• Question: hello,How much training did you have to do to become an engineer?

    Asked by Sophie to Ryan, Nadine, Matt, Daniel, Allanah on 19 Jun 2019. This question was also asked by Anna.
    • Photo: Matt Keith

      Matt Keith answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      I first got my university degree in chemical engineering, then went on to do a PhD in the same subject. As part of the PhD, I’ve had quite a lot of informal training, but nothing official. This informal training has normally been how to use different types of equipment.

    • Photo: Nadine Priestman

      Nadine Priestman answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      That depends on what type of engineer you’d like to be. There are technical and mechanical engineers, for each type their training will be vary. I suggest you find some work experience first, to find out which one suits you best or find a careers event and ask the companies represented what they can offer you. Apprenticeships are usually the best way in as you get paid to learn and you get hands on training at the same time. They usually last 3-4 years with a year in the training school with one day a week at college or university. An outward bound course, drawing course and a STEM project. During the remaining couple of years you’ll be able go on rotation around the company, usually 12 weeks in each placement, learning the job. More information can be found on Rolls Royce website and search for careers.

    • Photo: Daniel Wye

      Daniel Wye answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      I completed a 3 year apprenticeship with combined academic and on the job learning. Through this I achieved an HNC, NVQ3, BTEC NC and NVQ2. Apprenticeships and Degrees are only the start of your training though – obtaining professional registrations (such as Incorporated and Chartered Engineer) take a lot of additional training and continuous professional development. This is usually linked more closely to your role than the broad scope of academic qualifications.

    • Photo: Allanah Green

      Allanah Green answered on 19 Jun 2019: last edited 19 Jun 2019 12:37 pm

      I think it depends on the entry level you start as. As i am doing an apprenticeship i get on the job training constantly so starting with 0 training. But our course is 4 years and we will be a qualified software and network engineer at the end of it .

    • Photo: Ryan Smith

      Ryan Smith answered on 19 Jun 2019:

      So I spent 4 years at university getting my Masters degree, and then at least another 2 years of work experience in industry before I got this job. It sounds like a long time, but it depends on where you want to get to. Some jobs need a masters and lot of experience, some don’t. Look at what you want to do and go from there.

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