Scientifically Advanced Careers
There are a great number of areas to consider in the field of engineering. Those looking for a career in aeronautical engineering or automotive engineering are likely to be seeking work with challenge and innovation.
In the UK, the aerospace industry competes on the world stage, and is a front runner in scientific and technological developments. Automotive design, development and production are significant employers, and the UK motorsport industry is recognised globally.
Getting The Right Qualifications
There are a good number of universities in the UK offering BEng and MEng Degrees in Automotive Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering, several with international reputations. Also more advanced PhD courses are offered on some campuses. Diplomas and other vocational certifications are also available from some colleges. Degree courses can be studied with or without an industrial placement year. Engineering departments often have good links with industry for gaining work experience.
Some universities will also offer a more formal split between training and working time. There are opportunities for some students to get sponsored whilst at university. This also usually means a work placement afterwards. Take time to look into the various university, college and sponsorship options. You have many exciting possibilities in front of you.
Auto Engineering
Automotive engineering has come a long way in the last hundred years. Auto engineers need to have knowledge of several other engineering principles - primarily mechanical engineering. There are many new technologies in the automotive arena, so a great deal to think about for the student who's just getting started.
From initial concepts to manufacture, automotive engineering can be divided into three main streams. Designers are not only responsible for the automotive design, but also for testing each component part. Next come the development engineers. They are concerned with the interactions of all the systems. These engineers often have to liaise with designers on certain specs. Working out how to actually assemble and produce the vehicle is the manufacturing engineers' job.
Students will find their training is both extensive and intense. Amongst other subjects, you will be taught about aerodynamics, performance, emissions and vehicle dynamics. Auto engineers must be fully conversant with safety engineering - so tests are done for example to check resistance to rollover, seat belt and air bag functionality and front and side crash impacts.
All the components of a vehicle have to do the job they're individually designed for, but also be brought together and function harmoniously. So an understanding of development engineering is necessary. Development engineers have to look at tradeoffs to gain an acceptable level of performance in all areas. The final vehicle must also meet government regulations, which are becoming increasingly environmentally relevant.
Following on from the product and development stages, comes the processes needed for manufacturing. Manufacturing engineers need to learn how to plan and engineer both the individual parts and the whole vehicle assembly. The responsibilities of these engineers specifically include machine design and layout, and project management of every stage of the assembly.
Aeronautical Engineers
Aeronautical engineering covers all things to do with flight technology - the design, construction and science of aircraft. Studying for an aeronautical engineering degree will prepare you for a successful and highly respected career within the aerospace industry. You might also be interested to know that the development and design of a Formula One racing car uses aerospace technology!
Flight vehicles are faced with huge stresses on take-off, flight and landing. Therefore aerospace engineering divides into very specialist areas, such as materials science and aerodynamics, which all come together to form the whole.
Training courses will go into depth on aircraft design and flight mechanics, and feature a strong emphasis on analysis. Modules that deal with solving problems, like thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, are what we mean by analytical subjects.
Much of what you will learn is based on theoretical mathematics, but empirical testing also comes into it - admittedly largely in the form of simulations. All the same, students shouldn't miss out on aeronautical projects that carry out tests in wind tunnels.
Applying yourself to practical applications is an important engineering principle. Both BEng and MEng degree courses will incorporate practical project work to be carried out in teams. Engineering degrees will also allow students to learn various other subjects and skills. Things like oral communication, leadership skills and teamwork might be on the list.
Well paid, rewarding and financially attractive careers are available for qualified Automotive and Aeronautical Engineers. For information about joining a professional body upon completion of your training, refer to the Engineering Council, or SARTOR (the Standards and Routes to Registration).
