Want to be an Electrical Engineer?
The Job
An electrical engineer gets involved in designing, building and/or maintaining electrical installations, products, control systems, machinery or plant powered by (or to help produce) electricity.
Where
Electrical engineers are generally based in an office, or somewhere like a workshop, production plant, power station or research facility.
What's the work like?
Electricians work from plans to install cables and electrical wiring, accessories and equipment as well as controls for central heating or cooling systems for instance.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
Electrical engineers work on projects with other professionals, so you will need good communication and decision-making skills, people and team working skills, and an understanding of maths, science, technology and IT.
What qualifications should I have?
There is more than one route to becoming an electrical engineer. You could first go to university after you have finished school, or you could choose to work in industry and then study for a degree in the evenings and/or at the weekends by, say, the Open University.
What sort of hours would I have to work?
Hours of work may vary, but expect to work somewhere around 40 hours a week, with some occasional overtime in order to meet employer or customer deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
There are plenty of opportunities for qualified electrical engineers throughout the UK, and there are even more if you are prepared to work overseas.
