subject: Jobs in Engineering Across Different Sectors [print this page] Jobs in Engineering Across Different Sectors
All jobs in engineering require a developed set of technical skills, a wealth of expert knowledge and the ability to make efficient, logical decisions in complex situations. However not all jobs in engineering are the same.
There are many different fields of engineering and each sector requires a specific set of advanced skills. They also offer the chance to work in many different places on a huge variety of projects. This isn't to say that the skills learnt in one discipline are exclusive to it - often the knowledge gained in one area can be effectively transferred over to another.
Yet with practical experience, an engineer is likely to develop skills that are particularly useful to specific areas and find himself in high demand at other, similar projects. It's also true that many sectors of engineering have their own specific entry requirements, certifications and other criteria; generally, those wanting to become an engineer have to choose one of these sectors before they enter the profession.
Here are some of the sectors where jobs in engineering can be found:
Highways, Bridges and other structures
Building roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure is an incredibly complex task. The sheer size of most significant projects in this sector - and the attached cost - mean that no work is undertaken without careful planning. An engineers skills help judge the potential costs of any roadworks or construction, its potential lifespan, as well as ensuring that the final project will be capable of handling future demands of traffic volume or weight.
Rail Engineering
Probably the most well-known sector of engineering is the rail industry. Engineers are needed for all aspects of track maintenance and upkeep, from signal works to rail alignment. Whether its an underground or overground line, any railway construction project will draw upon a wide range of engineering skillsets. From electrical and mechanical engineering to earthworks and waterworks.
Energy
Whether it's a nuclear power plant or a electrical distribution hub, works in the energy sector require a very specialised set of skills and experience. Some infrastructure work in this sector ranks among the most demanding of all construction projects, from building power generation facilities to distribution networks. Each year the UK's energy needs grow to new levels and the grid's capacity is always edging closer to its limit; working in this sector ensures the prospect of huge opportunities in major works and consistent opportunities in the highly technical maintenance work required in the energy sector.
