Ergonomist
Ergonomists are concerned with the safety and efficiency of equipment, systems and transportation. They use scientific information to ensure the health, comfort and protection of the people using them and due to the nature of the work can find themselves in a wide range of environments. According to the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
, 'Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use.'
By scientifically studying the relationship between people, environments and equipment, ergonomists can use their findings to improve human interaction with processes and systems. Areas of work include product/equipment design, production systems, information and advanced technology and transport design.
They may work in consultancy, research, development or teaching and may also be called human factors specialists.
An ergonomist’s work activities vary widely but are always based on ensuring that a system or product meets the needs of the user and will usually include:
There are two common routes to qualifying as a professional ergonomist:
For entry via the postgraduate route, a degree in a relevant subject is required. Examples include:
Some distance learning courses, leading to a relevant postgraduate certificate, diploma or MSc are also available. Visit the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors website for more information.
A high standard of academic qualifications is usually sought by employers.
Some courses include a year of practical experience. The choice of course and the type of pre-course qualification you have may affect the type of areas in which you can specialise as a professional ergonomist. The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors’ website has details of recognised and qualifying courses. As there are more places on postgraduate courses, more graduates will enter the profession with a Masters.
Entry is not possible with an HND only.
Applicants with a relevant postgraduate qualification will have an advantage, particularly if this is combined with related work experience, specifically in industry.
Whilst pre-entry experience is not required, work in a relevant environment can be useful. Employers usually favour candidates with some level of industrial experience.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Membership of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors is open to anyone but those who are qualified and experienced gain entry to the professional register, which is sent out to employers and profiled on the institute’s website. Membership can also be a useful way of forging professional contacts. The institute also runs a work experience scheme, ‘Opening Doors’, which operates an online placement service, available to student members. Use projects on degree courses to develop areas of specialty and to create opportunities for holiday work. Sandwich options on degree courses are also very useful. A valuable way to gain greater insight into the profession is to talk to working ergonomists. Contact the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors for more information about speaking to professionals in the field.
The hardest job to get is the first one, meaning that initially competition is high but there is a great demand for ergonomists with over three years' experience. This field welcomes mature candidates and is open to those starting new careers. A high proportion of ergonomists enter the profession in their 30s and 40s and come from a range of backgrounds, including physiotherapy, psychology and engineering.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Levels of on-the-job training vary greatly due to the broad nature of the field. Many ergonomists gain the core skills and techniques they require for particular job areas on their undergraduate or postgraduate ergonomics degree. However, each particular area will also have its own additional specific training requirements, for example in procedures, systems and in-house regulations.
The extent of on-the-job support available depends on individual employers. It is recommended that individuals progress their own training and development. The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors provides a range of courses and seminars to enable experienced ergonomists to develop expertise in specialist areas. The institute also supports the skills development of graduate members and helps them gain registered membership.
Career development is usually self-driven although the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors runs a scheme to support the career progression of newly qualified ergonomists. Graduate members of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors who hold an ergonomics degree and have at least three years’ experience can undertake a process of skills development in order to gain registered membership. Under the scheme, individuals keep a log book for a specific period, recording a cross-section of projects, and liaise with a mentor. Once ergonomists become registered members, they can participate in the institute's continuing professional development scheme (CPD).
It can be helpful to develop specific areas of interest at an early stage and gain experience in a particular aspect of ergonomics, as this can help progression and entry into specialist consultancies. Developing specialised interests at degree/placement level and working with a mentor can also support this process.
The technology, equipment, systems and services that people use at work and elsewhere are constantly developing so ergonomists must continue to learn and undertake continued professional development (CPD) throughout their careers.
Changing employer is often a better way to gain promotion than remaining within an organisation, so geographic mobility is advantageous.
Many ergonomists move on to freelance consultancy work. There are also a variety of research opportunities within both universities and other types of organisations such as government bodies. Project and line management are other possible avenues.
Ergonomics is a friendly and relatively small professional community. Becoming actively involved with the relevant bodies and getting known within the industry can also boost opportunities for career progression.
Ergonomists' knowledge and skills are required in a wide range of settings, including:
Ergonomists employed by these companies may work as part of a team of professionals, such as designers and health specialists, or as part of a specialist department.
The Ministry of Defence and other defence agencies are where many get their first post. After gaining initial experience they tend to move in to consultancy work. General ergonomics consultancies offer a wide range of services to clients, such as health and safety and hazard analysis. Other companies offer more specialist support and require ergonomists with a greater level of experience and sector knowledge. Areas may include computer hardware and software ergonomics, human reliability assessment and product design.
For details of employers use the Directory of Registered Consultancies (Ergonomists) .
With experience, many ergonomists choose to set up their own consultancies.
Vacancies are also advertised via the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors website. Some employers advertise vacancies through the main institutions providing ergonomics degrees. The Gold Group is a specialist recruitment agency providing vacancies in a range of areas for qualified and experienced ergonomists.
Networking and speculative applications are also acceptable routes for finding suitable positions.
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