The qualifications needed to become an engineering trainee can vary depending upon the company, the nature of the position, and the professional's geographic location. In most cases, an undergraduate degree in engineering is the first step to a trainee position. Internships are the next logical step for most degree holders and may be completed while the future professional is in school. Once an aspiring engineer gains some amount of practical experience, he may wish to search and apply for training development jobs with one or more organizations.
Since engineering is a highly specialized field with several types of disciplines, a formal college degree is often necessary in order to become an engineering trainee. Many universities offer programs in electrical, geological, chemical, aerospace, and computer information systems engineering. Prior to selecting a school and a degree program, it is advised that the aspiring engineer decide which discipline he would be most interested in pursuing. Additional career possibilities exist for nuclear, mining, mechanical, civil, manufacturing, and environmental engineers.
During their four-year degree programs, some individuals may complete one or more internships. Some countries require that students complete their degrees first and then officially register as trainees. Regardless of their location, those who wish to become an engineering trainee might find it worthwhile to gain some type of practical experience immediately following degree completion. Some may choose to undertake internships with private engineering firms or government agencies during their last few years of school.
Prominent engineering firms and government agencies that employ a high proportion of engineers may actively recruit future hires through internship programs. Aspiring engineers will want to check with a on-campus career placement service to gather information about companies that may be seeking candidates. Besides internships, many of these campus career services help students transition from college life to the professional world by providing referrals for open positions.
Proactively researching and applying for permanent positions with several organizations is the most efficient way to become an engineering trainee. Prior to applying, candidates may need to take and pass an official exam, depending upon their location. Quite a few types of engineering positions require or prefer professional certification, which may be obtained while the employee is still in training.
Not all individuals who wish to become an engineering trainee obtain their positions immediately after college. Some professionals work in similar fields and then decide to advance after gaining years of useful experience. Others who change careers may obtain advanced engineering degrees and immediately re-enter the workforce after graduation.