Engineering is ...
... being creative with materials and applying their properties to new and exciting products is a great example of engineering.
Materials engineers work in all areas of industry. They could be developing new materials for use in protection (like the shear thickening fluids) or analysing what happens when a material fails (like why mobile phone screens crack).
There are several different degree courses available covering materials and chemical engineering, requiring A-Levels, Advanced Diplomas or Scottish Highers for entry (www.ucas.com).
Related fields: Chemical engineering, materials science.
Process technology apprenticeships (www. apprenticeships.org.uk) can lead to a wide range of occupations in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical manufacturing and refining industries. You could be responsible for machine maintenance or analytical support, leading you into work on an oil rig or in a laboratory.
In Scotland visit www.apprenticeshipsin scotland.com and in Wales visit information about Apprenticeships on the Careers Wales website.