What is technical engineering, and is it the right career for you?

Engineering is one of the most popular fields in the UK, employing around 18% of all professionals in the country . But did you know that there are hundreds of specialities within engineering? Technical engineers, for instance, work alongside engineers and keep all equipment and software running smoothly.

If you have a keen attention to detail, enjoy working with technology, and like problem-solving, this could be the career for you. Read ahead to learn more about technical engineering and how an experienced recruitment agency such as Redline can help you find the right career.

What is technical engineering?

Technical engineering is a dynamic profession that works alongside engineers to maintain equipment and tech systems and oversee product quality. In addition, technical engineers are responsible for keeping everything running smoothly and keeping hardware and software up to date. If you’ve ever called an IT helpdesk, a technical engineer may have walked you through the solution.

What does a technical engineer do?

That said, technical engineers do much more than help users solve their tech woes. They oversee products and processes to locate potential issues and solve them before they cause problems.

A technical engineer might do the following daily:

• Providing engineers with technical support
• Researching and implementing adequate safety guidelines for all equipment and systems
• Offering training to employees, customers, and clients on how to handle and care for specialised equipment
• Developing training manuals and materials
• Investigating problems and providing solutions
• Troubleshooting equipment or system failures
• Mentoring other technical engineers with less experience
• Maintaining warrantees and keeping manuals organised and up to date for all equipment
• Conducting quality control checks on all equipment

It’s helpful to note that technical engineering is a different career than engineering. At the same time, a technical engineer works with devices toimprove and repair equipment and processes, and an engineer designs and develops that equipment and those processes in the first place.

While some technology engineers go on to a career in engineering, others specialise in technology engineering for their careers. Others progress by becoming managers and department heads.

How big is the market?

Engineering is one of the most critical sectors in the UK economy, contributing around £645 bn per year. It contributes more than construction, hospitality, and financial services combined. According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, more than eight million people in the UK work in the country’s engineering economy.

When it comes to technical engineering, the market is currently on fire. According to Forbes, engineers are in high demand due to many businesses going through digital transformations. As a result, there’s never been a better time to switch to this exciting career.

How to become a technical engineer

There is no one way to become a technical engineer - people usually enter this dynamic career after completing a university course, a college course, or an apprenticeship.

• University

If you want to go down the university route, you need to acquire a degree in mechanical engineering, electromechanical engineering, electrical & electronic engineering or similar. Speak to your advisor for personalised guidance, and check out The Engineering Development Council for more information on accredited courses.

It is wise to gain work experience during your studies through internships and summer placements.

• College

If you plan to follow the college route to your career, you’ll need a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. Again, you should also try to gain work experience, make contacts while studying, and look into the “year in industry” scheme offered by the Engineering Development Trust.

• Apprenticeship 

You’ll need a higher or degree apprenticeship to become a technical engineer via this route. Some apprenticeships you should consider include the power and propulsion gas turbine engineer higher apprenticeship, the manufacturing engineer degree apprenticeship, or the electro-mechanical engineer higher apprenticeship.

So is it the right career for you?

As you can see from the information above, there are many benefits to a career in technical engineering . You’ll always be in high demand, engage in career-long learning to stay on top of new technology and have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

Get in touch with Redline today

Finding the right technical engineering doesn’t have to be stressful – Redline can match you with hundreds of suitable roles. As a specialist knowledge-led recruitment partner with more than four decades of experience, we recruit for a wide range of engineering jobs – check them out today.

If you would like advice, tips, inspiration or a knowledge-led approach to recruitment from the UK’s most trusted Electronics and High Technology recruitment specialist, contact us on 01582 450054 or send us an email on info@RedlineGroup.com for more information.