How Do I Become a Protection Engineer?

In order to become a protection engineer, a person will need to complete a degree program that focuses on a number of different disciplines, especially engineering and architectural design. Protection engineers are highly trained professionals that work in a variety of different settings, improving safety and protecting both workers and the public from hazards, such as fire, chemical spills, and environmental contamination. In most cases, a protection engineer will choose a specialty field, often fire safety, to be the focus of some of his education and training. Before a person can become a protection engineer, a number of years of internship and experience are usually required.

The path taken to become a protection engineer often begins in secondary school. Math and science courses are vital to a student who wishes to pursue this type of engineering at the university level. Strong grades in all classes and competitive test scores are also important to secondary school students because they help students get into good universities.

Once a student is in a university, the next step to become a protection engineer is to complete a degree program in either general engineering or protection engineering. Engineering programs will teach students the principles of engineering, design, chemistry, physics, construction, and mathematics that will be necessary when the student enters the workforce. Protection engineering programs will also teach some aspects of law and public safety that may apply to the work of this type of engineer. Depending on the country and university, these two degrees may be combined into one or split into undergraduate and graduate level degree programs.

After school, the next step is to receive real-world training. Protection engineers often work in internships or apprenticeships that allow them to practice the skills they have learned in college under the supervision of an experienced protection engineer. Many countries require this sort of training before a person can work as a protection engineer on their own, so that costly mistakes are not made. It may also be possible to have a job working in a position below a protection engineer for a number of years.

Once a person has become a protection engineer, many countries require ongoing education and professional development. These classes teach current engineers about new advancements in the field. They also help to make sure that protection engineers continue to remain highly trained and qualified, as since their jobs serve to protect many lives.