JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 296

ENGINEERING

The engineering industry is a huge part
of the British economy and needs young
people to get involved right now

A

s the country's engineering workforce
ages and the number of people
under 25 entering the profession
decreases, the UK is facing a serious
shortage of engineers. It is believed
that 265,000 skilled engineers will
be needed every year to meet the
demand through to 2024. This means
it's a great time to be looking for an engineering job. You'll be
rewarded with high salaries and the chance to progress quickly.
The UK government has designated 2018 as the Year of
Engineering, indicating how seriously it is taking the need
for fresh talent. Ministers recognise that a lack of graduates
entering engineering - one of the most productive sectors in
the economy - is holding back growth. With major investment
promised in infrastructure projects and technologies to
make life more efficient, engineers are in high demand.
Working in engineering means problem-solving to improve
the design and performance of anything from the kettle that
makes your tea to the jet engine that takes you on holiday. It
allows you to play a part in shaping the products and processes
of the future. Engineers are tackling
serious issues around the world, from
protecting water supplies to finding
sustainable ways to travel. They work
in almost every sector of the economy,
from manufacturing to sport to food.
Here are just a few of the engineering
sectors you may be interested in joining.

WORDS GREG PITCHER IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK

It's believed
265,000 skilled
engineers will
be needed every
year until 2024
to meet demand

Software engineer

Software engineers design,
develop, test and maintain the
applications that make our laptops,
mobile phones, robots and other
electronic devices more than just expensive lumps of metal.
In an ever more digitalised world, software engineers
increasingly hold the key to making communications,
transport and energy systems tick. They often work in teams
- sometimes virtually, from offices in different countries.
What qualifications do I need? STEM subjects are always a
good starting point for engineering careers - so studying science,
technology, engineering or maths at school and college is useful
grounding. There are specific university courses in computer
science, software engineering, software development and even
games development. There may also be the opportunity to
join a company on a graduate training course after studying
other subjects, and there are a number of apprenticeships
on offer. The Institution of Engineering & Technology has
a scholarships and bursary programme that supports and
nurtures young talent and those who need additional support.
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 of £3.50 an hour
J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 2 9 5



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

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