The average applicant needs a strong foundation in math and science. And a strong understanding in logical and critical thinking. All of which starts in school and is reinforced when studying at an institution.
The most common way to start is to enroll in an engineering program in college or university. As the course progresses, you need to develop your understanding of math up to the calculus level and beyond, along with attending science courses, particularly in physics. Both subjects are integral in the engineering and technology sectors.

The second option called trade or vocational school. When enrolled in it, the student is put through a hands-on approach with a modest amount of academics pertaining to the subject. For example, an electrical or electronics engineering student will learn how to assemble a circuit board and arrange wiring around, along with learning electrical and electronics theory and math pertaining to electricity. This option also has an interesting advantage, students may undergo a training module with a sponsoring company near the completion of their program, and especially if it is part of the graduation requirements, to work and learn on the job, putting their skills into practice for the first time.

The third option, which is popular for working adults, is to sign up with a sponsoring company directly. The applicant gets not only training and work experience, but a starting salary as well. In return, the company gets a potential worker who will continue working with them when they complete their training. By far, this is the most appealing for those entering the Electrical & Precision Industries, for it allows applicants to enter the industry quickly.

There are many schools to obtain such skills from. College and university have a more comprehensive curriculum that places the applicant in a higher standing, while trade and vocational school, along with work and study programs are easier for working adults who may not be able to obtain the academic grades needed for the former options. They also tend to be cheaper and shorter than an engineering bachelor’s degree too. Singapore’s ITE institutions are a good example of such an institution to obtain such training, with full-time, part-time and traineeships available depending on personal requirements.

Regardless of the education involved, new people on the job are expected to start at the lowest positions available, like a technician on the shop floor. As the work progresses, the worker gains experience and learns newer trades and knowledge that lets them take up more responsibilities and earn a higher wage. When sufficient work experience and knowledge is obtained, the applicant may be promoted to a management role, such as a foreman. Such a role involves supervising lower ranked workers, and instructing and guiding newer ones, and assigning tasks to the appropriate personnel. Eventually, as more knowledge and experience is gained, it is possible to progress into engineering positions, even if an engineering degree is absent. Promotion into higher management is also another choice for advancement.

Earnings is usually based on an hourly rate, with the higher positions with more skills required paying more. Given how mentally challenging the work is, with all the math and science required, along with the long hours expected for such a career, overtime is to be expected. Despite this, workers admit that the satisfaction of an honest day’s work makes it all worthwhile, and the challenge posed by the engineering problems on the job are fulfilling to solve and overcome.

Life-long learning would involve learning other technical skills, such as computer programming. For example, the fabrication technology used in such industries uses various forms of code, like G-code for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. Other technical skills like automotive engineering and industrial engineering would also be useful depending on the industry worked in. And entrepreneurship, business management and other skills pertaining to business would help with being promoted to a management position, or perhaps to help start a business in the Electrical & Precision Industries.