How to become an engineer

To reach the professional standard of a chartered engineer (CEng), you'll need to achieve a recognised Masters degree and show the Engineering Council you're a worthy candidate

A report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on Engineering the UK's Future (January 2025) revealed that 124,000 skilled engineers and technicians are required annually across the UK engineering industry to keep up with demand. However, current projections show a shortfall of 37,000 to 59,000 workers.

To become a qualified engineer, you'll likely need to go through some or all of the following stages.

Choose an area of engineering

If you haven't already decided on the branch of engineering you'd like to work in, a general engineering degree can provide you with an overview of what's out there.

The main engineering disciplines can be divided into:

• chemical engineering
• civil engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• software engineering.

There are also many sub-divisions of engineering and areas related to other sectors, including:

• building and construction
• cyber security
• information
• manufacturing
• nuclear
• transport.

Once you're working as an engineer, applying for membership with a professional body is advisable.

Study an engineering Masters degree

Approved engineering professional qualifications are essential in this field, especially if you want to be awarded CEng status.

If you've worked in engineering since graduating, you may prefer to take a break before undertaking your Masters. Some non-engineering graduates choose to study a conversion course.

Alternatively, there are part-time integrated Masters degrees that will set up your career for achieving qualified status while working in the industry.

What is true is that you'll eventually require:

• an accredited Bachelors degree in engineering or technology
• plus an accredited Masters degree
• or an Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
• or an accredited integrated Masters degree
• or appropriate further learning to Masters level.

Read more about the engineering courses available at both college and university.

Get relevant engineering work experience

Many engineering degrees will include a sandwich year or year in industry, as it's also known.

However, if your programme doesn't include this option, it's worth exploring the possibility of doing a summer internship or applying for an industry work placement.

Talk to your programme leader about this. They may suggest contacting suitable engineering firms, or your university may already have links to the industry that could be explored.

Get the lowdown on securing engineering work experience.

Secure a job or engineering apprenticeship

After graduation, you're under no pressure to continue your studies immediately.

By applying for entry-level graduate jobs, you can get your career off to a great start. Some engineering firms may even support you in gaining further professional qualifications.

Engineering jobs and vacancies are advertised online plus in specialist press such as New Scientist and The Engineer.

Many of the 35 professional engineering bodies also advertise vacancies.

Learn more about graduate engineering jobs.

Another option is to consider an engineering apprenticeship. Offered by the biggest names in engineering and local firms, these positions allow you to earn a salary while learning your craft and achieving a relevant qualification.

Join a professional body

While this isn't necessary when looking to land your first graduate job, doing so provides you with access to:

• discussion forums
• networking opportunities
• the latest industry news
• continuing professional development (CPD)
• training events.

These things help graduates enter, develop and specialise in their profession. What's more, becoming a member of a chartered body is obligatory if you want to be assessed for registration as a chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng).

The benefits of being a chartered engineer

According to the Engineering Council, registering as a professional engineer:

• enhances your employability prospects
• increases your earning potential
• proves your professional competence and commitment
• gives you higher self-esteem
• allows you to have a more significant impact on the industry
• provides you with globally recognised credentials.

Recognised professional bodies in engineering

• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) - From introductory to advanced levels, the CIBSE provides membership and a range of training courses to aspiring building service engineers.
• Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) - Offers a range of courses in areas such as personal development and leadership, process safety and sustainability. Training from IChemE is peer-reviewed to ensure best practice is reflected.
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - A registered professional body with the Engineering Council, membership provides access to several professional development courses.
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) - Offers the IET Advantage Scheme, a membership option that helps recent graduates become CEng or IEng registered.
• Institution of Engineering Designers (iED) - The UK's only professional body representing those working in engineering and technological product design.
• Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) - The only professional body that covers all aspects of food technology in the UK.
• IMechE - Offers membership and access to training courses in management and technical subjects.
• Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) - Providing professional accreditation and training courses for structural engineers, IStructE offers student and graduate membership.

Find out more

• Discover 5 exciting careers in engineering.
• Explore engineering graduate schemes.
• Get an overview of the UK's engineering industry.