Engineering design

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in electrical or electronic engineering. You may also be able to get into this career with a degree in:

• electromechanical engineering
• building services engineering
• applied physics
• aeronautical engineering
• mechatronics

Look out for courses that offer work experience opportunities during your studies, such as:internships; sandwich course placements; Easter and summer vacation schemes

These can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or graduate training schemes. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a higher national certificate or diploma in electrical and electronic engineering at college before looking for a trainee engineer position with a company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice for higher education courses in college|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, for example:

• Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship, which can lead to professional certification

These apprenticeships take up to 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels

Work

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

Direct application

You can apply for jobs if you've got qualifications and several years' experience in a related area of engineering, for example electronics or power generation.

More information

Career tips

Many courses and apprenticeships aimed at specific industries, such as aerospace, energy and defence, include electrical engineering as part of their training. It's worth looking into these as another route to becoming a qualified electrical engineer.

Further information

You can find more details about careers in the electrical industry from The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Electrical Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

You can work in many different industries, from power and renewable energy to transport, construction and manufacturing.

You can improve your career prospects through professional registration.

Registration can lead to senior roles in:project management; electrical design; engineering research and development; contracts management; consultancy services

You could also teach in higher or further education.

For other roles linked to Electrical Engineer, employers such as SSE have roles as an Electrical Power Engineer and Craft Apprenticeships: Linesperson, Electrical Fitter, Electrical Jointer, Electrical Engineering.