• Question: How long did you have to train to become an engineer

    Asked by anon-74596 to Amber on 18 May 2020.
    • Photo: Amber Villegas - Williamson

      Amber Villegas - Williamson answered on 18 May 2020:

      Hiya this is a great question and it’s important to remember that my journey / someone else’s journey may be completely different to yours.

      For me I went to uni after A-Levels/AS-Levels and completed a bachelors in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. It took me 4 years to do a 3 year degree course as during my second year my granddad passed away so I missed a few exams.

      Since leaving uni I have worked continuously in various engineering roles for different companies which I’ve enjoyed and gained skills/knowledge/friends along the way. All the roles I’ve had have been connected to Data Centers so now my focus is 100% on them.

Comments

  • Photo: Selina

    Selina commented on :

    After my A-Levels, I went to university to do a degree in Structural Engineering and Architecture. I studied for a Master of Engineering (MEng) which is a 4 year course. I chose to study an MEng as opposed to a 3 year bachelor degree (BEng) because this fulfills the minimum educational requirement to become a Chartered Engineer.

    An alternative route into becoming an Engineer would be Apprenticeships which you could start after your GCSEs. As an apprentice, you can work and study at the same time which is great for on-the-job training. Some companies also sponsor your university degree i.e. pay for your tuition! Apprenticeships may run from a minimum of two years or 4-5 years for degree-level apprenticeships.

  • Photo: James

    James commented on :

    Hello! I imagine my Journey is slightly longer than most. I went University after completing my A-levels. I spent 5 years at University studying Chemical Engineering: I studied for two years, then I completed a work placement for one year with a company, I studied for one more year to get a bachelors degree and then I decided to go back for a final year to get a masters.

    After leaving University I spent one year working in a shop (Debenhams) to save money to go and travel around Asia – I went to Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and many more. I then managed to get onto a graudate scheme, as a Chemical Engineer. I will now work to become a chartered engineer – I will become a chartered engineer when I have got more experience by working on many different projects. This should take me around 4 years!

  • Photo: siobhanmullan

    siobhanmullan commented on :

    I did a 4 year course at University as I entered foundation year after school as I did not study A-level maths. I completed my BEng after the 4 years. There are many alternative routes into Engineering now with Apprenticeships. I did a Masters qualification later in my year – I did this distance learning as I was working full time – over a 3 year period. I wanted to do this as it was in an area I was interested in – Renewable Energy. As an Engineer I have been continually learning throughout my career and hope to continue to do so. This has allowed me to gain professional qualifications and become a Chartered Engineer.

  • Photo: Fidel

    Fidel commented on :

    I did 2 years A-Levels and then went on to do a 4-year integrated MEng degree. I started working immediately after uni and I’m currently trying to gather experience to become a Chartered engineer with the IET. I feel like even though I’m an engineer now, I’m still constantly training to become an engineer or maybe a “better” engineer. There are many different routes though so I’d say explore all your options before you choose one.

  • Photo: Marty

    Marty commented on :

    Hi There,

    I left school at 16 and went to a Further Education College.

    Whilst I was there I completed:

    2 year BTEC National Diploma in Engineering
    Several City and Guilds Qualifications in 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design.

    I then left college and went to University:

    I did a 3 year BEng (Hons) in Computer Aided Design Engineering
    Once I finished the BEng I did a 1 year MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems.

    I then got my first job as an Engineer working in a Casting Plant and I also started a doctorate part time which I completed 7-8 years later.

    I also did a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management and an NVQ Level 4 in management., whilst working and doing my PhD.