Pathways

Graduates with accredited degrees and experience of working in appropriate roles are encouraged to apply for registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. For entry onto an accredited engineering degree (see the Accredited Courses Database at http://www.engc.org.uk/registration/acad/search.aspx) students usually need: A Levels, or the equivalent, in mathematics and – depending on the discipline – physics and/or chemistry and design & technology. They also are likely to need GCSEs (grades A* to C) or equivalent including mathematics, English, and sciences.

Those without an accredited degree but with extensive relevant experience can also apply to become an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer through an individual assessment. Would-be engineers can also enter Higher Education by taking a foundation degree (see www.fdf.ac.uk for details) or, for example, HNC, HND or through a Higher Apprenticeship route. See the Route Map and www.engc.org.uk for further information about these routes and accredited degrees. Click here for more information about some of the skills that engineering graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate.

A key route for Engineering Technicians is to take Advanced Apprenticeships (England and Northern Ireland) or Modern Apprenticeships (Scotland and Wales). These lead to qualifications such as N/SVQ3, technical certificates and core skills and combine studying with employment. For entry into apprenticeships applicants will generally need a minimum of five GCSEs, including English, mathematics and science or technology subjects, often at A* to C because there is very strong competition for places. Young Apprenticeship completion is usually strongly welcomed for entry to Advanced Apprenticeships and Higher Diplomas (in England) may also be welcomed. More mature applicants are also strongly welcomed.

For more information about qualifications that may lead to a career in engineering and technology click here to download a one page document (last updated in November 2008).  Please note that this document contains a few examples of the many qualifications that may lead to a career in engineering and technology. 

 

Apprenticeships

If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship, find out more information about engineering-related apprenticeship programmes at www.apprenticeships.org.uk and all apprenticeships:

If you live in England
www.apprentices.co.uk

If you live in Scotland
www.careers-scotland.org.uk/Education/Training/ModernApprenticeship.asp

If you live in Wales
www.careerswales.com/youngpeople/choices16/apprenticeships_training.asp

If you live in Northern Ireland
www.delni.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsni

 

The new Diploma (England only)

The new diploma is an alternative to the traditional GCSE or A level route. It offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience. It can help you to develop the skills and experience that are valued by employers and which universities and colleges look for in potential students.

The new diploma can be taken alongside a variety of A level subjects. You should check with your school or college regarding timetable options, and the university or college admissions criteria for the required subject combinations.

 

Information about The Diploma for young people...

 

Diploma support for teachers/advisers...

  • A set of the latest Diploma campaign publicity materials are now available. Items are available to download on www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/diplomacommunications. If you would like to order printed copies of the materials please call Prolog on 0845 60 222 60, quoting the reference number on the back of each item.
  • The Diploma support programme website which includes case studies, on-line communities, a resource library and planning tools can be found at www.diploma-support.org

 

Further information

You can find out more about the qualifications that may lead to a career in engineering by accessing the enginuity Route Map

SEMTA (The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) also produce a progression map for engineering. Click here to download it from the SEMTA website.