Are you considering
a Career in Engineering?

The following information may help you when you come to think about which A Levels and degree course you want to do.  It is assumed you will wish to complete higher education at university and to go on to attain Chartered Engineer status.  Becoming a Chartered Engineer would not only give you a higher status within the profession but would also enable further career development....

GCSEs:
There is no doubt that Maths and Physics are essential GCSEs for anyone who wishes to pursue an engineering career.  You may also wish to consider adding Chemistry, Additional Maths, Technology and a form of Technical Drawing to the list.  These subjects are not always easy but you are important foundations for the future.

A-Levels:
Assuming you achieve the required grades, progression to A-Levels is the next step on the ladder.  Again, the choice of subjects must reflect the career plan towards attaining a technical degree.  Good passes in Maths, Physics with Chemistry and Further Maths as extra subjects are essential. Good A-Levels are perhaps the most important exams as they provide the stepping stone to the type of degree the you wish to take and the university you can attend.

University Degrees:
It is important and preferable that your degree is accredited by the Professional Institutions, as this will smooth the path to the ultimate professional qualification as a Chartered Engineer. There are many universities which offer accredited degrees in engineering but the choice is ultimately yours and depends on your career ambitions and A Level grades. The better your A Level grades the more choice you will have.

To obtain registration as a Chartered Engineer, you will need a 4-year MEng accredited degree (5 years in Scotland).  However, you should not be too concerned if you do not do a Masters degree as you will still be able to become a Chartered Engineer but you may be asked to do some further academic study whilst you are working.

Graduating and Beyond:
After graduation, obtaining your first job is down to personal effort.  During your time at university, the staff should provide any career advice needed.  Alternatively, Professional Institutions encourage student membership, currently free to you on accredited degree courses and help wherever possible with career advice.

If you want to pursue chartered engineer status, you will need to ensure that you  receive the appropriate training from your employer. At that time, it would be best to contact the Professional Institutions to seek specific details.

For Further Information:
If you would like further information or literature about becoming a Chartered Engineer, then you should visit the Engineering Council web site  where you will find information about the Chartered Engineering Institutions.  You should also visit the Engineering and Technology Board web site to find out more about promoting the art and science of engineering and advancing education in engineering and technology.  Another useful web site is Scenta, where you will find information on careers, jobs and more in science, engineering and technology.  You must visit the  Engenuity website, which tells you what engineering and technology careers are all about.
Finally,  visit Inside Careers to see details of the latest graduate vacancies.