Electrical Engineer
What is the work like?
As an electrical engineer you would design, build and maintain electrical control systems, machinery and equipment. You could work in a range of areas, including:
- transport networks, including rail electrification and signalling
- power generation, transmission and distribution
- renewable energy sources, such as solar panelling, hydroelectric and wind turbines
- manufacturing and construction plant and machinery
- building services, such as lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems.
Your exact duties would depend on your industry, but your tasks could include:
- carrying out feasibility studies for new technical developments
- drawing up plans for projects, using computer-assisted engineering and design software
- estimating costs and project timescales
- coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
- testing installations and systems, and analysing test data
- making sure projects meet safety regulations
- overseeing inspection and maintenance programmes
- attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.
You would normally work on a project with other professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need to complete a foundation degree, BTEC HNC, HND or degree in electrical or electronic engineering, or engineering technology. Other subjects which cover the electrical knowledge and skills you would need for this career include:
- building services engineering
- mechanical engineering
- applied physics
- aeronautical engineering
- mechatronics.
See the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website for details of colleges and universities offering these courses.
With a degree in a relevant subject, you may be able to join a company's Graduate Apprenticeship scheme.
For information about electrical engineering as a career, see the websites for the IET, SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction. For specific details about courses and careers in building services engineering, visit the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers' (CIBSE) website.
The Engineering Training Council has careers information and a course database for local colleges in Northern Ireland.
What further training and development can I do?
It is important that you continue to develop your skills and knowledge during your career, through on-the-job training with your company.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Savoy PlaceLondon
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Balham
London
SW12 9BS
Tel: 020 8675 5211
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Newly qualified engineers can earn between £18,000 and £22,000 a year.
- Experienced incorporated engineers earn between £28,000 and £38,000 a year.
- Chartered electrical engineers can earn between £40,000 and £50,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 40 hours a week. You may have occasional overtime in order to meet deadlines.
Depending on your job, you could be based in an office, factory, production plant, workshop, power station or research facility.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent maths, science and IT skills
- the ability to analyse complex problems and assess possible solutions
- the ability to explain design ideas clearly
- strong decision-making skills
- excellent communication skills
- good organisational skills
- the ability to manage a budget
- excellent teamworking and people skills
- a good understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You could find job opportunities with local authorities, the armed forces, manufacturers in all industries, research and development companies, IT companies and public utilities.
With experience, you could specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy work.
As a qualified engineer, you could find job opportunities overseas. There are international agreements between a number of countries, recognising each other's engineering qualifications. The Engineering Council has more details.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
The Engineer Online
Engineering Jobs Network
Enginuity
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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