Anyone doing engineering/ is an engineer? Please help :)?

Question

So I've just finished my A levels (didn't really know what to take so did textiles, psychology, photography and critical thinking and got an A,  2B's and a C) and part way through my course saw a careers advisor and found that what I really want to do is engineering. I love science and have really missed doing maths and physics since leaving school and really love cars and anything mechnical and finding out how stuff works (im one of those sad people who enjoys watching 'how its made' :/). I tried applying for engineering apprenticeship but I havent really studied appliable courses so Im going back to college to do a year long Engineering Btec level 3 diploma in september and I cant wait :) But in order to get an apprenticeship somewhere doing engineering will this be enough? Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances? Or to anyone that is an engineer is there anything that helped you to get into the area?

(Not sure if it makes any difference but I got good GCSE's too, 7A*'s, 7A's, 3B's, 1C and a D withs A's in maths and all three sciences, and I dont want to get into a job which involves lots of manual labour as Im not the strongest girl and I doubt I could hack it hefting big bits of metal around :/ )

thanks in advance :)

Tom · Accepted Answer

Engineering is as much about understanding design and applying a bit of maths/physics as it is about lifting (or cutting, welding or grinding) heavy lumps of metal.  You need to decide what professional level of engineering you are aiming for.  There is a range of engineering professional status from technician to chartered engineer (I include the link below).  At the moment, with the apprenticeship, you seem to be aiming for the technician or incorporated engineer level.  However, as someone who has got good academic results previously, if you have any aspirations at all to work in a role designing complicated things, analysing test results (in other words doing maths/physics), or supervising, you should not take an option that is less academic.  There are a range of college options to suit different people and abilities, but, simply, the most efficient way to become an engineer with a good job is to get a good degree in one of the engineering disciplines.

Jim · Answer

The apprentice might spend some time hauling garbage around but you need to observe engineers at work and ask questions. Look for opportunities that you'd like to apply to, and target your training towards them. After a while you'll find out what you really want to do.

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Anyone doing engineering/ is an engineer? Please help :)?

2 Answers