You need a degree to get through the front door, and just common sence to keep your job. If you think there will be any kind of practical work in your engineering degree... think again. As mentioned above its all maths. People wonder why the engineering industry is doing down in this country, its because engineering grads know more about maths then anything pratical. (you will find most engineering grads in finance, as finance companies have realised that qualified engineers are better with numbers then economics students). You dont need a degree but it makes things much easier.