There’s a skill shortage in engineering – and companies are looking to young people to fill that gap as ageing engineers retire.
Engineering is an increasingly popular career choice among teens in the UK, with 51% of 11-16-year-olds saying they’d consider a career in engineering, up from 40% in 2013, says EngineeringUK.
Employers are looking for all kinds of engineering skills to fill a wide range of roles, from design engineers and field engineers to project managers and production supervisors.
Over the next decade, engineers will have the chance to get involved in a wealth of exciting long-term projects. In the infrastructure sector alone, HS2, Heathrow and Hinkley Point all offer career-defining opportunities for new engineers.
What’s more, becoming an engineer offers the opportunity to change the world, whether by designing greener vehicles, helping the defence forces ward off new threats, or pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
According to Glassdoor, a Junior Engineer at the start of their career can expect to earn over £25,000 a year. And thanks to the skill shortage, they can expect faster career progression than ever before.
For anyone looking to do something interesting and meaningful with their life, there’s never been a better time to choose a career in engineering.