What are the important skills to develop in Engineering?

Although there are a number of broad skills that employers look for in candidates, such as strong communication and organisational skills or technical knowledge, each individual field of engineering and job role will have their own specific skills set.

It’s your job to identify the key skills that are relevant to the job you already have and, more importantly, for the one you want.

The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA) has a clearly defined progression map for the engineering industry. There are five Levels of Key Skills that are designed to teach you new skills that will be required for your current role and build upon the ones you have already learned.

For instance, Incorporated Engineers and Graduate Engineers will be expected to complete Key Skills Level 3 which will focus on the areas of planning, communication, technical ability, working with others and problem solving.

If you are gunning to achieve Chartered status your ability to master the skills described above will be a good start, but you'll be expected to develop an advanced skills set at Levels 4 & 5.

When it comes to problem solving, an Engineer is required to identify and analyse the problem, whereas Chartered Engineers are expected to go a step further and manage the entire problem solving process and implement a system for solving and reviewing processes.

So think of an instance when you have demonstrated your ability to go beyond what is expected of you as an Engineer. Employers are more likely to want to interview you if you already posses some of the core skills that are normally learned in a more senior role.

Perhaps you're skilled at formulating solutions to complex engineering problems? Do you have experience introducing new and more efficient methods of production? Are you able to develop and apply new technologies? If not, look to put yourself in situations where you can satisfy these criteria in your current role to add weight to your CV.

Don’t forget to look at jobs ads – they will reveal the skills that are required for the position that you are planning to aim for, and don't just look at your next step. If you know the skills you'll need for the job you want in five years time, you can start to work out how you will gain these so you're ready when the time comes.

Ask your employer about their staff development and training opportunities, or contact the trade association that represents your sector to find out about various professional development opportunities.

Wondering what to do now? Check out our expert career advice, find out more about the Engineering industry or search for the latest Engineering jobs.