Ergonomist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can qualify as an ergonomist by doing a degree in ergonomics.

You can also complete a degree in a related subject then take a postgraduate course in ergonomics. Related subjects include:

• occupational therapy
• physiotherapy
• psychology
• sports science
• design engineering

You can find out more about accredited postgraduate ergonomics courses from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors .

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job by doing a Human Factors Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

It can take around 3 years to complete this apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

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

Work

If you work in industries like transport, healthcare or health and safety you may be able to complete short courses in ergonomics that will give you an insight into the field.

You can find out more from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors .

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of psychology
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of English language
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• to be flexible and open to change
• active listening skills
• design skills and knowledge
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Ergonomists research ways to design products, workplaces or systems to suit the people who need to use them.

You could:

• visit workplaces and speak with clients to find out about issues that need solving
• work with teams of professionals to develop ideas
• design office layouts and advise on suitable furniture and equipment
• advise on the organisation of production lines and workstations
• design equipment and improve access for people with disabilities
• develop equipment and systems that are easy to use and less likely to lead to problems
• change transport design to increase the safety for the driver and passengers
• design signs that are easy to understand
• carry out user trials to test new designs, and provide feedback to the manufacturer or client
• act as an expert witness in cases of industrial injury

Location : You could work at a client's business, in an office or at a university.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress into line management or project management.

You could move into consultancy work, or provide specialist services like workplace design or health and safety.