Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Engineering trainee skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Klaus Dölle,

Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical engineering trainee skills. We ranked the top skills for engineering trainees based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.6% of engineering trainee resumes contained fire protection as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an engineering trainee needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 engineering trainee skills for your resume and career

1. Fire Protection

Here's how engineering trainees use fire protection:

Design, and renovate power distribution, lighting, and fire protection systems for Federal buildings.

2. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how engineering trainees use technical support:

Performed quality control, provided technical support for process improvement, assisted process engineer
Shadowed quality inspectors and provided technical support as and when required.

3. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how engineering trainees use r:

Modified existing air dispersion models written in R to quantify local cancer risk associated with locomotive emissions in San Francisco County
Analyzed experimental results utilizing basic statistical techniques using R to extrapolate findings.

4. Boilers

Boilers are a type of machinery, a closed vessel, of varying sizes, sorts, and capacity, which are found in most homes, offices, and buildings. Their intended purpose and function is to safely heat water and store it for various purposes, from cleaning to washing up to preparation of food and so on. It is often used for central heating of houses, apartments, and larger spaces, boiler-based power generation, and sanitation. Such a tool might be powered by a number of things, from wood and coal to electricity produced elsewhere.

Here's how engineering trainees use boilers:

Analyzed design requirement; finalized piping and layout for standardizing a range of industrial solar water heaters and boilers.
Performed maintenance and repair work on boilers, diesel engines, and maintained the lube oil purification system.

5. Geotechnical

Here's how engineering trainees use geotechnical:

Established investigation requirements and analyzed field reports and data for the development of geotechnical reports.
Experience coordinating and conducting geotechnical investigations and providing construction quality assurance for field-testing services.

6. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how engineering trainees use python:

Developed Test cases and Test procedures (In python) to test various sub features of embedded flight displays software application.
Extended functionally and usability of an existing internal reporting solution with a number of new Python analysis and visualization functions.

Choose from 10+ customizable engineering trainee resume templates

Build a professional engineering trainee resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your engineering trainee resume.

7. MATLAB

Here's how engineering trainees use matlab:

Used Image processing in MATLAB to determine the size and color of tea particles
Analyzed the data and plotted using MATLAB.

8. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how engineering trainees use c++:

Developed a programmable simulator using C++ for various operating system scheduling algorithms.
Programmed software-based self-test generator for OpenRISC1200 microprocessor using SVA and C++.

9. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how engineering trainees use database:

Designed, developed, and maintained corporate wage incentive performance database to monitor and analyze incentive rates.
Designed and developed a database system to index and analyze various linguistic research data.

10. Auto CAD

Here's how engineering trainees use auto cad:

Used Auto cad and Solid Edge V16 software.
Prepare quality control charts with Auto CAD.

11. HVAC

Here's how engineering trainees use hvac:

Installed SBT controllers, providing input on their aesthetic use in the HVAC systems at various projects.
Planned and coordinated work with different agencies for installing and commissioning of the HVAC systems.

12. Preventive Maintenance

Here's how engineering trainees use preventive maintenance:

Involved in Predictive and Preventive Maintenance of Computer Numerical Control Machines.
Developed a preventive maintenance program and improved corporate safety standards.

13. CNC

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It is a subtractive manufacturing technique that usually uses computerized controls and machine tools to strip layers of material from a stock piece.

Here's how engineering trainees use cnc:

Practiced skills of manufacture: Casting, Welding, Heat Treatment, Lathe Turning, CNC Machining Center, etc.
Contributed to the manufacturing of a plastic key ring by use of CNC milling machines, after design in AutoCad

14. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how engineering trainees use windows:

Utilized Unix, Windows, and Mac based platforms.
Provided remote desktop support to windows systems and local applications for Ceva internal employees.

15. Control Systems

Here's how engineering trainees use control systems:

Develop and Test Control systems for assembly line; C and Unix, INTEL 80386 processors programming.
Contributed to the R&D projects in joint control systems of power plant turbines.

5 Engineering Trainee resume examples

Build a professional engineering trainee resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5+ resume templates to create your engineering trainee resume.

Create my resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

What skills help Engineering Trainees find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on engineering trainee resumes?

Klaus Dölle

Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences Senior Sustainability Scientist, Global Institute of Sustainability, SUNY College

Internship, language skills ( Paper industry is a multibillion international industry and most companies have affiliations all around the globe), good grades, good interpersonal skills, be able to work in a diverse team, good communication skills, passion....

What engineering trainee skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE

Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Website

It has always been my philosophy that it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish your education; the important thing is to finish it. Because of the reduced opportunities for funding as mentioned in Question 1, this will cause a delay in finishing for many. It may impact some non-STEM majors to the point that their enrollment will decline as they see there are few jobs and the cost of education is too high for so few jobs. I believe many high school graduates will be going to community colleges to continue their education inexpensively (enrollment increasing, maybe more distance learning since space may be limited). There will be a significant number entering the "crafts" and take on apprenticeships in the construction and other industries (auto repair, for example, requiring high skills). The water industry is always looking for entry-level staff. This is one industry where you can start out as a meter reader and make it to general manager given enough "drive." Many have succeeded in this way.

In terms of skills to learn or pick up during a "gap" year or two would be to improve communication and writing skills; learn new software and possibly even network management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Remote Sensing are major areas in civil engineering where new, skilled employees are needed. Obtain certification in "Green Buldings" LEED, "Envision," and forms of "sustainability." These skills are going to be very important and will allow a student to find temporary or part-time employment to provide funding once the skills are learned.

What type of skills will young engineering trainees need?

Radhakrishnaiah Parachuru

Senior Academic Professional, Georgia Institute of Technology

-Ability to function in groups and effective group management/communication skills
-Ability to quickly grasp and apply emerging technological and scientific advances
-Willingness to stay open and learn continuously
-Willingness to adjust and accommodate keeping larger interests in mind

What technical skills for an engineering trainee stand out to employers?

Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Engineering, Robert Morris University

When I talk to employers of engineers two key skills tend to stand out: problem solving skills and communication skills. These skills are very difficult to develop quickly on the job, but a new employee that can demonstrate strength in these two areas can quickly integrate into a team or train into a job that requires specific technical skills. Communication skills can be assessed verbally during the interview. If it's a virtual interview for a remote job, present yourself like you will be representing their company: professional dress, clean and unclutters backdrop, practice eye contact into the camera with clear speech, and make sure there are no external distractions or noises (pets, roommates, etc). Sometimes the interviewer will request an impromptu writing sample. Communication skills can also be assessed before the interview with how quickly and professionally a prospective employee responds to the company's requests for information. Problem solving skills are often assessed by asking the job candidate about a difficult technical problem they faced and the how they solved it. Be prepared with several examples in mind and prioritize them by the tasks that are most relevant to the job description or the interests of the interviewer. Having a portfolio on hand or some unique visual aids can leave a distinct impression; and if virtual, have files readily accessible if you need to screen share but have an uncluttered desktop and inoffensive computer wallpaper. Some interviewers will assess both problem solving and communication skills simultaneously through role playing the solving of a technical problem or asking for a pseudo-code solution to a programming task.

Do you want to know more?

List of engineering trainee skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an engineering trainee resume and required skills for an engineering trainee to have include:

Fire Protection
Technical Support
R
Boilers
Geotechnical
Python
MATLAB
C++
Database
Auto CAD
HVAC
Preventive Maintenance
CNC
Windows
Control Systems
Solidworks

Locomotives
PLC
PL/SQL
Shop Floor
Process Control
Sigma
Assembly Line
Ansys
ISO
JAN
Engineering Design
Management System
Simulink
HTML
API
Kaizen

FEA
Test Cases
SQL Server
JavaScript
GD
Cooling Towers
IP
PowerPoint
Linux
Catia V5
Heat Exchangers
RF
Jigs
BOM
PCB

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs