Engineering jobs and apprenticeships
Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying physics at A-level and I have a quite a big passion for Engineering. In future, I am hoping to find a job line in one area of Engineering. However, I'm not sure which area of engineering to go into. In physics, I like to mathematical side and the areas like forces and motion and nuclear (basically the engineering side).I'm not sure whether to go into an apprenticeship with a company such as Rolls Royce in manufacturing engineering or to study some form of engineering at University. Could anyone help with recommendations of well paid engineering jobs and the path I should follow to get into these job lines? I don't want to hone in on one area in case I don't enjoy in, leaving me with nothing. Thank you
If you're not sure on what area you want to go into, doing a full degree is your best bet. Most Unis have a common first year for engineering, which means you can apply for a general engineering course and then choose a specialism after you've done a year doing general courses and trying out different diceplines. I know for certain Warwick does this, and in sure other places to, but I'm not an engineering student do I couldn't help too much with specific institutions.
The problem with an apprenticeship is that they're so specific that you will definitely limit yourself to a small area of engineering, whereas a degree is going to be more general. Also if you're enjoying physics Alevel, a degree is going to be more theoretical than an apprenticeship, so you might enjoy that more
. Really unless you're desperate to start earning or really don't want the debt, uni is your best bet.
The problem with an apprenticeship is that they're so specific that you will definitely limit yourself to a small area of engineering, whereas a degree is going to be more general. Also if you're enjoying physics Alevel, a degree is going to be more theoretical than an apprenticeship, so you might enjoy that more
. Really unless you're desperate to start earning or really don't want the debt, uni is your best bet.
Original post by Gohltogo
Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying physics at A-level and I have a quite a big passion for Engineering. In future, I am hoping to find a job line in one area of Engineering. However, I'm not sure which area of engineering to go into. In physics, I like to mathematical side and the areas like forces and motion and nuclear (basically the engineering side).I'm not sure whether to go into an apprenticeship with a company such as Rolls Royce in manufacturing engineering or to study some form of engineering at University. Could anyone help with recommendations of well paid engineering jobs and the path I should follow to get into these job lines? I don't want to hone in on one area in case I don't enjoy in, leaving me with nothing. Thank you
Do you want to work in the Engineering industry? If so then any area will be fine - automotive, electrical, mechanical, motorsport all have overlapping modules so you will not be pigeonholed.
I'd avoid Oxbridge and look for a degree with a year in industry and where you will learn the right skills for the workplace.
Hello mate, Have you considered doing Aerospace Engineering? You get to do a lot physics, aerodynamics, calculus, thermodynamics, etc. etc. I believe you would like as you enjoy physics and mathematics. I personally did BEng + MSc in Aerospace Engineering. I am currently working as a graduate manufacturing engineer in a Tier 1 automotive supplier (but looking to move to aerospace again), I get a decent salary for a graduate with 0 experience. I would suggest you go to uni. I see apprenticeships a way to get practical experience faster but I am not sure if you will be able to get as much "academic" knowledge instead of going to uni. You could definitely go to uni and after finishing it getting into a Graduate Programme. Hope this helps a bit.
Original post by Azzor
Hello mate, Have you considered doing Aerospace Engineering? You get to do a lot physics, aerodynamics, calculus, thermodynamics, etc. etc. I believe you would like as you enjoy physics and mathematics. I personally did BEng + MSc in Aerospace Engineering. I am currently working as a graduate manufacturing engineer in a Tier 1 automotive supplier (but looking to move to aerospace again), I get a decent salary for a graduate with 0 experience. I would suggest you go to uni. I see apprenticeships a way to get practical experience faster but I am not sure if you will be able to get as much "academic" knowledge instead of going to uni. You could definitely go to uni and after finishing it getting into a Graduate Programme. Hope this helps a bit.
Mechanical is probably the best bet (aside from general but most unis don't offer that) if you're unsure but your choices will be very broad with any engineering discipline. Rolls-Royce's manufacturing engineering grad scheme for example accepts any degree in engineering, maths, physical science or computer science.
Original post by Svesh
Oxbridge, Durham, Warwick offer General engineering so you can study all disciplines the first year then specialise 2nd or third year into a field you enjoy.
So if I were to study general engineering then specialise in a field (mechanical engineering for instance), how many years of University would that be around?
Original post by Gohltogo
So if I were to study general engineering then specialise in a field (mechanical engineering for instance), how many years of University would that be around?
I would not do General Engineering - it's not necessary as there is so much overlap. Look for plenty of CAD and design modules - and a good Formula Student team shows that students are learning 'real' skills.
Original post by Gohltogo
So if I were to study general engineering then specialise in a field (mechanical engineering for instance), how many years of University would that be around?
The same as someone doing MechEng (or whatever) from the start - so 3 years for BEng, or 4 years for MEng, with a year in industry (usually between Y2 and Y3) if you chose to do one.
You just specialise a little later in the course (or not at all if you don't want to).
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Are there any robotics engineering apprenticeships available in the UK?
- Where can i find computer science physical work experience?
- Mechatronics Degree Apprenticeships
- Engineering
- Can you become a biomedical engineer straight after degree in biomedical sciences???
- Dont want to do apprenticeship
- A university degree is needed to get a good job?
- How open is consultancy/finance to me after an engineering degree apprenticeship?
- Degree Apprenticeship in Chemical Engineering vs University route
- Applying for work in USA
- Software engineering
- Quality/Manufacturing Eng vs Mech Eng
- Engineering Degree apprenticeships
- Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship | Digital & Technology Solutions Level 6
- Welcome to Apprenticeships & Alternative to Uni!
- Applied Professional Engineering apprenticeship by Warwick
- Poor A level grades what can I do?
- Aerospace degree vs degree apprenticeship
- Can you get a job in engineering with a HNC?
- Civil Engineering
