Mechanical Engineer

Typical Salary

£22,000 To £55,000

Typical Hours

35 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends on shifts

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
applying directly

College / University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in:

mechanical engineering
electromechanical engineering
mechatronics
engineering manufacturing

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

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

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

level 6 Manufacturing engineer
level 6 Electro-mechanical engineer

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

Routes into this Career

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

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got qualifications and several years' experience in engineering.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
design skills and knowledge
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
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 competently

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

turn research ideas into technical plans, using computer aided design/modelling (CAD/CAM)
carry out surveys of mechanical systems and equipment
research and assess new products and innovations
present design plans and data to managers and clients
produce other technical documents
support the contract team when bidding for new work
oversee maintenance programmes and quality control
manage and lead a project team of technicians, designers and other engineering professionals

Working Environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or in a factory.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an engineer through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.