What the job entails:

Metallurgists are experts in metals. There are various different jobs that metallurgists might do. Some metallurgists specialise in making things from metal. They come up with ways to join metals together or to shape them into various items. They also help to decide which equipment to use for this.

Routes and choices while at school:

You will need a high level of education to become a metallurgist. Most metallurgists have a degree in a science or engineering subject. Many have postgraduate qualifications too. You will need to do A-levels or equivalent qualifications to get a place on a university course. However, the first thing to do is to get at least five GCSEs at grades 4 or C or better, or equivalent qualifications. These should include English, maths and science. The better the results you get, the more choice you will have when you apply to university. Resistant materials could be useful for some courses. It is likely that you will have to study one or more science subjects at A-level or equivalent. Bear this in mind when you choose your GCSE options.

Pay:

Pay when starting is about £24,000 to £26,000 per year. When experienced, it is about £33,000 to £37,000. For experts with a lot of experience, pay can rise to about £55,000.

If you have any careers queries or would like to discuss any aspects of careers in more detail, please see Mrs Halford at Student Services.