How to Kickstart a Career in Engineering

Demand for engineers in the UK has always been high and attracting / retaining new talent is a struggle. The engineering industry is so vast that understanding companies who produce very niche specialist products can be seem overwhelming or unapproachable.

1. Research the different type of engineering careers.

Mechanical, electrical, chemical, maintenance, CNC, quality, continuous improvement, industrial or civil. There are so many varying roles within the Manufacturing industry that knowing where you want to progress your career needs to be your starting point. Where do you see yourself in 5,10,20 years?

• Education needed

Do you know what education and qualifications do you need? Degree, HNC, Apprenticeship? Have a look at your dream role as an advert on a job board. What qualifications are they looking for? It may not be the role you will get as an entry level position but you know what foundations are needed to be able to achieve this.

• Work experience

Work experience is essential. Even for graduate programs we will always be told that industry experience would be preferred. Speak to your local college or university and ask what opportunities they have for local companies. Start making your own connections on LinkedIn, companies love nothing more than keen young people willing to get their name out there looking for experience. Remember they was once in this position too. That one week work experience may turn into a job offer upon graduation.

• Research the type of company you want to work for.

Are you looking for somewhere with lots of automation? Are you looking to make change? Do you want to work in the automotive, aerospace, industrial? Or are your motives different are you looking for a zero carbon company? Think about your dream role and where it would be then have a look at some of their websites. Check the vacancies, look at the requirements for those roles available.

• CV

Your CV may not be sprawling with experience at this point but it all counts. One week placement, two weeks experience at a family friends company, your young enterprise scheme, your dissertation which just so happened to be based on exactly what the company produces. Do not underestimate these “small” seeming experiences. The company will want to know the relevant modules you have covered in education so add these to your CV too. Always feel free to contact a recruitment agency for feedback on your CV, even before applying. We look at lots of them and may be able to point you in the direction of what to add/remove to make it stand out from the crowd.

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