There are several very good reasons why you should consider a career in engineering. Here are a few of them.

Reason number 1 why you should consider a career in engineering - skills shortages

Did you know that skills shortages in the UK mean that many engineering jobs are listed on the UK shortage occupation list? If you are looking for a future career where you know that there is going to be work for you then this is a great place to start. We take a look at three areas of engineering, civil, mecahnical and electrical.

Reason number 2, the pay

Engineering doesn’t only offer you a potentially great and secure career. It can also pay very well and offer good career progression prospects. You can see from the image below, the average salary for civil, mechanical and electrical engineers is pretty good. Obviously you shouldn’t expect to start on this salary, but even so –pay is important long-term.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers develop and improve the services and facilities we use and the infrastructures we rely on every day, including buildings, roads, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage treatment systems. Related subjects to this sector are: Structural engineering (design of structures to withstand stresses and pressures imposed through environmental conditions and human use) and Architectural engineering (sometimes referred to as ‘building engineering’, the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction).

There are loads of civil engineering roles that appear under the heading of civil engineering; just take a look at the list below

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with machines, mechanical systems and their design, construction, manufacture and maintenance. Mechanical engineers in the aerospace sector are particularly in demand.

Electrical engineering

An electrical engineer is someone who designs, develops and tests electrical equipment. They can work with all sorts of electronic devices, from smart phones to supercomputers.

Electrical engineers can also be involved in designing telecommunications and power systems as well as utilising electricity to transmit energy. Electrical engineers can also design household appliances, lighting and wiring systems in buildings, electrical power stations and satellite communications.

Reason number 3 that you should consider a career in engineering

This one really is unapologetically for the girls. Without girls pursuing a career in engineering, the UK is unlikely to cope with the skills shortage and meet the business demands of the UK. In addition to this, engineers research design and develop all sorts of things – from computers to cars – without females being involved there is a danger that things will be designed and developed that do not meet the needs (or even sometimes the safety requirements) of females.