A Career in Engineering

1.1. Listen to the text.

1.2. Complete the text with the words from the box. Then listen and check.

Blueprints, degree, related, extensive, grasp, support, fields.

1. Engineering (Can you be an engineer)

Engineering is the ideal field for people with a very strong …. of maths and science and a very analytical mind. Engineering jobs require at least a four-year …. usually in engineering or in some cases …. degrees such as mathematics or physical science may be accepted. instead. Engineers specialize in different fields such as mechanical, civil, aerospace, chemical and industrial engineering. Engineers have one of the highest starting salaries of any field because such an …. education is required in order to become an engineer and in order to focus an engineer’s time as much as possible there are many related ….. positions. Often right below an engineer is an engineering technology graduate and another support position is that of an engineering technician. Some related careers include positions as computer-aided-drafting or CAD-technicians (also known as drafters) who work for the engineers to draw out the design and …..

1.3. Translate the phrases given below from English into your language. Then discuss your translation with your neighbour.

• related degrees may be accepted

• specialize in different fields

• an extensive education is required

• computer-aided drafting

• a strong grasp of maths and science

1.4. Listen again and answer the questions.

1. What fields do engineers specialize in?

2. The knowledge of what subjects is required to get a job in engineering ?

3. What education should one obtain to become an engineer ?

4. What are the related support positions ?

5. Are there any related careers ?

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2.1. Listen to the text.

2. Complete the text with the words or phrases from the box. Then listen and check.

research, design, satisfying, skills, appliances, item, deal, knack, demanding, involve, tools.

2. Mechanical engineers

Mechanical engineers know about machines. They …. engines, robots and generators but they also design everyday items like kitchen …. and power tools. Whatever the device, if it has moving parts mechanical engineers will almost certainly …. in its creation. That’s because this is the broadest of all engineering disciplines.

Some mechanical engineers, for example, do the …. needed to create a product; others design the product itself, while still others design the machines to make the product. When an …. is highly technical mechanical engineers may even be involved in selling the product. You’ll need excellent maths and science …. plus the ability to think analytically and to …. with abstract ideas.

A …. for creative problem solving is also helpful.

So work can be …. but mechanical engineers often get to see their designs turn into new products and machines which can be very …. indeed.

2.3. Translate the phrases given below from English into your language. Then discuss your translation with your neighbour.

• power tools

• to be involved in selling

• to do research

• maths and science skills

• to deal with abstract ideas

• kitchen appliances

2.4. Listen again and answer the questions.

1. What is the broadest of all engineering disciplines ?

2. What does the job of a mechanical engineer involve ?

3. What qualities are most important for a mechanical engineer and why ?

4. What do mechanical engineers deal with ?

5. Do you find the job of a mechanical engineer satisfying or demanding and why?

3.1. Listen to the text.

3.2. Complete the text with the words or phrases from the box. Then listen and check.

profit, achieve, pursue, expert, commands, distribution, bridge

3. Industrial engineers

Finding the most effective way to produce a product or a service is the job of industrial engineers. They are the …. between management goals and the work that must be done to …. those goals. They solve problems by combining production resources: people, machines, materials, information and energy. They use mathematical techniques, …. computer systems, cost analysis, financial planning, quality control and complex distribution plans to improve .... A bachelor’s degree is minimal but a master’s degree or PhD. …. more respect in a marketplace. Students who are good at problem-solving, mathematics, computer applications, science and systems analysis may want to …. this career. Although they usually work in comfortable office surroundings, industrial engineers may spend days observing problems and testing strategies in plants and …. centers. They may also travel a great deal. Experienced industrial engineers who successfully pursue opportunities and management science can rise to upper levels of strategic planning and management.

3.3. Translate the words and phrases given below from English into your language. Then discuss your translation with your neighbour.

• to achieve goals

• cost analysis

• to improve profit

• to command respect

• good at problem solving

• pursue career / opportunities

• strategic planning and management

3.4. Work with a partner. Answer the questions below. Write 2 or 3 sentences. Then read the answers to the class.

1.What is the role of an industrial engineer ?

2. What problems do they solve and how ?

3. What qualifications are necessary for the job of an industrial engineer ?

4. Do industrial engineers always work in the office ?

5. Does the job involve travelling ?

6. Is there any possibility for a career growth in this profession.

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4.1. Listen to the text.

4.2. Complete the text with the words or phrases from the box. Then listen and check.

deadlines, software, update, interact, framework, tend, expanding, manufacturer, challenges, meet