Mechanical Engineer
What is the work like?
As a mechanical engineer, you would design, build, install and service mechanical machinery, components and tools across a range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, power, transport, sports and medical.
Whichever industry you work in, you will normally be involved in three key areas:
- research and development – assessing new products and innovations, and building prototypes
- design – turning research ideas into technical plans using computer aided design (CAD) and computer modelling programs
- production – improving production processes, and planning and supervising the installation of machinery and parts in line with design plans and timescales.
You could be working on large scale projects, for instance developing new ways to harness wave and tidal power or modifying wind turbines to increase efficiency; or at the small scale or micromechanical level, for example making prosthetic implants to help mobility in people who have trouble moving about.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering subject. These courses are very widely available at colleges and universities around the country.
For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with the colleges or universities for exact entry requirements for these courses.
For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C) and two or three A levels, normally including maths and physics. Other science subjects such as biology are useful for medical engineering. Equivalent qualifications like vocational A levels may be acceptable. Colleges and universities may accept an Access to Higher Education award for entry onto certain courses.
See the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, SEMTA, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for more details about this career. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers and course information.
What further training and development can I do?
You normally continue training on the job once you are working and graduate apprenticeship schemes may be available if you have a first degree.
It is important to continue to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers operates the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) for mechanical engineers, which leads towards chartered status.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Savoy PlaceLondon
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
Westminster
London
SW1H 9JJ
Tel: 020 7222 7899
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Graduates start between £19,500 and £22,000.
- Experienced mechanical engineers earn between £26,000 and £37,000.
- Engineers with chartered status can earn over £40,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your job would normally be 37 to 40 hours a week. Hours may be longer depending on projects and deadlines.
Your working environment could vary from quiet, modern, open-plan offices to factory production areas and outdoor sites. Depending on the contract, you may have to travel abroad at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication and presentation skills
- good problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
- excellent technical knowledge
- good teamworking skills
- the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
- a high level of computer literacy, particularly computer-aided design
- good commercial awareness
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
Your opportunities are excellent if you are a qualified engineer. You could find work with a number of organisations, including local and central government, the armed services, manufacturers in all industries, research and development companies and public utilities.
You may have the chance to work overseas with British firms of consulting or contracting engineers working for foreign governments, and with international oil and mining companies.
With relevant skills and experience, you could specialise in a particular area of engineering and move into jobs like project management, specialist research or consultancy. If you gain chartered status, you may become involved in strategic development in a particular sector, for example rail transport policy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
The Engineer Online
Engineering Jobs Network
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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