Expand your career in the UK engineering job market
Can I get an engineering job before I leave home?
The majority of UK engineering employers prefer to meet engineers face to face before offering a job. But there are some rare occasions when an employer will consider telephone or video interviews. This only occurs in specialist sectors when there is a severe shortage of engineers in the UK in that particular sector. Generally you need to be fully qualified and have strong experience to be considered. Many factors can determine which sectors have skill shortages such as the economy and major development projects. In recent years we have seen strong demand for power engineers and structural engineers with 5+ yrs experience.
What is the difference between permanent and contracting engineering jobs?
A common misunderstanding is that contract engineering jobs are not full-time. However most contract engineering jobs are full-time and therefore you earn the equivalent of, or often more than, a standard engineering salary. The key difference is that permanent engineering staff are employed by the company you are working for whereas contract staff are often employed by the recruitment firm and usually do not receive paid leave. Permanent engineering staff enjoy a higher level of job security whereas contract engineers often enjoy higher earnings and the opportunity to take advantage of certain tax benefits.
Will having the youth mobility visa limit my job chances in the eyes of an engineering employer?
The youth mobility visa now allows you to work the full two years in full time employment. This gives engineering employers confidence that if they put in the effort to teach you new systems and engineering procedures then they can get a good two years effort out of you provided that you are comfortable and motivated by the engineering position. So the chances of getting a full time engineering job are very good!
How much do engineers in the UK earn?
- Salaried Engineers £22,000 - £40,000
- Contracting Engineers £13 - £20 per hour
- See more pay rates
