Electrical engineer
Design, build and maintain the systems and equipment vital to industry, the railways and manufacturing.
Also known as: electrical design engineer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£519
Entry level
£1,115
Experienced
Monthly
£2,250
Entry level
£4,833
Experienced
Yearly
£27,000
Entry level
£58,000
Experienced
5,900
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would design, build and maintain the electrical systems and equipment that are vital to industry, the railways and manufacturing.
There are many industries you could work in, such as:
Transport – including rail electrification and signalling
Energy – generating, transmitting and distributing power
Renewable energy – solar panelling, hydroelectric power and wind turbines
Manufacturing and construction
Building services – dealing with lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems
You would use computer-assisted engineering and design software to draw up new project plans and circuit diagrams for high and low voltage electrical equipment.
You’d lead the installation of a system and make sure it meets the safety regulations.
Depending on the industry, you would:
assess whether new technical developments are feasible
create project plans
draw and interpret technical diagrams
estimate costs and timescales for projects
coordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
test electrical installations and systems
analyse the data from tests
oversee inspection and maintenance programmes
You’d also have to write reports, attend meetings and give presentations about projects. You’d need a good understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.
You would work on projects with other professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6: a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8), a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in:
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Applied Physics
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechatronics
Alternatively you can do a Modern Apprenticeship and gain relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electrical Installation (SVQ level 3).
Entry to a Electrical Engineering degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires Highers at BBBC or above; Advanced Highers are helpful.
An integrated Masters qualifications such as an MEng can also be studied at university. These courses incorporate more independent research and will give you a greater knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering science. They could also prepare you for further postgraduate study such as a PhD or EngD (SCQF level 11).
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Employers value work experience. Finding courses with work placements or taking on an internship can be especially useful.
Working towards incorporated or chartered status could benefit your career in the long-run. To do this, you would need to register with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
To work with electrical wiring, you will need to pass a Colour Vision Assessment.
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