Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

HEART OF INDUSTRY: Engineers at the Crown Bevcan Botcherby plant in Carlisle

MECHANICAL engineers use engineering principles to provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles.

They work on a project from design stage to final commissioning of the new system.

Mechanical engineering is thought to be one of the most diverse engineering disciplines with opportunities available in a wide range of industries.

Employment opportunities can be found in all aspects of industry ranging from manufacturing to construction. In the construction industry mechanical engineering skills are required for transportation, boiler, cooling, air conditioning systems and plant designs.

Mechanical engineers work on a project from the initial brief, through the design and development stage, to the testing of one or more prototypes, right through to final manufacture and implementation.

Projects can vary significantly, from researching and developing medical products such as mechanical hearts to improving production processes in large oil refineries or designing services within buildings. Typical work activities include:

designing and implementing cost-effective equipment modifications to help improve safety and reliability

developing a project specification with colleagues

developing, testing and evaluating theoretical designs

discussing and solving complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers

making sure that the product can be made again reliably and that it will perform consistently in specified operating environments

managing projects using engineering principles and techniques

planning and designing new production processes

recommending modifications in the light of prototype test results

using research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills

considering the implications of issues such as cost, safety and time constraints.

Range of typical starting salaries: £18,000-£25,000. Range of typical salaries at senior level with experience: £40,000-£50,000 plus.

Salaries vary from company to company and some sectors attract higher salaries, according to demand. Final salaries may be affected by hours of work.

The work is mainly office-based with regular visits to sites.

Self-employment and freelance work are sometimes possible for qualified engineers with a good track record and experience. Short-term contract work is possible, often arranged through agencies.

The number of women who are chartered engineers (CEng) is still small at approximately 4.5 per cent. However, the number entering university courses has increased. Those who enter the engineering professions do not encounter specific difficulties but are under-represented in some areas, such as motor sport. Some firms and organisations, such as Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE), actively encourage female entrants to the profession. The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) runs student groups in some universities.

Work is often to deadlines, particularly in consultancy work.

Travel within a working day is frequent. Absence from home at night and overseas work or travel may be required, depending on the employer and nature of the business. Increasingly, there are opportunities to work abroad, especially in the emerging economies of Eastern Europe. It is possible to gain professional recognition in other European countries and chartered engineers can apply for European engineer status (Eur Ing).

Entry Requirements

This area of work is open to the following engineering graduates/diploma-holders:

mechanical engineering

engineering science

aeronautical engineering

agricultural engineering

computer-aided engineering

manufacturing engineering

nuclear engineering

For chartered status (CEng) however, an accredited MEng degree or an acceptable combination of other academic awards is essential. This could include a BEng that is accredited for CEng, plus a ‘matching section’ (a period of further learning to add appropriate breadth and depth to the knowledge gained through the BEng).

A good honours degree is usually required, although some employers place as much emphasis on general and people skills and commercial awareness as on class of degree.

Some employers recruit only graduates but may consider diploma-holders for technical level posts. Technician training can lead to experience of development and design work at a lower level. An alternative for holders of accredited HNDs is to do a top-up course to convert to a degree, or to undertake a matching section. This may be done through a combination of work and part-time or distance-based learning. It is then possible to progress to incorporated engineer (IEng) level.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible for people over 35 who have a minimum of 15 years’ experience in engineering, including responsibility for managing projects. Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for information.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although an MSc could be helpful.

Pre-entry experience is not needed, although a relevant sandwich or vacation placement can be advantageous and is highly recommended. You might be able to count some of the experience gained during a sandwich placement towards qualifying for CEng status. Vacation work, placements and sandwich courses all provide evidence of skill development and commercial awareness.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following: creative ability; a high level of technical and scientific knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to practical problems; good verbal communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of people (clients, contractors, designers, directors or plant operators); precise and concise written communication skills; IT skills; organisational skills, such as time and resource planning. Employers may also look for fluency in a second language.

Start finding out about employers before your final year and make contact with them at recruitment fairs.

Training

After graduation you will need to undertake a programme of initial professional development. You will be assigned a mentor, who will monitor your progress in the early stages of your career. If you are aiming for chartered status (CEng), you should check that any post you accept offers training and experience accredited by an engineering institution.

Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Usually, firms offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. Your in-house training may include placements in different departments to broaden your experience. It is worth checking what arrangements employers have in place.

To gain CEng status you will need to submit a written report and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. It is possible to achieve CEng or incorporated (IEng) status within four to six years after graduation. IMechE oversees the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) leading to CEng status.