Engineering is a highly respected and well rewarding field with strong job prospects, these are things you want to consider when deciding how your future is going to look like. Before we get into what study methods to choose, lets take a look at some of the different types of Engineering routes you can follow to help you decide on a career path.
Aerospace Engineering– aircraft and spacecraft
Software Engineering– it systems and AI
Civil Engineering- Roads and bridges
Mechanical Engineering– engines and machines
Electrical and Electronic Engineering– power and electrical systems
After leaving school you can become an engineer through three primary routes. Your choice depends on whether you prefer practical, hands-on learning with a salary or an academic approach focused on theory
1. Apprenticeships
2. Vocational T Levels
3. University degree
1. Engineering Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training (80%) with classroom study (20%). They are offered at different levels based on your current qualifications.
Intermediate (Level 2): Equivalent to GCSEs; a starting point for those without high-level school results.
Advanced (Level 3): Equivalent to A-levels; often requires GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. Higher (Levels 4 & 5): Equivalent to a Foundation degree or Higher National Diploma.
Degree Apprenticeship (Levels 6 & 7): Allows you to earn a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree while working, with all tuition fees paid by the employer.
2. T Levels (Technical Route)
T levels are two-year courses taken after GCSEs that are equivalent to 3 A-levels. They are 80% classroom-based but include a mandatory 45-day industry placement to gain practical experience.
Specialising: You can focus on areas like Design and Development, Maintenance and Repair, or Engineering Control.
Progression: Completion can lead directly to skilled employment, a higher apprenticeship, or university study via UCAS tariff, where the college or University measure your qualifications to decide if you qualify for the course.
3. University Degree
(Academic Route)
This is the traditional route if you prefer academic study before entering the workforce.
Qualifications: You typically need A-levels in Maths and Physics (or Chemistry for chemical engineering).
Degree Types:
BEng (Bachelor of Engineering): A 3-year course focusing on technical skills.
MEng (Master of Engineering): A 4-year integrated course that is the standard academic path to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Foundation Years: If you don’t have the required A-level subjects, many universities offer a foundation year to prepare you for the full degree.
Annual salary by experience:
- Graduate / entry-level:
~£26,000 – £32,000 - Mid-career (3–7 years):
~£38,000 – £55,000 - Senior / chartered engineers:
~£55,000 – £80,000+ - Top senior / specialist roles:
£80,000 – £120,000+ (especially in tech, oil & gas, or leadership)
