Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers design, build and maintain electrical systems, machinery and equipment in lots of different industries.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an electrical engineer, you could:
- draw up project plans and technical diagrams, using engineering design software
- estimate costs and project timings
- test installations and systems, and analyse results
- make sure projects meet safety regulations
- co-ordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
- oversee inspection and maintenance programmes
We've identified this as a potential green job
For an electrical engineer to be a green job, you could:
- develop battery storage systems that store renewable energy
- carry out audits to make electrical systems more energy efficient
- work on renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines
Find out more about green careers
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 and progression
You can work in many different industries, from power and renewable energy to transport, construction and manufacturing.
You can improve your career prospects through professional registration .
Registration can lead to senior roles in:
- project management
- electrical design
- engineering research and development
- contracts management
- consultancy services
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- complex problem-solving skills
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You can do a foundation degree or 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
Look out for courses that offer work experience opportunities during your studies, such as:
- internships
- sandwich course placements
- Easter and summer vacation schemes
These can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or graduate training schemes. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
More Information
You could do a higher national certificate or diploma in electrical and electronic engineering at college before looking for a trainee engineer position with a company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
More Information
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, for example:
- Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship, which can lead to professional certification
These apprenticeships take up to 5 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could start as an electrical engineering technician and do training on the job to become 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 or power generation.
Career tips
Many courses and apprenticeships aimed at specific industries, such as aerospace, energy and defence, include electrical engineering as part of their training. It's worth looking into these as another route to becoming a qualified electrical engineer.
Further information
You can find more details about careers in the electrical industry from The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Electrical Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.