Engineering & manufacturing sector

Engineering and manufacturing are vital to the UK economy, driving innovation in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced materials. From designing sustainable infrastructure to improving production efficiency, professionals in this field tackle real-world challenges with creativity and precision.

Roles like design engineer or process technician offer diverse career paths with strong demand across the UK. For students interested in problem-solving and making a tangible impact, this sector provides exciting opportunities to contribute to technological progress and the future of industry.

The industry’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment provides unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with elite talent and see your work make an immediate, measurable impact.

Aston Martin

Explore opportunites and events 

Explore engineering and manufacturing events, including employer-led events, alumni panels, skills workshops, and networking sessions.

• Upcoming Events

Browse current graduate roles, internships, and placements in engineering, manufacturing and related fields.

• Live Vacancies

Gain work experience 

Early experience is vital in this hands-on sector. Employers look for practical skills, problem-solving ability, and teamwork—qualities you can develop both inside and outside the classroom. Employers value initiative—start early to explore different areas and build confidence. Many UK employers recruit placement students into graduate schemes, so gaining experience during your degree can give you a real edge.

• Apply for internships and industrial placements—these are often expected for entry into graduate schemes.
• Seek part-time jobs in technical or manufacturing environments to build practical experience.
• Join student engineering teams or clubs to work on real-world projects.
• Enter competitions or volunteer to showcase creativity and initiative.
• Get involved in STEM outreach to strengthen communication and leadership skills

Explore support and opportunities on our Work Experience and Internships page.

You may be eligible to apply for work experience bursaries through The University of Birmingham. For more details visit the internship funding pages.

Graduate and employer insights 

Many of our University of Birmingham graduates have gone on to build exciting careers in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Explore their stories for inspiration and consider connecting with them on LinkedIn to learn more about their journeys and professional insights.

Useful Resources

Engineering and manufacturing offer varied career paths, from technical roles to design, innovation, and leadership. We've gathered trusted resources to help you explore your options and make informed career decisions.

• Careers support in your college
• Postgraduate careers support
• International students careers support