Engineering interns assist established engineers on projects, undergo on-the-job training, and may be offered permanent jobs after completing a training program and passing an exam. They focus on specific types of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, and are given increasingly complex tasks as they progress. High-performing interns may work with minimal supervision and may be offered permanent jobs at the end of the program.
An engineering intern assists established engineers on projects that often involve the design and construction of structures and devices. In addition, an engineering trainee also needs to undergo some on-the-job training that may culminate in an exam. In most cases, trainees are engineering graduates, although some companies also hire graduate students and people with advanced degrees to fill these roles.
Governments and private companies recruit engineering interns with the intention of eventually offering these individuals permanent jobs. Training programs typically last for several months or years, after which students are required to pass an exam administered by their employer or regulatory authority. While many colleges offer undergraduate degrees in general engineering, trainee jobs typically focus on a specific type of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
Civil engineers design roads, bridges and other types of structures that are usually funded by regional or national governments. An engineering trainee working for a civil engineering company might produce blueprints for new projects or conduct research to determine the structural integrity of bridges, buildings, and various types of structures. In some cases, newly hired interns actually make hands-on contributions to major projects, but at other times they look and observe fully qualified engineers and have no hands-on involvement in the projects. Established engineers explain the design and development process to trainees. In addition, interns are trained in the employer’s business practices and techniques, so they are familiar with the employer’s procedures by the time they complete the training.
Mechanical and electrical engineers are tasked with designing systems and equipment. These individuals are also responsible for maintaining and repairing existing machines and systems. An engineering intern at a mechanical engineering company will be taught how to operate and repair the company’s equipment. Electrical engineering interns learn about electrical systems and components that permanent company employees often deal with. Additionally, these interns receive a certain amount of general on-the-job training that will allow them to learn about systems and machines encountered by engineers across the industry.
Initially, an engineering trainee may have minimal responsibilities, but as the trainee program progresses, employers assign these individuals increasingly complex tasks. High-performing interns end up working with minimal direct supervision. Some engineering companies even allow trainees to carry out tasks for other commercial clients, although these external projects are normally overseen by an experienced engineer. At the end of the training program, trainees who have performed well are usually given permanent jobs, while others are able to look for employment elsewhere.
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