Electrical Engineer

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

35 to 40 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Electrical Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

You can do a degree in electrical or electronic engineering. You may also be able to get into this career with a degree in:

electromechanical engineering
building services engineering
applied physics
aeronautical engineering
mechatronics

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at college before looking for work.

1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

level 6 Electrical or electronic technical support engineer degree apprenticeship
level 6 Electro-mechanical engineer

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as an electrical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

You can apply for jobs if you've got qualifications and several years' experience in a related area of engineering, for example electronics.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
design skills and knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
persistence and determination
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the industry you're in. You could:

carry out feasibility studies for new technical developments
draw up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer-assisted engineering and design software
estimate costs and project timings
coordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
test installations and systems, and analyse test data
make sure projects meet safety regulations
oversee inspection and maintenance programmes
attend meetings, write reports and give presentations

Working Environment

You could work in a factory, at a power station, in a workshop, at a research facility or in an office.

Your working environment may be at height.

Career Path & Progression

You could work in different industries, from power and renewable energy to transport, construction and manufacturing.

You can improve your career prospects with incorporated or chartered engineer status. Chartered status can help you move into electrical design and project management roles, specialise in a particular field, or work as an engineering consultant. The Engineering Council have further details on how to become a chartered engineer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training from Electrical Careers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

take a colour vision test