What’s it like working in Engineering?

Engineering is the practical application of science. Engineers are involved in the research and development, design, manufacturing and production of machinery, products and systems that enable everyday life - from cars to hospital equipment; from computers to drilling rigs; from alternative energy to communication systems.

There are various branches of engineering, including:

• aerospace and defence - working with aircraft and space technology
• automotive - cars, trucks and the systems they rely on
• chemical and materials engineering - using our basic natural resources, such as petroleum, natural gas and minerals, and converting them to products ranging from microchips to food products
• electrical, electronics, telecommunications and power engineering - from nuclear power to television, and from computer systems to communication networks
• manufacturing - systems in factories, including automated and computer-controlled machines
• marine engineering and shipbuilding - ships, offshore platforms, other marine structures and the equipment installed on them
• mechanical - designing components, machines and systems that involve the conversion and use of mechanical energy
• petroleum - working on the exploration and production of oil and gas.

Courses

• Technology (First Diploma)
• Electronic Engineering (First Diploma)
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering (National Certificate/Diploma)
• Operations and Maintenance Engineering (National Diploma)
• Engineering Apprenticeship Level 2 and 3
• Maintenance Engineering (First Diploma)
• Technology (National Diploma)
• Maintenance Engineering (National Diploma)

What sorts of jobs are there?

People work in engineering at all levels, ranging from operators who operate machinery and carry out assembly work, through company representatives who install and mend that company’s equipment on customer premises, to professional engineers who use their experience to manage projects. Working hours are usually around 38 hours a week, with some jobs requiring shift work. You could be based indoors, in an office or factory, or outdoors.

Around 1.5 million people in the UK work in engineering-related jobs for large and small-scale manufacturing companies, specialist engineering workshops, public utilities such as electricity companies, and product design and development companies. Skilled people are in big demand and opportunities exist throughout the UK and abroad.

Engineering jobs suit people who like maths and science, enjoy finding solutions to challenging problems, are practical and good communicators. The training and development prospects are usually excellent.

What about an Engineering Apprenticeship?

There are many different areas of engineering with job roles including operators, craft engineers and technicians. As an Apprentice you could be learning about any of the following: Fabrication and Welding; Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining; Inspecting Electronic Equipment; Engineering Maintenance.

The great thing about an Apprenticeship is that you’ll be earning money in a real job and working towards recognised qualifications at the same time. Most of your time will be spent learning in the workplace but you’ll also spend a small amount of time in College. Training takes anything from 2 to 4 years depending on your target level.

To apply you need to be in employment already but if you’re unemployed we may be able to help you find a suitable position. You’ll also ideally need four GCSEs, grades A - D, including Maths and English.

If you’d like more information first, or to order a prospectus, contact the Apprenticeship Team on:
Tel: 01253 504313
Email: apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk
Website www.blackpool.ac.uk/apprenticeships.
To apply fill in an application form within the prospectus or download it from here

What Happens When You've Finished?

Learners who successfully complete a First Diploma can either go on to do an Engineering Apprenticeship through the College or take a related National Diploma/Certificate. National Diploma/Certificate learners can also go on to do an Engineering Apprenticeship although many choose to do a degree-level qualification.

The College runs a wide range of Engineering degree courses, many of which are awarded by Lancaster University – one of the top 20 higher education institutions in the UK.

Choose from:

• HNC/HND Manufacturing
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering
• HNC/HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Foundation Degree in Project Management
• Foundation Degree in Design Engineering
• Foundation Degree in Eco-Technology
• Foundation Degree in Technical Illustration
• Foundation Degree in Nuclear Engineering
• BEng (Ord/Hons) Mechanical and Production Engineering
• BEng (Ord/Hons) Mechatronics

Student Viewpoint