How to get a job in engineering

More than 5.5 million people work in the engineering sector in the UK, in a wide range of areas from transport to energy and even the space industry.

It has certainly not been immune to the recession, with construction and manufacturing companies having to lay off staff, but the industry estimates that two million more engineers will be required over the next decade.

The Engineer magazine has a special section on careers news. You can find some general advice from BBC News on looking for a job here and the government's Next Step site has advice on planning a career.

National Grid, which looks after the infrastructure supplying electricity and gas to homes and businesses across the UK, is planning to take on 2,500 engineers over the ten years. Sharon Goymer says engineering suits people who enjoy fixing things and mending things. She also says a qualification in engineering can set you up for life.

  • Business