, develop, test and maintain the
applications on your computer and phone, as well as those that
keep industrial and consumer machines functioning. They're vital
to making communications, transport and energy systems tick.
What qualifications do I need? Studying STEM subjects at
school and college is useful, while universities also offer specific
courses in computer science, software engineering, software
and games development. Even if you don't go down the STEM
route, you may be able to join a company on a graduate training
programme or apprenticeship. The Institution of Engineering &
Technology supports young talent and those who need assistance.
How much can I earn? The average starting salary as a
graduate software engineer is £26,000, while apprentices
often get paid above the statutory rate. Pay can rise to
£60,000 with experience, and chartered engineers in
specialist roles can earn significantly more than that.
MANUFACTURING/PRODUCTION ENGINEER
Manufacturing accounts for 10% of the country's
output, covering factory creation of everything from
food to chemicals. The primary role of a manufacturing
engineer is to ensure a product can be made efficiently, in
collaboration with other experts. You could be working
on production of a car or a critical health treatment.
What qualifications do I need? It's always a good idea to study
72 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Electrical engineers work on the design, development and
maintenance of electrical systems from the small-scale
(vehicles) to the vast (power networks). This can include
feasibility studies, planning, budgeting and testing.
What qualifications do I need? It's advisable to have a
foundation degree, HNC or HND, bachelor's or master's in
electrical or electronic engineering to break into this field.
Another option is vocational training, starting as an apprentice.
How much can I earn? Newly trained electrical engineers earn
around £25,000 a year, while seniority can bring you £60,000
a year, depending on the company and your role within it.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
These engineers are crucial to every form of transport,
playing a key role in the design of car and aerospace
engines, wind turbines, nuclear power plants, artificial
" Newly trained electrical
engineers earn around
£25,000 a year, while seniority
can bring you £60,000 a year,
depending on the company
and your role within it "
limbs - any manufactured item that moves, essentially.
Tasks can include research, testing, presenting and
analysing data, all of which keeps you moving between
on-site and in-office locations frequently.
What qualifications do I need? Maths and physics
A-levels will get you on to engineering-related university
courses. But if that isn't for you, there are always other
ways, including advanced apprenticeships and foundation
degrees, both of which involve on-the-job learning.
How much can I earn? Mechanical engineers earn about
£45,000 a year on average, although salaries vary considerably
depending on experience and other factors. Taking into
account the skills shortage in the profession, it's likely that all
engineering salaries will increase in the coming years.
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Jobs and Careers Summer 2021

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