Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers design, build and install machinery used in industries like power, engineering, transport and manufacturing.
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a factory or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a mechanical engineer
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
- 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
You'll usually need:
- 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
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 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 apply to 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
You'll usually need:
- 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.
Career path and progression
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.
Guides for this industry
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