Career pathways in Scotland

Secondary school students in a classroom at a desk working. One writes as the others look on.

Scottish skills and career pathways 

Discover the engineering and technology skills and careers pathways available to students in Scotland. Students can undertake National 3, 4 and 5 in school or undertake National Progression Awards, National Certificates or Skills for Work. 

For levels 6 & 7, students can choose to do Highers and Advanced Highers, as well as National Progression Awards and foundation apprenticeships. 

Students who are over 16 years old can consider options include Modern Apprenticeship SQV 3 and Scottish Vocational Qualifications in engineering and technology sectors. Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas are also available in engineering and technology-based subjects. In higher education, university degree courses can offer more general engineering courses, or cover specific fields of engineering, computer science, manufacturing or technology 

Career route map

Considering option choices and future steps with your students? Map it out using our national career route map for Scotland.  Download it for free and display on your classroom wall.

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Careers resources 

Discover more careers resources to support your students. Find out more about what engineering is, the types of engineering jobs and what a future career looks like. 

Engineer your future presentation

The presentation informs and inspires young people about the range of careers in engineering and technology.

From idea to career (Welsh language version)

What is civil engineering? What do mechanical engineers do? There are lots of different types of engineering careers available.

What is engineering? (Welsh language version)

Put engineering into context for your class with this 8 page booklet. Supports students and teachers understand engineering.

Engineer your future (Welsh language version)

Peiriannu'ch dyfodol shows students what a future in engineering and technology could look like. Use this exciting presentation to inform and inspire.

What is engineering?

Put engineering into context for your class with this helpful booklet. In 8 pages, this guide support students and teachers understand engineering.

My world, my future

From days out to podcasts there are many ways to inspire an interest in STEM. Download our free guide for students of all ages.

From idea to career

What is civil engineering? What do mechanical engineers do? Explore 12 engineering sectors in this booklet.

This is engineering posters

A set of 6 A3 size posters from the 'This is Engineering' campaign which really bring engineering to life.

100 jobs in STEM

Whatever their interests or skills, there's a job in STEM for every student. Download our poster and highlight 100 exciting job roles that link to STEM.

Career route map for Scotland (Welsh language version)

Career route map for Scotland (Welsh language version). This detailed route map showing possible routes into an engineering/technology career, through education and training in Scotland.

Career route map for Northern Ireland (Welsh language version)

Career route map for Northern Ireland (Welsh language version). Career pathways into engineering and technology for young people in Northern Ireland are varied.

10 great reasons to become an engineer

10 great reasons reasons to become an engineer poster. Show your students why they should work in STEM with this exciting poster.

Real jobs

Hear from real people doing real engineering and technology jobs. Watch our short videos to learn what these inspiring STEM professionals love about their role, what they do and how they got started. These case studies showcase different industries, roles and career paths. 

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