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			What is Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Computer Engineering Civil Engineering Latest advances in the Engineering world What is Chartered Status Industry Bodies Profiles of people currently working in the industry

Which industry can rightly claim to have the greatest influence over how we lead our lives - Media, Politics, perhaps Brewing? In fact none of these, the Engineering industry is the cornerstone of the UK economy and is vital to wealth creation.

We rely on the work of engineers for our electricity, water, our homes, television and of course the internet.

If you ever look at a machine, for example a refrigerator, have you wanted to know how it works, rather than just admiring it because it does work? If you look at a bridge or a building and think about the structure, or have thought about (and examined) the inner workings of your car - Engineering might be the profession for you.

What is Engineering?

Engineering is the art of applying scientific, mathematical and physical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to construct (or engineer) things that benefit people.

Engineers design everything from bridges to heart valves, jet fighters to pollution containment systems. Engineering is the process of producing a technical product or system to meet a specific need.

Engineering work is organised by traditional academic fields of study. The largest of these are chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical and computer engineering. There are also more specialised engineering fields, including aerospace, ocean, nuclear, biological, and environmental engineering.

If you are interested in the latest technical developments, you might consider a career as a research engineer. If you have lots of ideas and creativity, design engineering may be for you. Analytical engineers are methodical people working with figures and physical laws. If you like conducting laboratory experiments, look into becoming a development engineer. Sales engineering could be a good choice if you are charismatic, an excellent communicator and enjoy working with people.

Types of Engineering

Engineering is a highly diverse sector comprised of many disciplines. All are highly technical and deal with the development of solutions and new applications. The sections below address the key disciplines of engineering:

Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are involved in all aspects of chemical production, research and design, construction and the operation of industrial plants.

Chemical engineers will usually specialise in one area, such as food, pharmaceuticals, heat transfer and energy conversion, petrochemicals (chemicals made from petroleum or natural gas), or consumer products such as plastics, detergents, paint, and synthetic textiles.

They develop equipment to manufacture chemicals and related products, conduct research to develop new manufacturing processes, analyse operating procedures, equipment and machinery functions, and make recommendations for reducing processing time and cost.

They design equipment for safe storage and transportation of chemical solids, liquids, and gases, as well as design control systems for chemical plants, based upon data from lab experiments and pilot plant operations.

Working as part of a team they coordinate with scientists and other engineers to find solutions for environmental or biomedical problems.

Other chemical engineers who have knowledge and experience in both the scientific and production aspects of the work may be employed as administrators, project directors, sales engineers, or technical consultants.

Entry Level Qualifications
Because their work is multi-disciplinary, Chemical Engineers must be knowledgeable in chemistry, physics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as in their own specialty.

• Graduate chemical engineer
• Working knowledge of current PC based process engineering software
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A good team player, proactive with strong influencing skills
• Highly results orientated, accustomed to meeting tight deadlines
• Good planning skills for short and long term project work

  Entry level Salary: £22K-£32K depending on experience
  

Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineers will design, produce, maintain and develop machines. Whether building components, engines or entire systems, Mechanical Engineers are bound only by the limits of their imaginations and the laws of physics.

Examples of the kind of projects specialist mechanical engineers would work upon include automated assembly line robots, defense systems, railway maintenance vehicles, machine tools, and F1 racing cars.

Mechanical Engineers are also involved with the conversion of energy to other forms for example internal combustion engines and large power-generating stations.

The field is varied and Mechanical Engineers can work in different areas including: design, testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales or teaching.

Computers have become an integral part of the mechanical engineer's role. Using CAD systems they can create realistic geometric models of objects and view these models from any angle they choose. Particularly exciting is that engineers can now output these 3D designs to a solid object printer which outputs a plastic/wax prototype in 3D.

During the testing process if problems arise the test engineers may recommend design changes, perhaps changes to materials, particular components or manufacturing procedures.

Mechanical Engineers design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems comprised of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Working in teams with design and test engineers, they develop the product and the production process concurrently.

Sales of sophisticated technical products frequently require knowledge of how the device or system operates. Therefore, Mechanical Engineers are sometimes employed as sales representatives. They solicit new business and furnish technical assistance to customers; they also provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.

Entry level Qualifications
Mechanical Engineers have to be good team players and often need flexibility in terms of hours and location. The role may involve visits to outlying sites therefore a full driving license and access to their own vehicle may be needed.

• Educated preferably to degree level in a relevant engineering discipline, but HND qualifications with relevant experience may be considered.
• Chartership or working towards chartership is strongly preferred.
• Three to five years industrial experience
• A good level of IT literacy
• Good communication skills.
  
  Starting salary £25K+
  

Electrical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics engineers are involved in the science that studies elementary particles called Electrons.

There is a distinct difference between the two types: Electrical Engineers specialise in the production, transmission and uses of electrical power. Electronics Engineers are more involved with low power applications including radio and television, computers and telephones.

When Edison first patented the light bulb electricity was considered a novelty, today it is a necessity. Heating our water and homes, and powering the digital revolution. It is an exciting and profitable industry to be involved with, from the latest communication systems to computer chip evolution, global positioning and data storage.

We still rely heavily on fossil fuels for our power, Electrical Engineers work in plant construction and design, and try to source new more efficient energy systems.

Many Engineers also write technical manuals, instructional pamphlets, and installation instructions.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers frequently present the findings of their work in oral presentations, as well as in technical reports. This requires the keeping of accurate records of all work performed and the ability to clearly communicate findings and results. Much of their time is also spent consulting with specialists in other engineering disciplines and business occupations.

Entry level Qualifications
Much of the work is computer based and experience with a personal computer is essential. Initiative is also a core requirement because often you work alone.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Graduate with a degree from a recognized university with specialisation in electrical engineering.
• Possibly experience in the design of industrial high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage distribution systems to 10 MVA.
• Possibly experience in the design of industrial control systems using relays and PLCs.
• Possibly experience in the design of electrical systems for buildings and for multi-building sites.
• Possibly experience in the design of variable-frequency drives for large industrial motors.
• Possibly experience in the field inspections of industrial and building electrical systems.

  Entry level Salary - £28k+

Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways for an organisation to use the basic factors of production-people, machines, materials, information, and energy - to make a product or provide a service.

They are the link between management goals and operational performance. They are more concerned with increasing productivity through the management of people, methods of business organisation, and technology than the engineers in other specialties, who generally work more with products or processes.

To solve organisational, production, and related problems most efficiently, industrial engineers carefully study the product and its requirements, use mathematical methods such as operations research to meet those requirements, and design manufacturing and information systems.

Industrial engineers determine which plant location has the best combination of raw materials availability, transportation, and costs. They also develop wage and salary administration systems and job evaluation programs.

Industrial Engineers must also understand ergonomics (which seeks to adapt working conditions to suit the worker) and consider how the machines and work environment affect the worker. They design work stations to reduce fatigue and prevent discomfort and work related injuries. They check the fit of chairs, the positioning of equipment, computers and keyboards, and the height of desks and tables.

Industrial Engineers are sometimes known as manufacturing engineers, operations or systems analysts, process engineers or facilities engineers.

Many industrial engineers move into management positions because the work is closely related.

Qualifications

• Conversant with World Class machining and assembly techniques, together with a deep understanding of industrial engineering.
• BA Degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering plus experience in electronics or equivalent.
• Ability to read engineering blueprints
• Tool making skills
• Possibly required competency to teach/train employees on production methods/procedures

  Salary - £25k+

Computer Engineering
Computer engineers are either concerned with software or hardware. Software engineers are skilled programmers. The language currently most in demand is C++. Software engineers construct complex solutions, for example defense missile guidance systems, navigation, communication.

Software engineers require a very logical thought process and methodical mind. Firstly they have to think of a solution to a problem, and this is a problem because there are usually many many different ways of programming to the same effect. Then after completion, if there is a problem they have to go back and check where the problem is, this could mean pawing over reams and reams of code, isolating and checking each section.

Hardware engineers are closely related to electronic engineers, usually dealing solely with computer systems. They design processors, disk drives and monitors. As with other engineers they maintain current technology whilst constantly looking to find new, faster, more efficient ways of doing things.

Often working in teams; there are aspects of project planning, coordinating the activities of team members and managing resources, time management, and taking an active role in quality improvement.

Qualifications for a software engineer

• C++/OO Ada knowledge and experience
• Degree (or Equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics
• 5+ years' proven experience in a real-time environment
• Excellent team player
• Excellent organisational skills
• Flexible attitude
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to travel on business at home and abroad for up to 2 weeks at a time

Other useful skills:
UML, Rational development tools, Java, Corba, Graphics/Open GL, Maps, EFA toolset, Safety Critical Development, Low level Board Support Packages (BSPs), HOOD, CORE, Device drivers, LynxOS, VxWorks

NB: Hardware engineers require the same background as electronics engineers, with good programming knowledge.

Salary £20k - 40k depending on experience

Civil Engineering
Civil Engineers plan, design, and direct the construction and maintenance of roads, roundabouts, bridges, pipelines, airports, amenity infrastructure, and many other types of facilities.

They may work in a specific field such as construction, land development, structural or hydraulic design, soil mechanics, waste water treatment, or solid waste management.

They identify a need, survey and take measurements, then propose solutions based around the local topography, geology, population habits, etc.

They may go into the field to make sure that work in progress conforms to the plans and specifications; they may also inspect existing structures that may need repair or replacement. In transportation, engineers design streets and highways and plan alterations to improve traffic flow.

They may also prepare reports on environmental impact. Civil engineers may further specialise in a particular part of the process such as improving traffic signs, planning and designing impact devices, or studying pedestrian traffic. Others study population growth and industrial trends to determine future transportation needs.

Qualifications

• Civil engineering graduate with relevant experience
• Progressing towards professional qualifications
• Able to undertake limited design of simple elements under the instruction of senior engineers.
• Ability to use AutoCAD and produce working drawings under minimum supervision.
• Some site visits involved, inspections on works and meeting with clients.

Latest advances in the Engineering world
In an industry that thrives on technological evolution, it can take a very long time to develop new concepts. Here are a couple of examples of technologies have yet to reach the general public but are currently being worked upon by engineers:

• Bluetooth
• Wireless communication 3G
• Genetic engineering
• Material advances - strength combined by lightness
• Energy efficient fuels - battery cars
• Compact data storage

What is Chartered status
Chartered status is recognition of professionalism within the engineering world. A Chartered Engineer is registered with a supervisory body. For example the Engineering Council. It is believed that an engineer registered in this way is far more likely to be trustworthy and take into account all aspects of a project than one who is not registered.

In order to become a Chartered Engineer, one must first be a member of an engineering organisation such as the IEE. These organisations in turn require their members to meet certain educational standards, to have undergone professional training and to have acquired adequate experience in order to progress though the membership grades. Progression is not automatic, there are assessments and interviews at every step.

To achieve chartered status you have to adhere to the following criteria:

1. Accredited BEng(Hons) degrees: educational base
Four years' academic study for Chartered Engineer status is now required instead of three as the educational base. The requirement can be met by a three-year accredited BEng(Hons) degree plus a Matching Section.

2. The Matching Section concept
The Matching Section of approved further learning required by BEng(Hons) graduates to complete their educational base must include learning equivalent to one further academic year of study. This may be gained by full or part-time postgraduate courses, distance tuition or work-based learning focused towards your specific employment needs.

3. Initial professional development (IPD)
IPD is the acquisition and development of the skills, specialist knowledge and competence needed to practise in a specific area of engineering. All IPD activity must be recorded and certified by a supervisor or mentor and may be subject to assessment.

4. Professional Review
The competence achieved through IPD is demonstrated and assessed in a stringent Professional Review, the final step before registration. The assessment is based on evidence of professional competence set against agreed criteria for the type of work.
The Professional Review requires the candidate to demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and to the engineering code of conduct and relevant codes of practice.

5. Final stage registration and Chartered Engineer status (CEng)

Industry bodies

The Engineering Council - Eng. Council
With over a quarter of a million professional engineers and technicians on its national register, the Engineering Council promotes and regulates the profession to maintain a world-class engineering work force in the UK and a standard against which overseas professional engineers are judged.

High standards are vital to ensure the integrity of the profession and the health of the economy. At the heart of professional standards is the UK Register of qualified engineers and technicians which the Engineering Council maintains. There are currently over 260,000 Chartered Engineers (CEng), Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Technicians (EngTech) on the Register.

The Engineering Council runs the profession's world-wide examination, for individuals who do not have accredited degrees but who wish to meet the required academic standard for registration as a chartered engineer.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers - IMechE
The United Kingdom's qualifying body for mechanical engineers. Founded 150 years ago by George Stephenson, of 'Rocket' railway locomotive fame there are currently around 83,000 engineers world-wide registered as members.

The Institution has grown to cover the entire range of technologies and industries in which engineers work. It is committed to 'technology transfer' as well as ensuring the highest professional standards.

Members work in research, design, development, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, contracting, consulting and teaching, in fields as diverse as lubrication, satellite launching, surgical implants and in power stations. All find out about the latest developments in their own and related fields in the Institution's hundreds of conferences and events.

IMechE publishes a number of magazines, journals and dozens of volumes of technical papers.

Corporate Members may register as Chartered Engineers, the European Community's recognised standard for engineers qualifying in the UK.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers - IEE
Representing the public, professional and educational interest of over 140,000 electrical, electronic and manufacturing engineers world-wide. Key activities include publishing, the organisation of conferences, the maintenance of technical standards, interaction with government departments and the provision of scientific and technical information services.

Founded in 1871, the Institution of Electrical Engineers is the largest professional engineering society in Europe and has a worldwide membership. These men and women, who have joined together to promote the advancement of electrical, electronic and manufacturing science and engineering, ranging from students to the most distinguished and highly qualified members of the profession.

Age: 26

Occupation Title: Thermal Engineer, Rolls-Royce

Job Description: Provide technical support to the design and development of compressors in civil aero engines.

What do you do in a typical day?: Use finite elements to analyse the thermal response of compressor components, basing analysis on test data. Provide technical advice to design and development colleagues.

How did you get your job?: Originally joined the marine division of Rolls-Royce as a stress engineer in 1997 through an Agency (TPS) and made an internal job move last year into the aero division.

What are the best things about your job? Variation, interaction with other engineers, technically challenging, fast moving.

What are the worst things? Lack of warning about tasks. Jobs cancelled due to requirements changed by the customer.

What do you think you will be doing in 5 years time? Supervisory role in engine development projects.

Is there public misconception about the role of an Engineer? I expect most people don't know about the design and analysis side of engineering, but consider engineering to be factories, assembly, servicing and generally getting dirty.

Finish this sentence "The Millennium Bridge is a ...great feat of wobbily engineering"

Would you ever use your job title in a chat-up line? If so, has it been successful? Probably not - if my wife found out she'd kill me! Although saying you work at Rolls-Royce often raises an eyebrow, which I like to think means the person is impressed.

What could be done to attract more woman into the industry? Give a clearer explanation of what working in an engineering office/environment is like. Tell girls at school, providing interactive engineering workshops that explain what engineering involves. School age is normally the point at which people decide their career direction.

Who would you rather leave your car with - Daisy Duke or Phil Mitchel? Daisy, the Dukes rule and Eastenders is utter pants.