Want to be an engineer?
Friday 30 January 2009
There are many different types of engineering. Find out what they are and how to be one!
What is engineering?
Engineering has been around for a long time – ever since simple devices like the wheel were invented. Engineering plays an important part in almost everything we see around us including cars, mobile phones and computers but also more simple day-to-day objects we take for granted like say a stapler.
Engineers use maths, science, creativity and design to solve problems and improve lives. They come up with economical and safe solutions to practical problems, by applying mathematics and scientific knowledge, while considering technical constraints.
Some consider this profession to be the link between art and science.
What are engineers like?
Engineers are team players with independent minds who ask questions and respond to problems with practical, creative solutions - engineers are changing the world all the time!
If you want to try engineering you should be interested in technology and like solving problems. Also most engineers have to stay calm under pressure. If you hate maths it might not be for you!
Famous engineers throughout history include Leonardo da Vinci or more recently Steve Wozniak, the computer engineer who co-founded Apple Computers.
Different types
As engineering developed over time the discipline split into many branches and today there are many different sorts. These include:-
- Sports engineering – e.g. designing sporting equipment and technology
- Aerospace Engineering – e.g. designing and building a spacecraft
- Chemical Engineering – e.g. converting crude oil into petrol
- Civil Engineering – e.g. designing and building a new bridge
- Electrical Engineering – e.g. designing electrical systems for a TV
- Computer Engineering – e.g. improvement of internet search engines
- Mechanical Engineering – e.g. designing an engine for a high speed train
The Diploma
All Diplomas mix together real work place experience with classroom work and the Diploma in engineering is no exception.
The Diploma covers three areas of engineering:-
- Principal learning – the importance of engineering in our lives and basic principles including 10 days’ engineering work experience.
- Additional/specialist learning – at this stage you can choose the area you would like to specialise in and includes a project.
- Generic learning - English, Maths and ICT are also taught, with these subjects related to engineering.
Find out more about the different levels of Engineering Diploma.
Faraday
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the colleges supporting the Engineering Diploma. In December they kicked off the IET Faraday competition. From the 180 schools participating, three teams of 12-13 year olds were selected to participate in the UK final at the first Young Scientists and Engineers Fair. Find out more.
