Engineer yourself a bright future . . .
ENGINEERS are in high demand. David Lister, principal consultant at Ripe4 Recruitment, which specialises in engineering, oil and gas, says: ‘Demand for engineers in manufacturing is high due to graduate shortages and the weak pound boosting export orders.’
Suraj Karayath, 33, is a manufacturing manager at FFE, which designs and manufactures fire detection products.
He took a mechanical engineering degree, a masters in advanced manufacturing systems and technology, and took part in a two-year scheme that offers graduates roles in companies looking for technology skills and innovation.
‘The programme gave me industry experience and a mentor and led to my first engineering role,’ says Suraj, from Dartford, Kent.
Stuart Andrews, operations director at FFE, says: ‘We want a strong manufacturing qualification, plus evidence of teamwork and problem solving. Practical industrial experience is essential, so a degree with an industry placement is an advantage.’
Salaries for junior or graduate engineers are around £25,000, but experienced engineers can consider contracting, earning over £1,000 a day.
Engineering degree courses require good grades at A-level/BTEC or equivalent in maths and physics.
Chemical or biomedical engineering degrees require chemistry A-level (or equivalent), while computer science and design and technology subjects are an advantage.
For apprenticeships and college courses, C grades or above in maths and science are usually required.
FOR more information visit tomorrowsengineers.org.uk, ktp.innovateuk.org