Relevant degrees include electrical and electronic engineering. Entry may also be possible with the following subjects:

• Computing and Software Engineering;
• Mechanical and Production Engineering;
• Building Services Engineering;
• Communications Engineering;
• Applied Physics/Pure Physics;
• Aeronautical Engineering.

Relevant HND’s/foundation degrees include electrical and electronic engineering. Entry may also be possible with the following subjects:

• General engineering;
• computing and IT;
• Mechanical and Production Engineering;
• Building Services Engineering;
• Mechatronic Engineering;
• Applied Physics.

Some employers prefer graduates. Applicants/interested parties with work or placement experience are slightly more advantaged than those without.

Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is sometimes possible. Some organisations recruit at A-level (or Higher) standard on an apprenticeship scheme and select the best candidates for sponsorship on full or part-time degrees.

A degree is essential for professional engineer - incorporated (IEng.) or chartered (CEng.) - status. Professional training will take longer for HND/foundation degree holders; although a number of university courses allow direct entry on to the final year of their degree, enabling candidates to qualify through the degree route after an HND/foundation degree.

Postgraduate qualifications are not needed to gain employment - a keenness to gain professional status is more appealing to a potential employer.

Relevant work experience through a sandwich or vacation placement or industrial year out is valuable.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• Commercial awareness;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• enthusiasm for your subject and up-to-date sector knowledge;
• Planning and organisational skills, such as time and resource allocation;
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

A second language could be useful when applying to international companies.

You should consider applying for student membership of one of the engineering institutions, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), for up-to-date sector information, including new developments in the industry, regular newsletters and access to networks and contacts. A scheme called the Power Academy provides support for students aiming to enter a career in electrical engineering. It is managed by the IEE and a number of energy/utility companies and provides scholarships and training.

Some work is sensitive in nature, for example in security or defence-related industries, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) may debar those with a criminal record or without security clearance.

• Range of typical starting salaries for graduates: £17,570 - £27,000 (salary data collected Dec 05).
• Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (eg after 10-15 years in the role): £41,000 plus, depending on the benefits and bonuses offered with the remuneration package (salary data collected Dec 05).
• Salaries vary considerably according to location, the size of organisation and the nature of its business.
• Working hours vary and are job-specific. You may need to work extra and unsocial hours to meet deadlines or resolve design difficulties.
• Work can take place in a production plant, workshop, office, laboratory, factory or on site. Conditions can be hot, dusty or cramped.
• Job are available throughout the UK, although those in the manufacturing sectors are concentrated in industrial areas.
• The number of women working in engineering is still small at around 15%, although the number entering university courses has increased. Women who enter this profession do not encounter specific difficulties but are under-represented in some sectors. Some firms and organisations, such as Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) and The Women's Engineering Society (WES) actively encourage female entrants into the profession by promoting the education, training and practice of engineering amongst women.
• Overseas employment may be possible particularly in the oil and petrochemical sectors, large consulting firms and large building contractors. Some countries may require you to take additional exams and tests to practise as a professional engineer in their country. The UK is party to several international agreements between different countries, which means that UK engineering qualifications are recognised in these countries. However, you are advised to check with your affiliated professional institution and the country you intend to work in for further details.
• Travel within the working day is common.

AGCAS

• Construction Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
• Engineering Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
  Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet, Biennial
  Manufacturing Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
  Options with Electrical/Electronic Engineering, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
  Options with Physics, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial

Other

• Electrical Review, Nexus Media Communications, Fortnightly
• Engineering & Technology, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Monthly
• GET Engineering, Hobsons Plc, Annual
• The Hobsons GET Directory, Hobsons Plc, Annual
• IEE Recruitment, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fortnightly
• Inside Careers: Engineering & Technology
• (http://www.insidecareers.co.uk), Inside Careers, Annual
• Physics World, Institute of Physics Publishing, Monthly
• TARGET Construction & Building Services, GTI Specialist Publishers, Annual
• TARGET Engineering, GTI Specialist Publishers, Annual