成人快手

A young woman wears a hard hat on a building site
I couldn't be behind a desk. Being outdoors all day really suits me.
Sally, 20
Sally wears a hard hat and operates a surveying machine on a construction site

In my job

I work on a busy construction site at an airport for a company called Laing O鈥橰ourke. I mark out where walls are to be built and check they are in the right place once they are built. I survey the jobs completed by different tradespeople on the site to make sure they all meet the correct quality standards. I also assist other engineers and the labourers on my team to make sure they have all the information they need to complete the build job.

At school

From a young age I knew I wanted to be an engineer. I was always quite practical, and my Grandpa was a Science teacher so I always had that influence. I chose to do Engineering GCSE and I chose to keep on with the Sciences and Maths.

At college

I did A-levels in Engineering, Geography and Maths and that took me on to my apprenticeship.

In my apprenticeship

滨鈥檓 working and earning while I am learning. I do one day a week at college and four days at work, so I am getting hands-on, practical experience which breaks it all up nicely. I get support from university teachers, and work are really good - they give me study days if I have big exams coming up.

Top tips

Do work experience and part-time jobs. Just getting out there and giving stuff a go is helpful. I had a couple of weeks of work experience and that massively helped my application to get my current role.

Sally wears a hard hat and operates a surveying machine on a construction site
Young women, Sally, outside on a construction site
Sally's career path
Sally's career path
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What to expect if you want to be an engineer

  • How many people work in the engineering sector?
  • What can you earn in different roles?
  • What routes can you take to get in?
  • Is the demand for engineers expected to grow in the future?

Watch the film to find out the answers to these questions, and much more!

Other resources

  • See what type of engineering role might suit you with the
  • Find out more about the different areas of engineering with this
  • Learn more about roles in engineering with the
  • Discover a practical new way to study via .
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Image caption,
Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.


Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

Image representing Design and Technology
Image caption,
Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.
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How to become an engineer. collection

Find out more about the engineering sector and how those currently working in it got their foot in the door.

How to become an engineer

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Amy: Formula 1 engineer

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