Engineering jobs you can do without a degree

People often think you need a degree to enter engineering. This isn't true. Many engineering jobs pay well and offer satisfaction without requiring college. Starting as a technician allows you to get practical experience, pick up useful skills (like understanding technical drawings), and work towards certifications such as an HNC, HND, foundation degree, or full degree in the future.

Check out these great options if you want to start in engineering without going to university first:

CAD technician

Starting salary: £20,000

CAD (computer-aided design) technicians use special software to make detailed 2D and 3D designs for buildings, machines, and products. This job lets you blend creativity with technical skills. You don't need a degree for this role, and as you gain experience and more training, you can move into software development or design engineering.

Civil engineering technician

Starting salary: £28,000

Civil engineers plan and carry out huge building projects such as high-rises, air terminals, and sports arenas. As someone who helps civil engineers, you'll work side by side with them to learn the job as you go. To begin in this field, you often need a foundation degree or HNC/HND, which gives you a straight path into the world of civil engineering.

Electrical engineering technician

Starting salary: £20,000

Electrical engineering technicians have a key part in keeping electrical systems running and setting them up – from turbines and streetlights to escalators and lifts. This job offers a lot of variety and chances to focus on specific areas. You don't need a degree to begin and can gain qualifications to become a certified electrical engineer as you progress. This job involves setting up, keeping up, and fixing machines across many industries.

Engineering maintenance technician

Starting salary: £21,000

Engineering maintenance technicians are needed all over the world working on everything from office gear to plane systems. You don't need a degree to start, and the job gives great chances to move up maybe even leading to work around the globe.

Rail engineering technician

Starting salary: £20,000

Rail engineering technicians work on the mechanical and electrical systems in trains using tools and methods like welding to bring engineers' plans to life. This job suits people who like hands-on work and provides lots of training and growth often in a team-based and friendly workplace.

Agricultural engineering technician

Starting salary: £23,000

Agricultural engineering technicians tackle issues with equipment used in farming, forestry, and land upkeep. This job blends state-of-the-art tech with eco-friendly practices addressing challenges such as new fuel types and shifts in climate. You can start in this field through hands-on training or by taking college classes making it a down-to-earth and fulfilling career path.

Food technologist

Starting salary: £20,000

Food technologists ensure the safety and quality of food while innovating new recipes and packaging solutions. Whether tweaking a recipe or improving packaging for sustainability, this role is perfect for creative problem-solvers with a passion for food.

Many of these roles offer entry through apprenticeships or vocational training. As you gain experience, you can take additional qualifications to advance your career. Whether you’re interested in designing, building, or maintaining, there’s an engineering job for you—no degree required!

The starting salaries are just a guide and will differ from company to company depending on where they are located.