Mechanical engineer

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• funding advice for higher education courses in college|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• search for courses|/find-a-course

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a mechanical engineer from:

• the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Tomorrow's Engineers

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

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a mechanical engineer to be a green job, you could:

• use low-carbon materials like bioplastics and recycled metals
• make mechanical systems more energy efficient
• use environmentally friendly suppliers

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, in a factory or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.