Answering your questions

The Match your passion panel answering your questions

Our Match your passion panel features industry experts from Lloyd Webber Theatres, the Met Office, the Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, Siemens, the University of Birmingham, Enter Engineering, Renishaw, EngineeringUK, and Mclaren Applied Ltd.

Meet the panel

Match your passion!

Adam
LW Theatres

Engineering and art often go hand in hand. A lot of what engineers do involves designing for people, which is where an artistic eye really helps. In my work, we create engaging experiences, whether it’s through lighting, sound, or staging. So, if you’re passionate about art, you’re already developing a perspective that could be a huge asset in fields like civil, design, or architectural engineering, where innovative, people-centred work is key.

Ethan
MedTec Design Services

Absolutely. Tons of engineering jobs involve being practical. Whether it’s from working on a lathe machine to welding you’ll constantly be working with sets of tools and machines. I have experience in practical engineering work from learning welding and sheet metal and had work experience at a CNC workshop. However, once I started CAD I learnt that’s what I wanted to do, but with the knowledge I picked up in the past being hands on, I had a better grasp of work. So, if it's a more direct and practical approach you would like to take then you can go down many engineering branches.

Sadie
Renishaw

There are lots of different skills involved with building with Lego that would apply to different types of engineering, so it depends which part of the Lego building you really like. If you enjoy coming up with ideas for creations, perhaps mechanical design engineering is for you. There are a range of different industries that need design engineers such as aerospace and automotive.

If it´s the actual building you enjoy, then a career in manufacturing or civil engineering would be more appropriate. Manufacturing engineers tend to work in factories, overseeing the production of parts for customers, including the assembly and testing of these parts, whereas civil engineers deal with overseeing much larger scale constructions such as buildings and bridges, working in multi-skilled teams to create these large structures.

Paul
Enter Engineering

If you enjoy science, design technology and art, a career in engineering design or product development might be perfect for you. Fields like industrial design, civil engineering, or environmental engineering combine creativity with technical skills, allowing you to bring innovative concepts to life. Art was my favourite subject at school and I went on to be a design engineer, which is actually a really creative job.

Sadie
Renishaw

Absolutely. Maintenance engineers specialise in fixing complex technical equipment in factories so this sounds like a great option for you. Another type of engineering you might enjoy is design engineering, where they come up with ideas and then make prototypes in workshops to test if these ideas work in real life.

Ethan
MedTec Design Services

Many doors can opened by doing engineering and it's very practical in everyday life. It can lead you in many directions from working in aeronautical engineering on planes either designing them or manufacturing them, to even solving problems and issues that could make your favourite F1 teams’ car better. Engineering is needed everywhere and the skills that you can gain can take you all over the world if that’s what interests you. There are so many routes you can take and there is always one for everyone that will get you the career you want.

Mohiuddin
RWE

Growing up, I was always interested in how things worked. I used to wonder how my toys or other things were created, what materials were used and what components were put together for the toys (action figures/remote control cars) to function. More often than not, whenever my toys broke or didn’t work, I used to try and fix them or find alternative ways to re-create them. Developing a curious mind and a practical approach towards problem solving is important for engineers as we are creative problem solvers that come up with solutions for modern issues in every single industry (energy, civil, environmental, medical, etc). There are lots of technical and creative roles in these engineering industries and if you are a curious and practical individual, then engineering is definitely a career path you should consider!

Paul
Enter Engineering

UK manufacturing offers careers that blend engineering with a passion for nature and sustainability. Sustainable manufacturing focus on creating closed-loop processes where waste from one product becomes material for another, mirroring nature’s cycles. In green product design, engineers develop biodegradable or recyclable materials that minimise environmental impact, while environmental engineers reduce emissions and conserve resources to lower carbon footprints. Roles in renewable energy integration are also expanding, with engineers adapting solar, wind, and other clean technologies to power manufacturing operations sustainably.

Engineering solutions can also benefit nature, where engineers design devices like wildlife tracking systems to monitor animal movements without disturbing their habitats. This data helps conservationists protect endangered species by understanding migration patterns, breeding, and habitat use. Although jobs like this can be hard to come across, there is still place in the sector for good engineers that are environmentally focused, as many manufacturing companies will have to adapt the way they operate to meet the goals of net zero.

Lisa
Met Office

Natural solutions that have evolved over time can be examined and used to inspire solutions to engineering challenges. Think of sticky weed (cleavers) and Velcro, or gecko feet and nanotubes – there are many interesting examples like this that you can look up online. It's also good to quantify and qualify engineering solutions in the environment through measurements of their impact on nature.

Lina
Maclaren Applied

Of course! When you are tinkering away you are in fact trying to solve a problem! Whether this involves altering the way something looks, feels, works or fits, you are using your curiosity to seek alternative solutions and that is what being an engineer is all about! Designing a solution can be done using existing knowledge or through more experimental approaches like trial and error. There is not a single set way of engineering, so let your creativity and curiosity go wild!

Unlocking specific subjects

Rebecca
EngineeringUK

Exciting opportunities exist for engineers and technicians at all levels with specific learning routes starting once you are 16 and further routes available from the age of 18.

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 and over. They take between 1 and 5 years to complete, depending on the level. Apprenticeships don’t usually have a set start date that corresponds to school term times – employers recruit all year round. In Scotland, you can do a Foundation Apprenticeship while you are still at school.

You will generally need Grade 4 (C) in maths, english and a science-related subject to be accepted onto an engineering apprenticeship, but each employer or training provider will set its own entry requirements.

Whether it’s an apprenticeship, T Level, degree or a Degree Apprenticeship take a look at the 'All routes into engineering' booklet to help you explore your own route into an engineering and technology career ().

Jo
UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy

While many engineering courses do prefer physics, not all require it. Entry requirements vary depending on the branch of engineering and the university. With your background in maths, economics, and biology, you might consider engineering fields that focus on skills you already have, such as biomedical engineering or chemical engineering. Some universities also accept maths as the primary requirement, while others may offer foundation years to help students without physics catch up. It’s a good idea to research specific universities and course entry requirements and speak with admissions advisors to find the options best suited to your subjects and interests.

Khadijat
University of Birmingham

One way of combining biology with engineering is to become a Biomedical Engineer. You can work on the development of cutting-edge and innovative MedTech devices that can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and monitoring of diseases. Such devices include medical implants, catheters, and surgical instruments, to name a few. You can also train as a Clinical Engineer via the NHS Scientist Training Programme. As a Clinical Engineer, you get the chance to work in the hospital and have more direct contact with patients.

Jo
UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy

To become an engineer, it’s vital to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with creativity and attention to detail. An A level in maths is typically required, as it lays the groundwork for understanding engineering principles, performing calculations, and analysing data. This qualification opens up more opportunities for you. Pursuing a Level 3 T Level engineering qualification or a Level 3 Engineering apprenticeship at 16 is an excellent way to gain valuable industry experience early on. Most engineering positions demand a degree in engineering or a related field. Additionally, knowledge of physics, IT skills, and proficiency with tools like CAD software are often essential. Strong communication skills are also crucial, as engineers frequently collaborate in teams and need to convey their ideas effectively.

Paul
Enter Engineering

Science is a key part of engineering as it helps you understand how things work and solve complex problems. Physics and chemistry, for instance, provide insight into materials, forces and energy – fundamental concepts in many engineering fields. However, you don’t need to be an expert from the start. Many engineering courses teach you the science basics you’ll need. Plus, with practical projects and hands-on learning, you’ll be able to apply science in real-world ways, making it exciting and approachable.

Lina
Maclaren Applied

I think the best way to get into motorsport engineering is to study physics and maths at A Level or FE and then pursue some sort of engineering degree. Motorsport engineering is interdisciplinary, and motorsport teams rely on many engineers with different specialties. If you don't know what type of engineering you prefer, I recommend pursuing a general engineering course where you will be exposed to all disciplines. Most universities will have a motorsport society, so get involved in that! Be sure to also look for summer or year-long internship opportunities within motorsport teams or automotive companies, as this will really help you learn about the industry and get ahead when it comes to applying for graduate positions. Most motorsport roles will specify an engineering degree as a requirement, however, some companies offer apprenticeship programs which will offer you the chance to study while getting hands-on experience. Finally, most motorsport teams post their job listings on LinkedIn or motorsportjobs.com so it would be a good idea to browse what is out there, find roles that appeal to you, understand their requirements and focus on developing those skills.

Jo
UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy

A strong passion for chemistry can lead to many exciting career paths in engineering. Chemical engineering is an obvious option, focusing on the design and operation of processes that transform chemicals into useful products. You might also explore materials engineering, which involves developing and testing materials for various applications. Environmental engineering offers opportunities to address pollution and sustainable practices, if this is something you have a keen interest in. While biochemical engineering combines biology and chemistry to improve healthcare and biotechnology. Additionally, roles in pharmaceutical engineering focus on drug development and production. With your chemistry background, you’ll be well-equipped for diverse opportunities in these dynamic fields.

Mohiuddin
RWE

Chemistry is the branch of science which looks into what things are composed of and investigating their properties and how they react with other things. If you have a passion for chemistry, chemical engineering is a good choice of engineering to consider and in terms of career paths, your options are limitless! You could work in the energy, chemical, petro-chemical, medical, bio-medical industries to name a few! Depending on your interests, you could opt for chemical engineering roles that are more technical or ones that are more project based.

Khadijat
University of Birmingham

There are numerous ways in which having a passion for engineering can improve medicine and help save lives. For example, as a Biomedical Engineer, you can work on the development of new medical implants, develop robots to improve surgical operations, and develop new ways of diagnosing diseases. You can also work with other scientists on the development of drugs and tissue implants thereby helping save lives.

Lisa
Met Office

Absolutely, yes! Art, design and technology skills are very sought after in the field of engineering, taking solutions from sketchpad designs to practical applications. One of our engineers at the Met Office studied Music Systems Engineering. The physical principles that hold true for sound support understanding of the physical world in which engineering exists. Also, the study of the 'system' aspect of the music system can be used to provide comparisons for non-engineers. All of these skills are needed to help communicate engineering to a wider audience in easy-to-understand formats – pictures often tell the story most clearly.

Jo
UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy

From a Level 2 qualification, you can progress to a Level 3 qualification. T Level technical qualifications in engineering are taken over two years, offering three pathways in engineering and manufacturing: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Maintenance, Installation, and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; and Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. They will provide you with 315 hours of industry experience alongside studies. Another popular route is Level 3 engineering apprenticeships, with roles like Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician, Engineering Technician and Machining Technician. Search for apprenticeships here:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-by-interests/engineering-manufacturing
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies/
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-hub-sector/engineering-and-manufacturing/ (This provides information about youth-friendly employers.)

Alternatively, look on local employer websites in their vacancies section.

Adam
LW Theatres

Bringing a production to life depends on structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering for everything from set design to lighting and sound. Film studios need similar expertise, whether it’s building soundstages, rigging lights, or setting up sound systems. With solid engineering skills, you could get involved in building these spaces or managing the technical setups and special effects that make film magic happen.

Paul
Enter Engineering

Green careers in engineering focus on creating solutions for environmental challenges and building a sustainable future. Renewable energy engineering, for example, involves designing solar, wind, and other sustainable energy systems. Environmental engineers work on water conservation, pollution control, and eco-friendly waste management. There's also a demand for sustainable architecture, green infrastructure design, and electric vehicle engineering. This is a growing sector and the demands on businesses to become more green with their manufacturing processes will result in a growth for green jobs.

Lina
McLaren Applied

Design typically refers to how an object or system's attributes (e.g. shape, placement, material or orientation) will allow it to achieve its purpose. This can be non-functional, like using colour wrap on cars to make them look cooler; or functional, like the wings on sports cars that make them go faster! Technology helps us create better designs, faster and with less waste! In the past, engineers had to hand draw their designs and create lots of prototypes to test whether their designs work. Now, we can use technology to draw up our designs and create computer models to test them out. Engineering relies on some outside-the-box thinking and studying design and technology will help you connect classroom concepts like maths, force and tolerances to practical designs!

Ethan
MedTec Design Services

Coming from someone who works in CAD, I know the benefit of it as the knowledge is needed everywhere. Even if CAD isn’t something you would like to do as a career, the knowledge you can gain from learning it will help you in the future. This is because you will have developed a more advanced thinking process, especially when it comes to how something is made and other scientific aspects such as how a material could react to the job it's needed to do. If a career in CAD is something you are interested in, then I would recommend learning it as soon as possible – even if it’s just the basics, having that knowledge would give you an advantage in engineering.

Why engineering?

Lisa
Met Office

It is the process of designing, building and maintaining structures, machines and systems. It involves applying scientific principles and mathematical methods to solve practical problems. It enables the creation of innovative solutions, the development of new technologies, and improvements to existing ones.

Sadie
Renishaw

Engineering is so much more than just physics and maths. Problem solving is a key aspect where engineers need to think outside the box to come up with creative, new ideas for existing problems. It is also about working as a team and communicating well. We have lots of challenging problems facing our world and lots of different types of engineers need to collaborate to have the best chance of solving these difficult problems.

Johnny
Siemens

Anyone with the right skills and passion can become an engineer. You don’t need to live in a specific part of the country to be an engineer. Engineering opportunities are available worldwide, and many roles offer remote work options. My advice would be to search the engineering trends and industries in your local area. Engineering is becoming more inclusive. It doesn’t matter what gender, ethnicity, or background you’re from. Everyone can become an engineer. If you’re passionate about solving problems and creating innovative solutions, engineering could be a great fit for you, no matter where you live.

Mohiuddin
RWE

The world always has problems and that means that it will always need people that can solve them! Engineering is the concept of using science and technology to design, test and build machines, structures or just anything in general. It is a job that is always in demand, is lucrative and fulfilling as it plays a crucial role in solving some of the biggest global issues there are, such as climate change and the UK’s goal to achieving net zero. There are different pathways one can consider to become an engineer: if you are more interested in academics, then university is a great choice, but if you prefer more practical work and less ‘studying’, then joining an apprenticeship or a technicians program is a good starting point on your way to becoming an engineer too!

Johnny
Siemens

Engineers need to convey complex ideas clearly. Practice writing reports, giving presentations, and collaborating with diverse teams. Work on your communication skills and take on leadership roles in student organisations or group projects. Join engineering competitions or hackathons. These events challenge you to solve real-world problems and often involve teamwork, which is highly valued by employers. Contact employers, colleges, and universities for local opportunities. Attend workshops, webinars, read articles, and apply for virtual work experience opportunities to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

My main advice would be concentrate on the skills required to be an engineer:

Self-Management: This includes skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, active listening, and time management. These skills help individuals stay focused, motivated, and productive.
Social Intelligence: Skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork fall under this category. They are essential for building and maintaining relationships, both personally and professionally.
Innovation: This involves creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills enable individuals to come up with new ideas and solutions, driving progress and innovation.

When applying for opportunities show evidence and give examples from your educational and personal experiences of these meta skills. What I look for is potential and your skills highlight potential.

Jo
UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy

T Levels are a Level 3 qualification taken over two years, offering three pathways in engineering and manufacturing: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Maintenance, Installation, and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; and Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. These courses provide 315 hours of industry experience alongside studies. Contact local colleges or sixth forms to see if they’re offered nearby.

Level 3 apprenticeships are another popular route, with roles like Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician, Engineering Technician and Machining Technician, all equivalent to A Levels. Apprenticeships blend classroom learning with hands-on experience, allowing you to earn while you learn and paving the way for further career growth. Search for apprenticeships here:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-by-interests/engineering-manufacturing
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies/
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-hub-sector/engineering-and-manufacturing/ (This provides information about youth-friendly employers.)

Alternatively, look on local employer websites in their vacancies section.

Rebecca
EngineeringUK

Employers in the engineering and technology sectors are actively seeking to recruit people who can offer experiences and ideas that reflect the population’s diversity, which includes people who are neurodivergent.

We all have skills which we have been developing since we were young, and the chances are, your unique strengths and interests which connect in with your skills as well as the ideas and experiences you have about the world around you could help you progress into a range of engineering and technology careers.

With jobs predicted to grow in all UK regions between now and 2030, the engineering sector needs people from diverse backgrounds to join the profession who want to make a difference in our world, by making it a healthier, safer, greener, happier and more equal society. Use this downloadable guide to support you in developing your interests in a way that suits you: My World, My Future – Where can STEM take me?

Johnny
Siemens

Engineering is a field that constantly evolves. Engineers need to stay updated with the latest technologies and advancements through continuous learning and professional development. This is also the case for potential engineers.

Developing technologies are not only enhancing the capabilities of engineers but also expanding the scope of what is possible in various fields. Our current engineers and engineering technicians are currently upskilling their knowledge in these developing technologies.

AI tools are revolutionising the design process by enabling more sophisticated simulations and optimisations. Engineers can now use AI to predict performance, identify potential issues, and optimise designs before physical prototypes are made (https://www.hubs.com/blog/ai-assisted-3d-printing/). AI is also automating repetitive tasks, allowing engineers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work. This includes everything from data analysis to predictive maintenance.

Robotics is transforming manufacturing with increased precision and efficiency. Engineers are now working with collaborative robots (cobots) that can safely work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety. The development of soft robotics, which uses flexible materials, is opening new possibilities in fields like healthcare and logistics. Engineers are designing robots that can handle delicate tasks, such as surgery or handling fragile goods.

3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, enabling engineers to quickly develop designs and bring products to market faster.

Paul
Enter Engineering

The future of engineering is bright and full of opportunities, especially with the push for sustainable solutions and technology innovation. In the next five years, we’ll see growth in renewable energy, smart technology, and green engineering. Fields like robotics, AI, and electric vehicle development are expanding quickly, and there’s a high demand for engineers to bring these ideas to life. This is a fantastic time to get into engineering, as the industry is constantly evolving and the skills you learn now will be in demand for years to come.

Rebecca
EngineeringUK

It’s not just engineering firms that can offer engineering-related work experience! There are engineers working in retail, hospitality, sport, manufacturing, film and other sectors. There are also many virtual work experience opportunities that can offer meaningful placements for students who are unable to access in-person work experience.

Universities host a range of events throughout the year such as challenges, competitions, open days, summer schools and careers festivals. Taking part in a variety of events, as well as volunteering, could offer valuable insights to help you with choices about your own route into engineering and technology careers.

Ask your school Careers Leader, Careers Adviser or teacher to take a look at virtual work experience opportunities with you, as well as taking a look at: In2scienceUK, Nuffield Foundation, Speakers for Schools, Industrial Cadets, Neon experiences, CREST Awards and The Big Bang Competition (for starters) and take a look at the student guide, ‘My World, My Future – Where can STEM take me?’ for further inspiration:

Rebecca
EngineeringUK

It absolutely is possible! Engineers and technicians work everywhere, doing all sorts of different roles. They can be found in offices, hospitals, high-tech manufacturing centres, at sea, underground, in space, at home, on construction sites, railways. Engineers are also employed outside of the engineering sector, for example, by theatres and retailers. Teaching is another option for people who have studied or worked in engineering – the UK needs more skilled STEM subject teachers to inspire future generations.

As you develop your understanding of your abilities, skills, preferences and natural aptitude, this will help you to determine the adjustments and accommodations you will find supportive in overcoming barriers and challenges in your education, work and lived experience within various environments. A careers adviser will be able to support you to research working environments and roles which optimise your skills and interests.

Here are some examples of differently-abled people who share their experiences of getting involved and working in the sector:

Lisa
Met Office

Overall, AI is expected to be a positive force in the engineering field, driving innovation, improving problem-solving and increasing efficiency. Machine learning will help with predictive maintenance and automation, which will give engineers more time to problem solve and use their expertise. To make effective use of AI, engineers will need to continuously adapt and develop new skills. For example, it will call for strong critical thinking skills, as engineers will need to consider a range of different AI solutions to a problem, scrutinising each of them in detail. It will change some job roles, and create new career pathways and opportunities.

Khadijat
University of Birmingham

A resounding yes, anyone can be a successful engineer. Being a successful engineer has nothing to do with gender or ethnicity. If you have a passion for solving problems, innovation and the courage to take on complex challenges, you have all it takes to be a successful engineer.

There are different routes into engineering, which give you lots of options after school. You can either take the route of going to university after A levels, or for those who love being hands-on, there are apprenticeships or T Levels, which give you practical experience of being an engineer while you study as well.

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