Insights for entering the Engineering industry

For many reasons, there has never been a better time to train as an engineer. It’s been widely reported that there is a shortage of people with STEM skills and that the sector needs a fresh wave of talent to help keep the UK’s businesses innovating and remaining competitive on the world stage.

As a result, there is demand for highly-skilled, ambitious engineers at the start of their careers who are eager to learn, rise through the ranks, and fill the void left by experienced engineers who might be switching to part-time hours or retiring.

But while there may be a range of job opportunities available for the upcoming generation of young engineers, it’s important to think carefully about how a company will help you develop and provide the right foundations to maximise your potential.

Train to gain

At Alpine Fire we have developed our own bespoke training programme to nurture the talent of tomorrow. It was set up in response to the lack of formal apprenticeship schemes within our industry and to also help us create a pipeline of skilled engineers to keep the company moving forward and innovating.

Those participating in the programme have the chance to work in different departments across the business to help them find their niche; get the opportunity to be involved with a varied range of projects for some of our highest profile customers which include Amazon and DHL; and are able to gain insights from experienced engineers as they build up their skills, giving them invaluable knowledge as they develop.

We’ve found the programme to be a very successful way to unearth talented graduates who are looking to kickstart their careers, with many still working at Alpine after initially joining as part of the scheme.

While there aren’t many businesses in the sector who offer tailored training initiatives like the one we run at Alpine, it highlights how imperative it is for young engineers and graduates to do their research in order to find an opportunity that aligns with their ambitions.

One of our current pre-construction engineers for instance qualified as a mechanical engineer but didn’t find the right opportunity for him until joining our trainee programme. There are businesses out there who are forward-thinking when it comes to recruitment and training, so my advice would be to make sure you don’t rush into an opportunity without fully considering your options.

Progression and loyalty

Another important thing to consider is whether a business has a proven-track record of supporting progression and valuing its employees: Will you get opportunities to move up through the ranks? Are there some members of the team who have been at the company for years and years? Will you have the opportunity to move into areas of engineering that most interest you?

These are all questions that young engineers should be asking when applying for jobs or having interviews. Given the speed at which technological advancements are taking place within the industry at the moment, it’s important for people starting out in their career to ensure their employer will provide the right conditions for them to progress and keep pace with sector-specific innovations.

At Alpine, through both our training programme and personal development plans, we have a laser-sharp focus on making sure all our employees feel fulfilled in their role and have opportunities to upskill. By fostering an environment of continued learning and development, it allows our team to stay ahead of the game.

Culture is key

Another element which is vital when job seeking – but can often be overlooked – is ascertaining company culture.

I think there is still a perception within engineering and the STEM sector more widely that the end result is all that matters, that finding a bespoke solution or creating a tailored system is the be all and end all of the profession. People simply turn up, get the job done, and go home.

But given greater awareness of mental health issues and the known importance of good mental wellbeing, there has never been a more critical time for businesses to create an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

Does the business you’re interested in working for truly offer meaningful benefits to its employees or are they token gestures? Will you actually get a say and have your voice heard? Does the business have a clear ESG focus?

At Alpine we know that our people are our greatest asset, and without a happy, engaged workforce that pulls in the same direction, we’d be nowhere. That’s why we run regular team-building activities and events that foster togetherness and camaraderie, and is the reason everyone’s treated equally no matter what stage they’re at in their career.

With teams out on-site and people located in different parts of the country, we know how important company culture is in bringing people together and ensuring everyone lives and breathes our values.

We also push out regular surveys and employee engagement questionnaires and act upon the feedback. It’s so important to feel listened to, especially in an industry like ours where processes and ways of working are so instrumental in delivering efficient and effective solutions for customers.

Culture may seem secondary when compared to the requirements of a role itself, but a negative environment can significantly dampen job satisfaction in the long run.

Right place, right time

As with many things, finding the perfect job can often be a case of ‘right place, right time’.

But by setting parameters, and knowing what you want from your employer – whether it’s a focus on training, having the right environment to move up, or feeling supported and part of the team – you can give yourself the best chance of finding the ideal role for you.

The right opportunity in engineering is out there for everyone. Just make sure you do your homework.

Nicola Smith, People Director at Alpine Fire. 

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities. 

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