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 subjects like:
- mechanical engineering
- electromechanical engineering
- mechatronics
- engineering manufacturing
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
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College
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a higher or degree apprenticeship to become a mechanical engineer.
Some relevant apprenticeships include:
- Manufacturing engineer degree apprenticeship
- Electro-mechanical engineer higher apprenticeship
- Power and propulsion gas turbine engineer higher apprenticeship
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 higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a mechanical engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
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Further information
You can find out more about how to become an engineer through the: