What is engineering?
Engineering is important. It is also challenging and exciting. Engineers use models provided by science combined with innovative thinking to solve problems and create new designs that benefit humanity. Engineers play key roles in meeting the needs of society in fields which include climate change, medicine, IT and transport.
What skills are developed?
- Communication (numerical, written and graphical)
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Technical skills (accuracy, mathematical)
- Explaining and understanding things
- Logical thinking
- Motivation and taking the lead
- Simulation
What kind of person does it take?
- Ability to see the ‘big picture’
- Good at planning and thinking ahead
- Sets targets and work towards them
- Interest in understanding systems
- A want to see knowledge applied in real life
- Ability to break big problems into smaller tasks
- Desire to solve problems
Horizons – where can this subject take you?
A career in engineering is interesting and fun. It involves a lifetime of continuous learning to adapt to changes in society and the natural world. It often involves working in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-site teams. It is a very worthwhile profession, and the results, when you succeed are incredibly satisfying.
Career options are huge but include:
Audio, Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Environmental, Geological, Marine, Mechanical, Petroleum, Software.
- Information on engineering careers
- Information on construction careers
- Information on energy careers
Many STEM graduates also enter the finance industry
Pathways – how can I make progression?
School
- N4 Engineering Science, N5 Engineering Science
- Entry requirements – S3 Engineering Science/S3 Physics; N4/5 Mathematics (not Applications of Maths)
College
Opportunities exist in the local colleges for many diverse engineering courses.
- Moray college offers practical and degree level courses
Employment
- Opportunities in local employers that offer Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships
University
Engineering courses on offer at university example
Related subjects engineering science works well with:
Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design and Manufacture, Business, Admin
