Mechanical engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in:

• mechanical engineering
• electromechanical engineering
• mechatronics
• engineering manufacturing

The Engineering Council has information on accredited courses .

You should try to get some work experience during your course through:

• internships
• summer or Easter vacation schemes
• a placement year in industry
• a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador scheme

This will help you to make contacts and pick up work skills that will be useful when you start applying for graduate jobs.

Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

College

You could complete a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship.

Courses include:

• mechanical engineering
• mechanical engineering technology
• mechanical engineering - machine operations
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering

Before you finish your course, you could apply for a paid work placement through the Engineering Development Trust, which offers a chance to use your engineering skills and improve your career prospects.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to become a mechanical engineer. These include:

• Manufacturing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship - leading to a professional qualification

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a mechanical engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• science skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be flexible and open to change
• operations analysis skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Mechanical engineers design, build and install machinery used in industries like power, engineering, transport and manufacturing.

As a mechanical engineer, you could:

• turn research ideas into technical plans, using computer aided design software
• test mechanical systems and analyse data to make improvements
• assess the safety of mechanical machinery and equipment
• oversee maintenance programmes in buildings, power stations and production plants
• manage a project team of technicians, designers and other engineering professionals

Location : You could work in an office, in a factory or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £26,000
Experienced : £52,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You'll be able to use your skills in industries, like:

• manufacturing
• construction
• energy and utilities
• transport

With experience, you could move into senior project management roles, specialise in research and development or become an engineering consultant.

You could work towards chartered engineer status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up more opportunities for career development.

Working in a university or teaching in further education are also options open to you.