When considering starting an apprenticeship, one of the aspects you may be looking at is where the qualification can take you. And the range of jobs which will be available to you when you have completed your course.
However, an engineering qualification is applicable across many industries. Meaning there should be a number of jobs which are available to you. Engineering also can be split up into “types”. It is these types we will be focusing on here, so read on and find out which branch of engineering is the most suitable for you.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It is also one of the most extensive. It is the process of designing, manufacturing and maintaining mechanical systems. This means that as a mechanical engineer, you may be needed to work on all stages of products life cycle.
To work as a mechanical engineer you will need to have an understanding of mechanics, thermodynamics, the science of materials and knowledge of electricity. This is due to the extensive nature of the discipline which we have touched on.
However, this does mean there are excellent job opportunities following qualification. There will be possibilities in different sectors including; automotive. aerospace, construction and manufacturing. As you progress through your development you will probably feel yourself favouring certain industries. And naturally you will start to look for jobs in your preferred area of expertise.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers build the world you see around you. Civil engineering deals with the building of roads, railways, bridges, sewage systems and pipelines along with almost all the built environment.
Civil engineers work with surveyors and architects in both public and private sectors. To attempt to improve the lives of the population through improving infrastructure.
Much like mechanical engineering, civil engineering can be split into a number of sub disciplines. These include some which are at the cutting edge of engineering. Such as, earthquake engineering, water resource engineering and environmental engineering. If you have a desire to be at the very forefront of what is being achieved in engineering. Civil engineering might be the avenue for you.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering, as its name suggests, is the branch of engineering which deals with the application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism.
In relation to other branches of engineering, it is a relatively new discipline. Only really coming to prominence in the latter half of the 19th century. As this was when the commercialisation of electronic devices began to occur.
Electrical engineering is an ever expanding discipline. As more and more everyday items contain electronic components. Because of this it is also now split up into many sub branches. These include computer engineering, telecommunications and nanotechnology.
If you have an interest in the latest smartphone updates, or the newest gadgets which are released. Then electrical engineering may be the branch you should be pursuing.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is the process of producing, transforming and distributing materials and energy around the globe. Chemical engineers are responsible for designing the operational processes and creating the health & safety protocols amongst other responsibilities involved across this industry.
This is probably the main branch of engineering to focus on if you have a highly scientific mind. Chemical engineering has a greater focus on maths, physics, and of course chemistry compared to many other engineering disciplines.
There are many industries a chemical engineer would work in. But the main sectors which utilize chemical engineers are the pharmaceutical and energy industries.
These are only the 4 main branches of engineering. There are many more which feed either directly or indirectly from these. And whatever your interests are there is sure to be an engineering discipline to match.
If you would like more information on the different types of engineering careers available to you. Contact TTE today, and we will give you the guidance you need to find your career path.