Meet Aine, 23, from Belfast, to find out more about her job making buildings more energy-efficient. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
On my work placement I became really interested in the impact buildings can have on the environment.
In my job
I'm a junior simulation engineer. That means I run simulations on buildings using computers to see how much carbon they emit. This means I measure the thickness of walls, the types of windows and bricks that will be used; every detail of the building! I put the measurements into a computer software program which tells me if it passes or fails its building compliance. One day I will be at the computer running simulations, another day I could be on the phone to clients talking about the project or in meetings with architects.
At school
For my options I chose the subjects I was doing best in. Technology and Science stuck with me, so I decided I wanted to carry on with them after my GCSEs.
At college
Aged 16 I still had no idea what I wanted to do. At that time, I became really passionate about my A-level in Technology and Design; I just clicked with it. It helped develop my STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and also helped develop my creativity.
At university
I was lucky enough to get on a course at the University of Ulster called Clean Technology. In my final year I was able to focus on energy-related subjects and I learnt a lot about renewable energy.
What to expect if you want to be an engineer
- How many people work in the engineering sector?
- What can you earn in different roles?
- What routes can you take to get in?
- Is the demand for engineers expected to grow in the future?
Watch the film to find out the answers to these questions, and much more!
Other resources
- See what type of engineering role might suit you with the meet the future you quiz
- Find out more about the different areas of engineering with this guide from Tomorrow's Engineers
- Learn more about roles in engineering with the National Careers Service explore careers tool
- Discover a practical new way to study via T-levels (England-only).
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
How to become an engineer. collection
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