A job in engineering gives you one of the broadest range of options for career choices. The UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector employs over 5 million people and covers every industry from aerospace and marine to construction, energy, and many more. 

The engineering sector can provide a diverse choice of job roles, and you can choose to specialise in a particular area to work on some fantastic projects. While some engineering sectors may not be experiencing growth, many are and need talented people now.

Core responsibilities in engineering

Core responsibilities in engineering will be designing and building solutions to problems. You may be working out in the field or within an office to create systems or products. Depending on the sector you choose to work in, you may travel across the country and abroad and find yourself working in everything from construction sites to laboratories.

Career development in engineering allows you to diversify your training or choose to specialise in specific fields. Working as a civil engineer could see you working on massive projects. In contrast, a job as a chemical engineer will make you responsible for a specific process in developing new products. 

Average engineering salary

The level of training and experience you have will affect the salary you get. Average salaries vary across employers. As an aerospace engineer, you can expect £33,000, but as you gain experience, it can average £90,000 and much more.

A career as a chemical engineer will provide a salary of around £41,000 while a mechanical engineer job can give you £35,000. You can work for some of the biggest corporations and well-known brands in the world, and that will attract a high earning potential. 

What to expect from a career in engineering

A career in engineering can be different every day and with specific engineering degrees, you can go from one industry to a very different one. A lot of engineering roles take place in either a manufacturing, construction, or engineering firm. Your working environment can be on a construction project as a civil engineer or in a car manufacturing plant. The possibilities are endless so you can be assured of a varied workday.

An engineering career will require you to design and create systems or innovative products that solve problems, so you will be responsible for detailed processes.

Core engineering skills

The engineering sector covers many industries so you can choose to specialise in certain areas, with a chemical engineering degree, for example. You can start an engineering apprenticeship and train as you work or choose from the many engineering graduate jobs available. Creativity and problem-solving skills will be essential.

If you are looking for a diverse career with continuing professional development, an engineering job is the way to go.