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- Design, build and maintain electrical systems used in a wide range of commercial settings
- You'll need excellent science, technology and maths skills
- Progress to lead projects or move into consultancy or teaching
You'll usually work on projects with other professionals, like civil engineers, architects and engineering technicians.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
As an electrical engineer your day-to-day tasks will depend on the industry you're in, but could include:
- Carrying out feasibility studies for new technical developments
- Drawing up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer-assisted engineering and design software
- Estimating costs and project timings
- Coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
- Testing installations and systems and analysing test data
- Making sure projects meet safety regulations
- Overseeing inspection and maintenance programmes
- Attending meetings
- Writing reports
- Giving presentations
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in a factory, at a production plant, at a power station, in a workshop, at a research facility or in an office. You could work in different industries, from power and renewable energy to transport, construction and manufacturing.
You'll need
This role requires excellent maths, science and IT skills, the ability to make and understand technical diagrams, analytical skills, the ability to explain design ideas clearly, and decision-making skills.
You could do a degree in electrical or electronic engineering to get started. You may also be able to get into this career with a degree in electromechanical engineering, building services engineering, applied physics, aeronautical engineering or mechatronics.
You could also do a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at college before looking for work or an electrical and electronic technical support engineer higher apprenticeship.
You can apply for jobs if you've got qualifications and several years' experience in a related area of engineering, for example electronics. If you don't have experience you could start as an electrical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
You'll need to take a colour vision test for this role.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You can improve your career prospects with incorporated or chartered engineer status. Chartered status can help you move into electrical design and project management roles, specialise in a particular field, or work as an engineering consultant.