Motor vehicles, ships and aircraft
A field of study in engineering, manufacturing and construction
Vocational or degree?Both routes6 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 458,000 finished vocational training and 358,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?73% in a matching jobof engineering graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 53%.All engineering fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
Types of maritime vesselsTypes of vehiclesElectrical systems used in transportationMechanical components of vehiclesMechanics of motor vehiclesOperation of different enginesAirport planningSurveillance radarsAutomotive diagnostic equipmentTypes of vehicle enginesFunctions of vessel deck equipmentInland waterway ship building+ 13 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
27 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine minder | Limited | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Road transport maintenance scheduler | Good | About average | Vocational | Significant |
| Automotive brake technician | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Vehicle restoration technician | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Automotive test driver | Limited | Below average | Vocational | Low |
| Vehicle technician | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Homologation engineer | Good | Above average | Degree | Low |
| Driving instructor | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Ship duty engineer | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Roadside vehicle technician | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Ship assistant engineer | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Vehicle maintenance attendant | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Diesel engine mechanic | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Marine mechanic | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Vehicle maintenance supervisor | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Patient transport services driver | Limited | About average | Vocational | Some tasks |
| Motor vehicle assembler | Good | Below average | Vocational | Low |
| Vehicle cleaner | Limited | Below average | Basic schooling | Very low |
| Moving truck driver | Good | About average | Vocational | Low |
| Motor vehicles parts advisor | Good | Below average | Vocational | Some tasks |
| Officer of the watch | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Vessel steering instructor | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Aircraft maintenance engineer | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Refuse vehicle driver | Good | About average | Vocational | Low |
| Air traffic controller | Average | About average | Post-secondary | Low |
| Coachbuilder | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
| Tyre fitter | Good | About average | Vocational | Very low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
949 institutions in the EU offer engineering bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.