Career Pathways
The career pathways into engineering can be difficult to explain — so here at Enginuity, we’ve developed clear, simple diagrams to map out various routes into the sector in England, Scotland and Wales.
Why is it necessary to simplify career pathways into engineering?
Lack of engineering knowledge
Almost half (47%) of 11- to 19-year-olds say they know little or almost nothing about what engineers do.
Lack of pathways knowledge
Only 39% of 14- to 16-year-olds say they know what they need to do next to become an engineer.
Lack of teacher confidence
Fewer than half of STEM secondary school teachers express confidence in giving engineering careers advice.
Lack of parental confidence
Under one third of parents express confidence in giving engineering careers advice.
Designed for educators and employers
We’ve designed our career pathways infographics primarily for educators and employers engaged in STEM outreach. They are available to download for use in presentations, or in online and print resources for young people considering a career in engineering.
Career pathways in England
For students and professionals in England, this map shows how an aspiring junior engineer will need to first complete vocational and technical qualifications at GCSE level and then take on a Level 2 intermediate apprenticeship before securing the entry-level role. For a postgrad, a master’s degree could lead to a degree apprenticeship and then a job as a chartered engineer — one of the best paid positions in the field.
Career pathways in Scotland
In Scotland, someone looking to start their career as a junior engineer would need to complete a Level 5 Modern Apprenticeship after their Level 5 vocational and technical qualifications. To become an engineer, it requires Level 7 qualifications and the same level Modern Apprenticeship. Meanwhile, a chartered engineer wouldn’t need to complete an apprenticeship, but could qualify immediately upon graduating with a relevant master’s or doctoral degree.
Career pathways in Wales
Career pathways in Wales are very similar to those in England, but with the Welsh Baccalaureate as an additional qualification option in levels 1 to 3. There is also a slight change in apprenticeship structure: at Level 2, a foundation apprenticeship – rather than the English intermediate apprenticeship – leads to a junior engineer job; at Level 3, people based in Wales will take an apprenticeship to secure a principal engineer position, instead of the advanced apprenticeship required in England.
