Electrical engineer
Playing a key role in delivering renewable energy solutions, you'll design, build and maintain the electrical systems that power the future!
Also known as: electrical design engineer
About the job
Career insights – Electrical engineer
What it's like
As an Electrical Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain vital electrical systems across industries, such as:
transport: including rail electrification and signalling
energy: generating, transmitting and distributing power
renewable energy: solar panelling, hydroelectric power and wind turbines
manufacturing and construction
building services: dealing with lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems
You’ll use advanced design software to create project plans and circuit diagrams for electrical equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency in every system you install. Leading projects, you'll assess new technologies, manage teams and make sure systems meet safety and energy standards.
You’ll also test systems, analyse data and oversee maintenance programs while working with other professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.
Your tasks might include:
assessing whether new technical developments are feasible
creating project plans, drawing and interpreting technical diagrams
estimating project costs and timescales
coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
testing electrical installations and systems, and analysing the data from tests
making sure systems are safe and energy-efficient
If you're passionate about innovation and problem-solving, this is your chance to shape the future of technology and industry.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers – access careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE – inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – discover more information on engineering careers
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Applied Physics
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechatronics
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Engineering Systems
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Working towards incorporated or chartered status could benefit your career in the long-run. To do this, you'll need to register with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council:
To work with electrical wiring, you'll need to pass a Colour Vision Assessment.
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