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Mechanical engineers research and design mechanical products and systems, and oversee them being made, used and repaired.
You could work: evenings / weekends; on shifts
You could:
You could work in an office, in a factory or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in subjects like:
The Engineering Development Council has information on accredited courses.
You should try to get some work experience during your course through things like:internships; summer or Easter vacation schemes; a year placement in industry; a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador scheme
This will help you to make contacts and gain work skills that will be useful when you start applying for graduate jobs.
Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.
You'll usually need:
You could do a Level 4 and 5 Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at college before looking for work.
You can get work experience and make contacts in the industry, through year in industry schemes like those run by the Engineering Development Trust.
You'll usually need:
You could do a higher or degree apprenticeship to become a mechanical engineer.
Some relevant apprenticeships include:
You'll usually need:
You could start as a mechanical engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
You can find out more about how to become an engineer through the:Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Tomorrow's Engineers
You may be able to use your skills in private or public sector companies in different industries, like:manufacturing; construction; energy and utilities; government organisations
With experience you could work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status. You could move into people, business or project management roles. You may specialise in a particular field, work in research and development or become an engineering consultant.
You could also teach in a further education college.
Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education.