Finding the right job in engineering can be hard.
Engineering jobs make up 19% of the UK’s total employment, and they are still in high demand!
This article will show you some insights on engineering jobs in energy.
Key Sector for Engineering Jobs
Engineering jobs span many sectors, with key areas including renewable energy, offshore wind, oil and gas, energy transition, and civil engineering. These industries require skilled professionals to design and build critical infrastructure, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and large-scale construction projects necessary to support the world’s transition to new energy sources.
Engineers turn ideas into reality.
Electrical engineering is another key area. It involves working with the national grid and finding ways to store energy and touches on most types of equipment now as we move away from diesel powered equipment. Chemical engineers focus on alternative fuels and carbon reduction. Mechanical engineers create parts for machines used in these projects. All these roles help make energy sources cleaner and more reliable. Production engineers focus on oil and gas separation. Carbon capture and storage will utilise much of the engineering capabilities from oil and gas, including drilling engineers, well engineering and pipeline engineers. There are so many requirements for engineers across the energy sector that there is an abundant of career opportunities with excellent salaries.
Skills and Qualifications for Engineering Roles
After exploring the key sectors for engineering jobs, let’s move on to the skills and qualifications needed for these roles. Engineers must have a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities: Engineers often face complex challenges, from creating renewable energy systems to making sure water slides work safely.
- Good maths and science skills: Subjects like physics and chemistry are essential.
- Solid communication skills: Engineers need to explain their ideas clearly. This is important in team projects and when dealing with employers or clients.
- Ability to work well in a team: Many engineering tasks, such as planning infrastructure or constructing renewable energy plants, require teamwork.
- Technical knowledge: A deep understanding of specific areas, such as software for digital systems or mechanics for aerospace applications, is crucial.
- Creativity: Engineers need to overcome complex challenges quickly which can require a tremendous amount of creativity.
- Attention to detail: This ensures safety and efficiency in everything from civil engineering projects to the setting up of solar power systems.
- Project management skills: Being able to manage time and resources effectively helps when overseeing construction sites or handling production schedules.
- A degree is usually the best start: Most engineering roles require at least an undergraduate degree in engineering, unless you have relevant experience that gives you a significant advantage.
- Postgraduate study can be beneficial especially if you are applying for the better known large companies like the BPs and Shells of this world, where everyone knows who they are, and they receive 1000’s of applicants for job positions. They often go through a thorough application process, have a high starting salary and most importantly they have a strong training programme and will invest a significant amount of money on your development.
- Enthusiasm for ongoing learning: With rapid changes in areas like decarbonisation, sustainability, and net zero targets, engineers must keep their knowledge up-to-date through industry specific courses.
Each of these elements plays a part in shaping successful engineers who can tackle today’s energy demands and push forward innovations across various sectors.
Emerging Trends in Engineering Careers
Let’s focus on the evolving trends influencing engineering jobs. Significant transformations are happening in the energy sector, the rise of offshore wind, solar, carbon capture and storage, tidal, wave technologies and battery storage, each with their own subset of innovations to support these new sectors.
Similarly, the surge in demand for grid connection specialists who can ascertain seamless integration of emerging energy sources with our existing electricity networks is problematic.
It may sound obvious, but with all the electrification happening, electrical engineers and high voltage specialists are extremely high demand. Therefore the more engineers who chose to work in these areas will help advance the transition to renewable energy.
Conclusion
Engineering jobs are growing fast across the UK. This field offers wide opportunities, from creating cool gadgets to building structures that last. With new trends like energy transition and heat pumps, engineers lead the way in solving today’s challenges.
This mix opens doors for many, including entry-level employees and top managers, aiming for the highest paying roles.
Diversity and inclusion also stand at the core of this evolving sector, welcoming all innovators ready to make a difference. Let’s shape the future by joining this exciting journey in engineering.
Go back to learning about other energy careers.