How a role in engineering can make a big impact on society…

Carving out a lifelong and fulfilling career is no easy feat. At a young age, it can be difficult to envisage how your work life will pan out and often that leads to young people stumbling into a career that they may not be passionate about, or indeed suited too.

However, when you discover what makes you tick, suits your strengths and what you enjoy, it opens up a whole raft of opportunities. A study conducted by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) found that for over 84% of male and female engineers, the prospect of an interestingcareer was the key reason for entering the sector, as was the appeal of working in a role where you are able to make a difference…

The BCIA is proud to be a partner of the official Year of Engineering 2018. The government initiative celebrates the wonders of engineering and raises awareness of the amazing things which can be achieved as a result.

A common misconception amongst the wider public is understanding what a job in engineering actually entails. Simply, take a look around you – engineering plays a pivotal role in our everyday tasks, such as playing on a games console, using your mobile phone and so forth…

Therefore, the role of an engineer comes in many different forms, ranging from a building controls engineer making improvements to a football stadium, a civil engineer working on a new railway system, an aerospace engineer developing and maintaining aircraft or an electrical engineer designing and testing devices and systems for cars. All of these skills are changing the way we live, work and go about our daily life…

With technology continuously evolving, this is creating many exciting new job roles in a dynamic and ever-changing sector. The building controls sector has endless opportunities for new talent who can make a substantial difference to people’s quality of life and wellbeing.

Innovation and emerging technologies will continue to bring challenges aplenty and this requires the influx of budding and inquisitive engineers into our industry. Sophisticated and effective building controls in commercial buildings are a must in the current climate as they improve the comfort and wellbeing of occupants. Not only that, but buildings must be energy efficient and sustainable over the long term to ensure government targets are met. The next generation of engineers have the potential to bring about dramatic change for the future…

There are many challenges in the world today creating a ‘necessity’ for change and with necessity well known as the ‘mother of invention’ – new and creative engineers will be at the forefront of meeting these global challenges. It really is a wonderful time to be entering the world of engineering.

A job in engineering is just the beginning as it is an ideal launch-pad to go on and achieve great things. Engineers are at the forefront of modern technology and will continue to make a huge impact on society in what can only be classed as a highly rewarding role.

As a nation, the UK has a long and rich heritage of innovative and creative ‘problem-solving’ engineers and each generation adds to this proud heritage of ours. This heritage is not always fully embraced and there is work to be done on changing public perceptions. We can all play our part in helping to put engineering on the map and sharing our knowledge, our tradition and our passion for engineering. So, lets continue to lead by example and motivate and encourage future engineers to make a difference in the world of engineering. It’s a job for life after all…

Find out more about the Year of Engineering campaign here