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.
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.
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.
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.