Engineering Career Paths

Practicing Engineer

Practicing Scientist

Practicing Technician

Engineer (CEng)

Scientist (CSci?)

Technician (CTech?)

School

A-Levels 2yr

Theory (Bs/Ms) 3/4yr

Theory+ (PhD) 3yr

Practical Exp 3yr

Practical Exp 3yr (4yr)

Theory (Bs) 3yr

Running Status (Must be maintained

OR becomes something else Eg Marketeer)

Accreditation (Absolute)

Apprenticeship

Accreditation (Absolute)

Apprentice: • Qualifies after 3/4yrs. Can progress to Engineer or Scientist. • Practical to be Technician (then theory to be Engineer) • Into work quickest. Lowest personal cost. Lowest risk. Direct Engineer Path: • Theory then Practical • Graduate Engineer (Bs/Ms) is not an Engineer! (It takes ~3yrs of hands-on work experience) • Chartered Eng (CEng) is a good model. Direct Scientist Path: • Theory then theory. (Bs, followed by Ph.) Career Transitions: • Technicians can become Engineers or Scientists • Scientists can become Engineers • Difficult for Eng or Scientists to become Technicians! • All can lose Practicing status (ie: up-to-date) Ian Phillips (ARM) – 18sep14