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Electronics & Communications
Electrical & electronic engineering
Electrical engineering deals with electric power generation and transmission, while electronic engineering deals with electronic circuitry. As an employment area, this covers a lot: designing, producing and installing electrical equipment either on a very large or a very small scale as well as providing support, operation and maintenance services to users.
There is some crossover between the fields depending on the job role; a graduate may work as an electrical or electronic engineer, or both. Engineers will generally receive specific post graduate training, often leading to professional qualifications.
Once Incorporated or Chartered, electrical and electronic engineers can be in a good position to move into self-employment or to take on a more managerial role within the field.
Electrical engineering can cover the circuitry in a building, regulation equipment in a power station, and many areas in between. Electrical engineering is important anywhere power is important but also has applications in communications and signal transmission. Electrical engineers can work for contracting/consultancy companies or large companies with power generation/transmission needs. Examples of such needs in Yorkshire include several high-capacity power stations, a large rail transport industry and both national and regionally based telecommunications companies.
Electronic engineering covers electronic circuitry and has a wide range of applications. As well as specialised consultancy companies, electronic engineers may also work for a range of companies with technical needs such as communications, transport or IT. Unlike electronic designers, electronic engineers will often have responsibilities in many areas of the production, deployment and sales process.
Entry into the industry will normally require a specific related degree backed up by a good portfolio.
Job vacancies in Electronics & Communications
Useful links:
The Digital Cluster team at Yorkshire Forward, in partnership with industry, is dedicated to ensuring that the Yorkshire and Humber region becomes a globally recognised centre of digital industries.
Supports and assists the growth of electronics across Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Sector Skills Council for IT, Telecoms and Contact Centres. Has useful career information and regional pages.
The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, including electronics.
The York Electronics Centre offers an Electronic Design Service, providing practical, timely engineering solutions, utilising specialist expertise within York University.