You may have heard that engineering is a man’s world. Furthermore, you may have heard that the world of engineering is full of men who have all the technical skills in the world, but no social skills to match. In many people’s minds, an engineering career is a constant love affair between a man and his machines. 

Wait a second, though! Is it really all about nuts and bolts, spanners and screwdrivers? Definitely not. And do women actually work in engineering? Of course they do! Forget anything you’ve heard previously! Before you make the decision to get into engineering, you should firstly discover what it’s really all about.

Why is engineering so important?

It’s all about solving problems using specialist technical and practical skills. It’s all about maths, science, research, prototypes, design, maintenance and production.

Every industry and every area of society depends on the precise and efficient work of engineers. These guys provide technological solutions to the problems, issues and ideas that affect every area of our lives. They design, manufacture and maintain almost everything people and industries use, from computers, spacecraft and boats to corkscrews, buildings and chemical reactors. Technological advances would never happen without engineers. Consequently, the people who work in this sector are massively important in developing the future of our society.

Why are there so many different branches of engineering?

There are so many different areas of engineering to work in; however, most engineers choose to specialise in just one, such as chemical, automotive or robotics. Careers in engineering are constantly evolving and new processes and technologies are being developed all the time. This allows engineers to stay on the ball and react to new problems and challenges in their chosen field.

Engineering careers are constantly varied in terms of their job responsibilities, but also in their working locations. As an engineer you could be working in an office, in a laboratory, on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, in a factory, or even in outer space.

Each engineering discipline requires professionals with very specific skill-sets. However, each and every area of this sector is as complex as the next. Consequently, all engineers need to have strong mathematical skills, logic and the ability to rise to intellectual and practical challenges. If you've got what it takes, you might be the right candidate for an engineering apprenticeship.

A massive variety of industries need professional engineers. Some of the most popular include:

• Defence
• Space
• Energy
• Transport
• Environmental
• Medical and pharmaceutical
• Construction
• Marine
• Food and drink.

Many engineers have a variety of technical skills; however, many choose to specialise in a specific type of technical function, such as:

• Design
• Research and prototype development
• Production installation and maintenance
• Safety and quality assurance