Engineering and manufacturing are well represented in London, contrary to the impression that is sometimes given. Manufacturing alone represents 300,000 jobs or 8% of the capital's total workforce. Many different types of manufacturing can be found in the capital, from food and drinks companies like Coca Cola in Enfield to vehicle production at Ford in Dagenham. In the London region, there are many more companies involved in manufacturing, taking advantage of more space, or more convenient access to transport links that in London itself.
However, such large scale traditional manufacturing is only one part of the story. London is also strong in high technology manufacturing like aerospace and computing, as well as precision engineering and pharmaceuticals. With its highly skilled workforce, much research and development is undertaken in London for products that are manufactured elsewhere, in other parts of the UK and overseas. While many large, global companies have a manufacturing presence in London, there are also smaller firms often producing high value, cutting edge products.
There are a wide range of different jobs available in manufacturing and engineering. With increased mechanisation and use of technology, the need for physical strength once required by heavy industry has been replaced in most cases with a need to understand IT, operate specialist machinery and understand the systems and processes involved in producing goods.
Because of the complex nature of many manufacturing processes, an attention to detail and the ability to work in a team are important to anyone hoping to work in this industry. Because every manufacturing process is different, many employers expect to train their workforce on the job. There are also government-backed training schemes like Apprenticeships which allow students to combine work with training. There are courses available that can train you in skills appropriate to many different types of manufacturing, like warehouse management, logistics and health and safety.
If you are interested in working in more technical areas of the engineering process, you may wish to consider proceeding into higher education and studying a subject related to a specific field. There are also many courses available at college level that you may wish to consider.
