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What’s your job?

I’m an engineering apprentice.

Qualifications

I’m doing my college first-year basic engineering HNC (Higher National Certificate), which is one day a week. I also work here four days a week on different placements.

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Jade - engineering apprentice
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Jade - engineering apprentice

How did you get started in this job?

When I was 16, I decided that I wanted to go into law and I picked it as one of my A-levels. I dropped it after the first year because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I realised I found electronics more fun and looked into doing engineering.

My teacher used to work here and told me about this apprenticeship. My initial thought about engineering was that I’d be getting under a machine or something, but it isn’t like that. The apprenticeship is four years and I will spend my first two years moving around placements working in design and assembly. In the first two years you just get a feel for all the areas within the company, then the last two years you work in a specific form of engineering, such as test engineering or design engineering.

Best thing about your job

I think it's brilliant that I get paid whilst I’m learning. I’ll still get relevant qualifications and maybe even go on to do my degree.

Jade Engineer
Image caption,
Jade shares the twists and turns that led to the fun of being an engineering apprentice.
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What to expect if you want to be an engineer

  • How many people work in the engineering sector?
  • What can you earn in different roles?
  • What routes can you take to get in?
  • Is the demand for engineers expected to grow in the future?

Watch the film to find out the answers to these questions, and much more!

Other resources

  • See what type of engineering role might suit you with the
  • Find out more about the different areas of engineering with this
  • Learn more about roles in engineering with the
  • Discover a practical new way to study via .

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.


Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

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Image caption,
Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.
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How to become an engineer. collection

Find out more about the engineering sector and how those currently working in it got their foot in the door.

How to become an engineer

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Sally: civil engineer technician

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Chris: interpretation officer and zookeeper