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Asked by Bale to Agata, Chris, John, Kirstin, Michael on 12 Jun 2016.
Question: What qualifications would I need in order to become a design engineer?
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John Allport answered on 12 Jun 2016:
To become a design engineer, you would typically need Maths and Physics A levels. There are then many routes, although the most straightforward way is to take an engineering degree, however I have worked with designers who have started by doing an apprenticeship (as I did) and then HND / BTEC qualifications. The one thing to bear in mind is that you can always go back and take further qualifications. I started off as an apprentice in a coal mine, but have since been to university 3 times (not including the fact that I now work in one) and have ended up as a Professor of Engineering. You never stop learning, it just takes different forms as you get older.
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Agata Suwala answered on 13 Jun 2016:
Generally speaking there are two routes : university or apprenticeship. Both will get you to the point when you can call yourself an engineer but they are quite different.
I’d say if you want to do design university is probably an easier route – you will finish it with basic knowledge of mechanical engineering and CAD packages. The apprentice route will require more time and you might struggle to find a scheme that will teach you CAD packages.
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Chris Hackett answered on 13 Jun 2016:
The role I have now required a minimum 60% pass of a university degree in the relevant field. But now I have experience in my job when moving to another I would think the work experience would be more valuable to the company. The degree just acts as the base of knowledge.
Doing a apprenticeship as Agata mentioned would also lead you to the same place but through a more technician role than a design role. This is because technician role can be taught by the company by doing the task, the design role requires a more intensive method of study.
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