Engineering
Engineers work in health, entertainment, transport, construction, robotics, conservation, design, communications, disaster relief, in fact pretty much everywhere. The engineering industry employs over 1.6 million people.
Although engineering remains significant in the East of England there has been a gradual decline over the last few decades along with a similar trend in the rest of the UK. The recession will only continue to speed this up.
Employees in all science, engineering and technology occupations require a high level of numeracy due to the technical and mathematical basis of the jobs in the sector.
The impact of technological change will increase the demand for professional and technical skills. The demand for graduates with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills is likely to increase faster even than the overall increase in demand for graduates.
Apprenticeships can be a good route into a skilled trade. They can offer a more vocational route into work and gaining qualifications.
How much could I earn?
Assembler/Routine Operator £19,824
Mechanical Engineer £39,025
Plant and Machine Operator £29,951
Production Manager £47,969
Quality Assurance Technicians £26,310
Telecomm Engineer £27,279
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
The impact of technological change will increase the demand for professional and technical skills. Skill shortages are likely to remain after the recession in professional and design occupations involving engineering.
There will be a greater need for more flexible, ‘multi-skilled’ workers, who have both electrical and mechanical engineering skills.
While the immediate future is uncertain due to the current economic downturn it is likely that skill shortages will remain across most engineering occupations.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be Diploma in Engineering. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.