Source: Working Futures 2006, figure 3.6.3. Based on CE/IER estimates.

It is estimated that there will be considerable replacement demands for many of the occupations in the engineering sector. Occupations in the sector are projected to require substantial replacement demands by 2014, with 230,000 additional jobs estimated to be required. The largest increases are for skilled trades and amongst machine and transport operatives. Significant replacement needs will be needed for: all managerial, professional and associate professional groups, as well as for administrative and clerical and elementary occupations.

Source: Working Futures 2006

For statistics on occupational replacement demand and occupational composition of the workforce see:

There is a need to up-skill the current workforce and to recruit new entrants to meet new skills requirements. Skill deficiencies are evident in a large number of areas which include:

• professional engineers: scientists and technologists design engineers, design and development engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, radio systems design engineers, systems engineers, software engineers
• technicians: operators, programmers, sales engineers
• craftsmen/women: electrical maintenance, sheet metal workers, pipefitters, toolmakers, vehicle body builders, welders, turners

Skills gaps vary by occupations, some examples follow:

• machine operatives and sales staff – customer handling and communications
• skilled trades – technical and practical skills, problem solving skills
• managers and senior officials – management skills

Source: Spilsbury Research/SEMTA 2004

Salary levels in 2005:

• Chartered Engineers had average earnings of £53,067 – 8.1% above the 2003 figure
• Incorporated Engineers had average earnings of £40,533 - 7.1% above the 2003 figure
• Engineering Technicians had average earnings of £33,767 – 2.3% above the 2003 figure

The average starting salary for a graduate engineer is between £18,000 and £21,000.  Compared to other professions, just under 60% of Registered Engineers thought that the starting salaries for engineers are at best ‘fairly unfavourable’.

50% of Registered engineers in employment have their professional association subscription and registration fees paid by their employer. And 57% stated that their employer offers financial support for their professional development.

Source: ERS Market Research 2005 and ETB 2004

56% of sector employment is in skilled trades occupations, machine and transport operatives, plus elementary occupations, which is almost double their average share in the economy as a whole.

An additional 150,000 jobs are expected to be lost from the sector over the next ten years.  Half of this reduction will be amongst the skilled trades occupations.  Total requirement is, however, positive for all occupational groups with the exception of elementary occupations.  Over the next ten years, the net loss in elementary occupations outweighs the replacement demand requirement.

Source: Working Futures 2006

For further occupational projections see Data and charts

A variety of key roles in the engineering sector are identified by Prospects and detailed information is available.  Some selected examples include: aeronautical engineer; biochemical engineer; electronics engineer; naval architect; and process engineer).  For information on these roles and others in the sector go to the Prospects website case studies. 

The learndirect website also has detailed occupational profiles for the Manufacturing and Engineering sector.  These profiles include information on entry points, training, working environment, employment opportunities and expected annual salary.