Electronics engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towords this route

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant electronics subject.

Employers may accept related subjects if electronics was covered as part of the course. Examples include:

• aerospace engineering
• physics and applied physics
• computer science
• nanotechnology
• maths

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or a Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Electronic Engineering before applying for a job.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an electrical or electronics engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of physics
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Electronics engineers design and develop systems for industry, from mobile communications to manufacturing and aerospace.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• assess new developments or innovations
• prepare technical plans using computer-aided engineering and design software
• estimate manufacturing and labour costs, and project timescales
• co-ordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
• test prototypes and analyse data
• make sure projects meet safety regulations
• plan and oversee inspection and maintenance

Location : You could work in a workshop, in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : £26,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With incorporated or chartered engineer status you could:

• move into project management roles
• specialise in research, such as telecommunications, robotics or semiconductors
• work as an engineering consultant

You could also move into patent law.