Job Description

Mechanical Engineers are involved In the design, testing, development and manufacturing of mechanical systems. These range from car, train engines, electrical systems, robots, boilers, turbines, components and tools. This can be across a large range of industries including energy, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, construction, the Armed Forces. As a mechanical engineer you could be involved in an engineering project from start to finish from research, design, development through to testing and tweaking.

Entry Requirements

You could get into this role through various routes:

Apprenticeship

You could do a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, this could be at advanced level (3) or higher/degree level (4,5,6 and 7)

for advanced you will usually require a minimum of 5 GCSE's grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent including maths, English and science
for a higher or degree apprenticeships you will usually need 5 GCSE's grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent including maths, English and science and 2 to 3 A levels or equivalent

College

You could do a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at college before looking for work.

You'll usually need:

1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

The following local colleges offer courses in mechanical engineering

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course

University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in:

mechanical engineering
electromechanical engineering
mechatronics
engineering (mechanical/manufacturing)

Some courses include a year in industry. Alternatively, you could organise your own work placement within a company.

Entry requirements for university can vary but you will usually need 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent including maths and physics

Work based route

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

Further information

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, SEMTA and Tomorrow's Engineers have further information on how to become a mechanical engineer

Career Path and Progression

You could work for local and central government, the armed services, manufacturers in all industries, research and development facilities and public utilities.

With incorporated or chartered engineer status you could move into project management roles, specialise in a particular field, work in research or become an engineering consultant.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Aerospace engineer
Electronics engineer
Design and development engineer
Mechanical engineering technician

Required Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills
Good at problem solving
Good IT skills
A good commercial awareness
The ability to work under pressure

Salary Range

£22,000 to £55,000

Mechanical Engineer