Mechanical engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

College

You can take a college course which would teach you some of the skills needed to become a mechanical engineering technician. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You can become a mechanical engineering technician by doing an advanced apprenticeship, such as:

• Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level 3
• Engineering Technician Level 3

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• observation and recording skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent written communication skills

What you'll do:

Mechanical engineering technicians design, install and repair industrial machines and parts.

As a mechanical engineering technician, you could:

• use computer aided design (CAD) software to draw parts
• test ideas to improve existing systems and solve problems
• install and test instruments and machinery
• identify and repair faults
• meet performance and safety targets

Location : You could work in a factory or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy and outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could manage a team or a project.

You could specialise in areas like CAD design or quality control.

You could also qualify as an engineer by completing a degree in mechanical engineering.